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.