Effect of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) on quality of life in alcohol-dependent patients

Background—Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is a once-a-month injectable formulation for the treatment of alcohol dependence previously shown to reduce drinking and heavy drinking relative to placebo (Garbutt et al., 2005). A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study established the efficacy and safety of XR-NTX in this patient population. In this report, the effect of XR-NTX on quality of life (QOL) was examined. Methods—Alcohol dependent patients were randomly assigned to receive XR-NTX 380 mg (N = 205), XR-NTX 190 mg (N = 210), or placebo (N = 209), combined with a standardized psychosocial intervention. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), administered at baseline and at 4–week intervals during 24 weeks of treatment. Results—Compared with U.S. population norms, patients showed initial impairment in the health-related QOL domains of mental health, social functioning, and problems with work or other daily activities due to emotional problems. Adherence to all 6 injections was 65 % for XR-NTX 190 mg, 63 % for XR-NTX 380 mg, and 64 % for placebo. Generalized estimating equation