There are currently a number of FDA approved medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence. There are also some medications FDA approved for treating cocaine addictions which have been prescribed off-label to treat alcohol dependence (when a medication is used "off-label", a physician is prescribing it for a purpose beyond its original scope).
myaddiction.com does not make treatment recommendations nor dispense medical advice; only a physician is qualified to determine the proper treatment for any patient. We present the following information for general education purposes only.
Vivitrol® for Alcohol Dependence
VIVITROL (naltrexone) is a prescription medication designed for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Patients receive an injection of Vivitrol by their healthcare professional approximately once a month. Many recovering alcoholics find the relative simplicity of the treatment protocol very appealing.
Although VIVITROL works by binding to the brain's opiod receptors, it is not known with certainty why a medication that occupies opioid receptors would be effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Only a physician can administer Vivitrol. For more information please visit http://www.vivitrol.com
Campral® for Alcohol Dependence
Campral (acamprosate calcium) is an orally administered medication, FDA approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. While it is not entirely understood how Campral works, according to the manufacture, it "is believed to help restore the chemical balance and prevent the feelings of discomfort associated with not drinking.
Only a physician can prescribe Campral. For more information please visit http://www.campral.com
Antabuse® for Alcohol Dependence
Antabuse (disulfiram) is an orally administered medication designed to help some alcohol-dependent patients in recovery abstain from alcohol.Antabuse attempts to enforce sobriety on the patient by producing an extremely unpleasant physical reaction when the patient ingests even small amounts of alcohol.
Only a physician can prescribe Antabuse. For more information please visit http://www.odysseypharm.com
The PROMETA® Protocol for Alcohol Dependence
PROMETA is a comprehensive and individualized treatment protocol, addressing the physiological, nutritional, and psychological needs of alcohol-dependent patients. The physician-based, outpatient treatment is very flexible, affording the patient a highly individualized recovery program.
Prometa treatment for all patients begins with a comprehensive physical exam and psychological evaluation. The physician uses these results to determine the patient's suitability for Prometa. On approval, treatment is administered with prescription medications and nutrients for 3 consecutive days.
Prometa treatment for all patients begins with a comprehensive physical exam and psychological evaluation. The physician uses these results to determine the patient's suitability for Prometa. On approval, treatment is administered with prescription medications and nutrients for 3 consecutive days.
Precise treatment parameters, including length of time and subsequent psychological after-care, varies for each patient and is determined by the treating physician.
Only licensed physicians may administer PROMETA. For more information please visit http://www.prometainfo.com
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