Dutasteride Reduces Alcohol’s Sedative Effects in Men in a Human Laboratory Setting and Reduces Drinking in the Natural Environment

The study, involving 70 men, examined the impact of dutasteride, a drug that inhibits 5α-reduced neuroactive steroids, on alcohol's sedative effects and drinking behavior. Participants received either 4 mg of dutasteride or a placebo before consuming alcohol or a placebo beverage. Results showed that dutasteride significantly reduced the sedative effects of alcohol, with no interaction with the GABRA2 polymorphism. Heavy drinkers experienced fewer heavy drinking days and total drinks following dutasteride treatment. The study concluded that dutasteride may reduce alcohol consumption by affecting neuroactive steroid concentrations, with no significant adverse effects reported.