Ondansetron Treatment for Alcoholism

Condition(s) targeted: Alcoholism

Intervention: ondansetron (Zofran) (Drug)

Phase: Phase 2

Status: Completed

Sponsored by: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

The purpose of this study is to: a) evaluate the effectiveness of ondansetron (Zofran) in the treatment of alcohol dependent patients; b) investigate whether early versus late onset alcoholism predicts treatment outcome; and c) determine whether the early and late onset groups respond differently to treatment. Individuals will be "typed" into early onset and late onset alcoholism groups. Individuals will be randomly assigned to a 12-week outpatient treatment program.

Official title: Pharmacological Treatment for Alcoholism

Study design: Treatment, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Efficacy Study

Minimum age: 25 Years. Maximum age: 60 Years. Gender(s): Both.

Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

- Meet criteria for alcohol dependence.

- Subjects with early onset alcoholism must also have a diagnosis of antisocial

personality disorder.

- Understand the requirements of the study and be able to complete the questionnaires

and rating scales.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current diagnosis of substance dependence or self-report of having used narcotics

(opiates, cocaine, amphetamine-like substances, and hallucinogens) in the 30 day period prior to study.

- Positive urine drug screen test for narcotics, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines.

- Receiving current psychotropic medications.

- Current history of other psychiatric disorders excluding nicotine dependence.

- Hepatocellular disease.

- Pregnant females.

Substance Abuse Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States

Ending date: April 2000
Last updated: June 23, 2005