Source
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. donald-black@uiowa.edu
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.