Application of glycine in acute alcohol hallucinosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies showed that patients with acute alcohol hallucinosis had significantly lower levels of the inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter, glycine. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study of glycine in 40 patients with acute alcohol hallucinosis. Treatment duration was 7 days with no other psychotropic medication. RESULTS: The 20 patients randomised to the active drug (700 mg glycine sublingually) demonstrated a significant decrease in severity of hallucinosis compared to the 20 patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSION: The positive effects of glycine may be related to an altered balance between excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters.