Milano G, Zavan V, Natta W M, Martelli A, Mattioli F
Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Department of Dependence (Ser.T.), ASL-Al, Alessandria, Italy.
J Clin Pharm Ther. 2016 Feb;41(1):97-100. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12345. Epub 2015 Dec 30.
Nalmefene, a new opioid system regulator, has recently been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence, primarily for reducing heavy drinking days.
Two patients with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder were treated with nalmefene. Both patients developed fatigue and deep sleepiness after 2 days of treatment. Only after 1 day of drug discontinuation, symptoms normalized.
We have analysed symptoms' development before and after treatment discontinuation and the possible association with nalmefene therapy. This case should pinpoint our attention on this adverse event for a careful choice of anticraving therapy in patients with severe alcohol use disorder.
