Agents used to treat alcohol use disorder
| Agent | FDA-approved | Potential issues | Contraindications | Side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disulfiram | Yes | Poor compliance hinders effectiveness | Concurrent alcohol exposure | Liver and kidney toxicity, neuropathy |
| Acamprosate | Yes | Limited benefit | Renal failure | Diarrhea |
| Naltrexone | Yes | Limited benefit Requires complete opioid abstinence | Opioid use, liver failure | Headache, nausea, dizziness |
| Nalmefene | No | Limited benefit Not available in the United States | Opioid use | Nausea, fatigue, dizziness |
| Gabapentin | No | Limited data Abuse potential in some individuals | Opioid use disorder is a relative contraindication | Dizziness, somnolence, ataxia |
| Topiramate | No | Potential for neurocognitive side effects | None | Paresthesia, neurocognitive change, anorexia |
| Varenicline | No | Limited data Modest effect size | Seizure disorder is a relative contraindication | Nausea |
| Baclofen | No | Efficacy unclear May require high doses | Renal failure Seizure disorder is a relative contraindication | Somnolence, dizziness |