Effectiveness of Nalmefene on Reducing Alcohol Addiction: A Meta-analysis

• In Event: Threats to Life, Health, and Well-Being in the Justice System and Other Institutions

Abstract

There have been mixed findings about the effectiveness of Nalmefene. The purpose of this report is to assess the effect of Nalmefene in treating alcohol dependent patients when compared to a control group. Randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials of Nalmefene on alcohol dependent subjects were located from multiple databases. Data from seven studies were extracted and analyzed for two primary outcomes. Relapse to heavy drinking was a nominal level binary measure and number of heavy drinking days was a continuous ratio level measure. The effectiveness in reducing relapse was converted into an Odds Ratio, whereas reduction in heavy drinking days was converted into the Cohen’s d statistic. Multiple strategies including fixed/random-effects models and Bayesian models were utilized. No strong evidence of heterogeneity was discovered. Results of various modeling strategies consistently demonstrated a significant, but modest effectiveness of treatment. Subjects who received Nalmefene treatment were almost half as likely to relapse into heavy drinking, and had a fewer number of heavy drinking days per month. Based on a limited number of study sample, oral Nalmefene intervention seems to be effective in reducing heavy drinking behavior in alcohol dependent outpatients. Future studies should examine the evidence of potential moderators of the treatment.

Authors

• Insun Park, University of Cincinnati

• Jinhan Park, Dae Seong Psychiatric Hospital