Extended release carbamazepine in the treatment of pathological gambling: an open-label study

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Jul 1;32(5):1191-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.02.013. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

Background: The efficacy and tolerability of extended release carbamazepine was tested in the treatment of pathological gambling (PG).

Method: Non-depressed outpatients with DSM-IV PG received flexibly dosed extended release carbamazepine in a prospective 10-week open-label trial following a two-week observation period. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at one week intervals during a four week titration period, and every two weeks thereafter for assessment of gambling behavior, mood, and adverse experiences. The primary efficacy measure was the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale modified for PG (YBOCS-PG).

Results: Eight subjects (6 men, 2 women) had at least one post-baseline visit, and five subjects (63%) completed the protocol. Significant improvement was found on the YBOCS-PG (P< .001). Seven of the eight subjects with post-baseline assessment (88%) were considered responders (i.e., achieved "much" or "very much" improvement on the CGI). Four subjects (50%) abstained from gambling during their final month of study participation. Several patients were dropped because of adverse experiences.

Conclusion: The results suggest that extended release carbamazepine may be effective in the treatment of PG.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Drug Evaluation / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gambling*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine