Evidence-based treatment protocols

Guide recommendation

First line drugs

Lithium salt + valproic acid

Naltrexone added to conventional treatment

Treatment of emotional symptoms

Lithium salts (teenagers)

If taking lithium salts, add valproic acid

Taking naltrexone to reduce alcohol consumption

Second line drugs

None

Lamotrigine monotherapy or add-on therapy

Valproic acid monotherapy or add-on therapy

Addition of disulfiram

If naltrexone is not effective in helping patients to quit drinking, switch to acamprosate

Three lines drugs

None

Add gabapentin

Addition of topiramate

Lithium salt

If acamprosate and naltrexone do not work to stop drinking, consider disulfiram

Drugs with insufficient evidence

Acetic acid

None

Aripiprazole

Gabapentin

Icariside

Lamotrigine

Naltrexone

Topiramate

Disulfiram

No medication recommended

Quetiapine monotherapy or add-on therapy

Quetiapine monotherapy or add-on therapy