Weight Loss Drugs May Treat AUD

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have potential to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). GLP-1 receptors have been found in areas related to the brain’s reward system. Previous studies have failed to meet their end points when evaluating GLP-1 agonists on AUD. Objective: To identify patients treated with semaglutide for weight loss who also had positive screenings for AUD on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT; score >8 considered positive) prior to initiation of semaglutide therapy. Design: Retrospective case series. Case Reports: Case 1 – A 46-year-old female who experienced an 8-point decrease in her AUDIT-C score after starting semaglutide. Case 2 – A 39-year-old female who was on Topamax ® as well as semaglutide because of her bipolar disorder. She experienced a 14-point reduction of her AUDIT-C score. Case 3 – A 24-year-old female who experienced a 10-point decrease in her AUDIT-C score after starting semaglutide. Case 4 – A 38-year-o more...