Researchers have discovered that a drug currently used to treat epilepsy could be employed in the treatment of alcoholism.

When tested on rats by researchers from the University of Virginia topiramate immediately affected the drug seeking part of the animal's brain.

Of the 317 people that took part in the trial, those that took the epilepsy treatment had "fewer obsessive thoughts and compulsions about using alcohol" and experienced better general health.

Lead researcher Professor Bankole Johnson said: "What we've found is that topiramate treats the alcohol addiction, not just the 'symptom' of drinking."

Patients that responded positively to the treatment experienced weight loss, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure.

Most significantly they had lowered levels of liver enzymes linked to "fatty liver" disease which is the forerunner of cirrhosis which can kill alcoholics.

The results of this latest research, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, may now encourage more doctors to prescribe the medication, although caution over possible side affects needs to be considered. ADNFCR-980-ID-18632683-ADNFCR

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