N-acetylcysteine in Alcohol Dependence

N-acetylcysteine in Alcohol Dependence

The present study is designed to find out if N-acetylcysteine works in reducing alcohol drinking and craving.

The 2 groups (placebo and N-acetylcysteine) will be compared in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The total study duration is 9 weeks which includes a 1-week screening period and an 8-week randomized study drug treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18 - 65
• alcohol dependence by DSM-IV
• heavy drinking at least 4 times in the past month
• able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• current drug abuse or dependence by DSM-IV criteria (except nicotine or cannabis)
• current psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, or cognitive disorders
• current suicidal or homicidal ideation
• positive illicit drug screen (except cannabis)
• Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised >15
• initiation of individual therapy or counseling in the past 3 months
• changes in doses of psychiatric medications in the past 3 months
• clinically unstable cardiac, hepatic, renal, neurologic, or pulmonary disease
• current use of naltrexone, disulfiram or acamprosate
• pregnant or nursing women, or inadequate birth control methods in women of childbearing potential