Two laboratory paradigms identifying two behavioral processes have been used to measure impulsivity. The first relates to behavioral inhibition, i.e., the ability to inhibit thoughts or actions appropriately. The second pertains to the degree to which immediate rewarding consequences have more control over behavior than delayed consequences. Behavioral impulsivity disorders have been associated with alcohol dependence. Topiramate has been used to treat many disorders characterized by impulsivity symptoms. Reports also suggest that topiramate has utility in treating a variety of addictive disorders. Little is known, however, about whether its anticraving effects are related to its impulsivity-reducing actions. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate which type/dimension of behavioral impulsivity was associated with topiramate's anticraving effects. A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of topiramate for treating alcohol dependence was conducted. Subjects were men recruited from alcoholism treatment units (topiramate=21; placebo=20). The continuous performance test and stop-signal task assessed behavioural inhibition. Differential reinforcement for low-rate responding was used to evaluate the delay discounting dimension. Alcohol craving and the amount of alcohol consumed during the study also were assessed. Topiramate-treated patients had lower rates of alcohol consumption and significantly lower alcohol craving scale scores than controls, and exhibited greater improvements in the behavioural inhibition and delay discounting paradigms. Improvement in alcohol craving was associated with better performance on the behavioural inhibition paradigm. Our findings suggest that topiramate's anticraving actions could be related to its effects on behavioural inhibition. More studies are needed to confirm and understand this link.