Blonanserin, an antipsychotic and dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist, and ameliorated alcohol dependence

Blonanserin (BNS) is used for treatment of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in Japan and Korea. Because BNS has weak α1 receptor blocking activities and is almost devoid of histamine H1 and muscarinic M1 antagonist activity, BNS is better tolerated than other atypical antipsychotics. A high degree of D3 receptor blockage is reported to be predictive of drug abuse and alcoholism, and BNS has strong D3 receptor antagonism. Thus, BNS may be useful in the treatment of alcoholism. We present a case in which BNS ameliorated alcohol dependence.