Would Adding Memantine to Naltrexone Help Problem Drinkers?

Because chronic alcohol use alters glutamate neurotransmission in the central nervous system, researchers conducted a pilot crossover study of the effect of 20-mg/day memantine (an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist; FDA-approved for treating dementia) or placebo added to 50-mg/day naltrexone (an opioid receptor antagonist; FDA-approved for treating alcohol abuse) on alcohol craving and ad lib drinking in 56 non–treatment-seeking heavy drinkers with a family history of alcoholism.

Participants were enrolled after drinking to excess at baseline in a laboratory paradigm (a priming drink followed by three 1-hour periods of alcohol access; maximum, 12 drinks). Each treatment was given for 1 week, and a 6-week washout occurred before partic…