Could a common seizure drug plus a supplement curb alcoholism?
NCT ID NCT03120468
First seen Jun 10, 2026 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-phase pilot study tested whether combining topiramate (a seizure medication) with N-acetyl cysteine (a supplement) is safe and tolerable for people with alcohol use disorder. Seventeen adults who were heavy drinkers and seeking treatment took either the combination or topiramate alone for 12 weeks. The study focused on side effects and drinking patterns, but it was too small to draw firm conclusions about effectiveness.
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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UVA Center for Leading Edge Addiction Research
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Topiramate and N-acetyl cysteine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new combination treatment to help people reduce heavy drinking.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small pilot study with only 17 participants. The main goal is safety, not effectiveness, so results may not lead to a proven treatment.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.