Levetiracetam XR in Very Heavy Drinkers (NCIG 002)

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The subject must be at least 18 years of age.
2. The subject must have a DSM-IV diagnosis of current alcohol dependence.
3. The subject must be seeking treatment for alcohol dependence and desires a reduction or cessation of drinking.
4. The subject must be able to verbalize understanding of the consent form, able to provide written informed consent, verbalize willingness to complete study procedures, able to understand written and oral instructions in English and able to complete the questionnaires required by the protocol.

5. If the subject is female and of child bearing potential, she must agree to use at least one of the following methods of birth control, or she must be surgically sterile or postmenopausal:

   • oral contraceptives
   • contraceptive sponge
   • patch
   • barrier (diaphragm or condom)
   • intrauterine contraceptive system
   • levonorgestrel implant
   • medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection
   • complete abstinence from sexual intercourse, and/or
   • hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring.
6. The subject must be able to take oral medication, willing to adhere to the medication regimen, and willing to return for regular visits.
7. The subject must complete all psychological assessments required at screening and baseline.
8. The subject must provide evidence of stable residence in the last 2 months prior to randomization, have reasonable transportation arrangements to the study site, and have no plans to move within the next 3 months or unresolved legal problems. Subjects must provide contact information of someone, such as a family member, spouse, or significant other, who may be able to contact the subject in case of a missed clinic appointment.
9. The subject must have a breath alcohol concentration (BAC) equal to 0.000 when s/he signed the informed consent document.