New approved and emerging pharmacological approaches to alcohol use disorder: a review of clinical studies

Abstract

Abstract introduction: The number of medications approved for AUD is small and they generally have limited efficacy. We need new pharmacotherapies for the management of AUD. Areas covered: In this review, the authors aim to synthesise literature for new approved and emerging pharmacotherapies for AUD. Recently approved medications include nalmefene, which was approved in Europe and Australia for the purposes of controlled drinking. Baclofen has also been approved in France but not in other countries. Off label medications including topiramate and gabapentin have received significant attention with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses and have widespread use in several countries including the USA...