Serotonin Uptake Blockers and Voluntary Alcohol Consumption. A Review of Recent Studies

Previous research demonstrated that serotonin uptake blockers (e.g., zimeldine, sertraline, fluoxetine) reduce voluntary ethanol consumption in rats and humans. However, the mechanism of action of these compounds is not well understood. It has been suggested, for example, that serotonin uptake blockade interferes with the processes that mediate the reinforcement derived from ethanol ingestion. On the other hand, there is considerable experimental evidence that suggests that the effects on alcohol intake may be an expression of a more general inhibitory role that serotonin plays in consummatory behavior. This chapter presents evidence that suggests that serotonin uptake blockers may affect ethanol intake, in part via a reduction of food intake. Current issues concerning the central versus peripheral mediation of these effects, receptor specificity, as well as alternate mechanisms of action are considered.