Several medications show promise for treating pathological gambling, but none is currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved. One study found that low doses of nalmefene, a drug that works similarly to naltrexone (medication for treating opioid dependence), improved pathological gambling symptoms, but the drug is not currently available in pill form, except for research purposes. A handful of studies indicate that naltrexone also improves the symptoms of pathological gambling, and one case study reported the drug's benefits for treating sexual addiction. Other medications that have shown promise for gambling addiction include topiramate and the antidepressants fluvoxamine (Luvox) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Several medications show promise for treating pathological
gambling, but none is currently Food and Drug Administration
(FDA)-approved. One study found that low doses of nalmefene, a drug
that works similarly to naltrexone (medication for...
More
Dr. Howard Shaffer answered:Several medications show promise for treating pathological gambling, but none is currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved. One study found that low doses of nalmefene, a drug that works similarly to naltrexone (medication for treating opioid dependence), improved pathological gambling symptoms, but the drug is not currently available in pill form, except for research purposes. A handful of studies indicate that naltrexone also improves the symptoms of pathological gambling, and one case study reported the drug's benefits for treating sexual addiction. Other medications that have shown promise for gambling addiction include topiramate and the antidepressants fluvoxamine (Luvox) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).Several medications show promise for treating pathological gambling, but none is currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved. One study found that low doses of nalmefene, a drug that works similarly to naltrexone (medication for... More
