Medical Health Encyclopedia

Topiramate. Topiramate (Topamax) is an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy. It also helps control impulsivity. Early studies indicate it might reduce craving in patients with alcoholism, and may also help them stop smoking. Most side effects are mild to moderate and include mood swings and behavioral problems, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, tremor, impaired concentration and thinking, weight loss and diarrhea, and a higher risk for kidney stones.

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Odansetron.Ondansetron (Zofran) is ordinarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. It also has actions that affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate alcohol's effects. In one study, ondansetron helped reduce drinking in people with early-onset alcoholism, although not in people who began drinking after age 25. These results suggest that this drug is helpful in patients with genetically related alcoholism, although not with alcoholism caused by other factors.