5-HT and Alcohol Abuse

Author(s)

Edward M. Sellers, University of Toronto
Guy A. Higgins
Mark B. Sobell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1992

Publication Title

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences

Volume

13

First Page

69

ISSN

0165-6147

Last Page

75

Abstract/Excerpt

Recent experimental data, both in animals and the clinic, suggest that drugs selectively interacting with the 5-HT system may reduce alcohol intake. Although the precise mechanisms underlying these drug effects are unknown, it seems that there are at least two pharmacological strategies available, described in this review by Edward Sellers and colleagues. The first is enhancement of 5-HT neuronal activity using compounds that will release 5-HT, block 5-HT reuptake, or act as selective 5-HT receptor agonists. A second approach involves selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. If the initial research findings with these drugs are confirmed and extended, they may present useful therapies for the treatment of alcohol abuse, especially if used in conjunction with psychosocial therapy.

DOI

10.1016/0165-6147(92)90026-3

NSUWorks Citation

Sellers, E. M., Higgins, G. A., Sobell, M. B. (1992). 5-HT and Alcohol Abuse. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 13, 69-75.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/725