Anti-craving drugs effective but underused
14 March 2001
The anti-craving drugs naltrexone (brand name Revia) and acamprosate (Campral) are making a significant impact in the management of alcohol dependence, but the number of people benefiting from them is not as high as it could be, according to the Digestive Health Foundation.
More than 12 months after the drugs became available on authority through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), there is still a reluctance to try the new drugs and uptake has been slower than anticipated.
Dr Martin Weltman, secretary of the Digestive Health Foundation, says that feedback from doctors who are using them has been overwhelmingly positive.
‘These are very simple drugs to use with very few side effects. The availability of these drugs has made the management of alcohol dependence much less complex,’ he said.
According to Dr Weltman, GPs were very capable of using pharmacotherapy together with supportive counselling and regular follow-up. In order to assist them, the Digestive Health Foundation has recently released guidelines on the management of patients with alcohol related problems.
He said the drugs helped correct the abnormality that made people want to keep drinking and provided some valuable time in which to deal with their underlying psychological issues.
‘The reality is, alcoholism and alcohol dependence are long-term diseases like diabetes. If we see the disease as life long, then we suspect the drugs will be used long term,’ he said.
Last Reviewed: 16 March 2001
