Topomax Gives Doctors New Tool to Help Patients Beat Alcohol

Now scientists have discovered an interesting side effect.

It may help put alcoholics on the road to recovery.

In a study funded by the maker of Topomax, researchers recruited hundreds of alcoholics... still drinking.

Doctors found patients given topiramate had significantly fewer heavy drinking days.

And previous research has shown the drug can assist alcoholics who ve stopped drinking. Stay sober.

Dr. Petros Levounis/St. Luke s-Roosevelt "IT S A RATHER EXCITING STUDY, VERY PROMISING."

Saint Luke's Roosevelt's Doctor Petros (pet-trohs) Levounis (luh-vo-nus) says if topiramate continues to perform well in studies it could one day be used to help patients give up alcohol and stay off it.

Dr. Petros Levounis/St. Luke s-Roosevelt: "THE PATIENT HAS LESS CRAVINGS FOR THE ACTUAL DRUG IN THIS CASE ALCOHOL."

Dr. Sean Kenniff/CBS NEWS: Doctors aren't exactly sure how Topomax cuts down on cravings. It's believed the drug works by satisfying certain addiction centers in the brain.... And that action seems to help with more than just alcohol.

Previous studies have suggested topiramate may help people quit smoking, curb cocaine addicition, and even treat binge eating disorder.

There are already F-D-A approved medications on the market for alcoholism.

But it's believed topiramate works in a different way.

So if the drug is eventually approved for addicition- it could give psychologists like Jim Bott another treatment option for his patients .

Jim Bott/St. Luke s-Roosevelt: "IF IT REDUCES CRAVINGS, IT MAKES IT LESS LIKELY THAT THEY LL BE OVERWHELMED BY THOSE FEELINGS YEAH I M INTERESTED."

And it s likely millions of people struggling with alcohol will be interested as well. Doctor Sean Kenniff, CBS NEWS.