A randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial of adjunctive topiramate for alcohol use disorders in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Topiramate is effective for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among non-psychiatric patients. We examined topiramate for treating comorbid AUDs in bipolar disorder (BD).
METHODS: Twelve participants were randomized to topiramate or placebo for 12 weeks.
RESULTS: The topiramate group, with two out of five participants (40%) completing treatment, experienced less improvement in drinking patterns than the placebo group, with five out of seven participants (71%) completing treatment. DISCUSSION AND
CONCLUSIONS: Topiramate did not improve drinking behavior and was not well-tolerated. This study failed to recruit adequately. Problems surrounding high attrition, a small study sample, and missing data preclude interpretation of study findings. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial of topiramate for AUDs in BD. © American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes