New drug may help treat gambling addictions

Wednesday, February 1, 2006  

An experimental drug produced by a Finnish company can be used to successfully treat gambling addictions, according to a University of Minnesota psychiatrist.

In a study being published today, Dr. Jon Grant and his colleagues found that the drug nalmefene reduced gambling thoughts, cravings and behaviors among 207 subjects. But the study had a very high dropout rate -- two-thirds failed to continue taking the drug to complete the study.

Nalmefene works by blocking the part of the brain associated with addictive behavior, Grant said. The drug's side effects include nausea.

Nalmefene is also used to treat alcoholism [About.Com].

Get the Story:
New drug quiets urge to gamble (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 2/1)
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