While the only FDA approved medications for AUD are naltrexone (best evidence!), acamprosate, and disulfiram, non-FDA approved topiramate and gabapentin can also help reduce heavy drinking with emerging evidence for GLP-1 agonists.
To make the dx of SUD, you can use the DSM criteria or if you like mnemonics, look for the 4 R’s (Role failure, Relationship trouble, Risk of bodily harm, Repeated attempts to cut back) and 4 C’s ((loss of) Control, Craving, Compulsion to use, Consequences of use) in a patient’s history to make a SUD diagnosis.
Chaos with Cannabis? How to diagnose and treat cannabis use disorder Read More »
When choosing a second medication for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder on a dose-optimized SSRI or SNRI, you’ve got options!
What medication could you add to a dose-optimized SSRI to help with anxiety? Read More »
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication for patients with alcohol use disorder that is first line for patients trying to drink less or stop drinking; it can be taking daily orally or monthly as injection.
What medication is FDA approved to help people drink less? Read More »
