Articles: narcotic-antagonists.
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Neuropsychopharmacology · Jun 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effects of chronic naltrexone treatment in young autistic children: a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial 23 autistic children, aged 3-7 years, were treated with a mean daily dosage of 1 mg/kg naltrexone for 4 weeks. Drug effects were monitored with behavior checklists rated by parents and teachers, and ethological playroom observations. ⋯ They reported a decrease in hyperactivity and irritability. No effects of naltrexone on social and stereotypic behavior could be demonstrated.
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1. The effect of ondansetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, was studied in morphine-addicted rats. Morphine-dependence and tolerance, induced by drinking increasing concentrations of morphine sulphate in 5% sucrose solution for 3 weeks, were demonstrated by the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome and tail flick response to a thermal noxious stimulus (water at 50 degrees C), respectively. 2. ⋯ When detoxified rats were offered sucrose and morphine solutions for 10 days, the recurrence of opiate solution preference with relapse to dependence and tolerance was observed. 4. Giving ondansetron (0.1 or 1 microgram kg-1; i.p.; twice daily) on the 14th day of, or 7 days prior to, the 3-week induction period reduced dependence and tolerance seen during the 3-week morphine induction and the 10-day drinking preference periods. 5. 5-Hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonism by cyproheptadine (100 or 250 micrograms kg-1; i.p.; twice daily) did not influence morphine-dependence and tolerance. 6. These findings suggest that ondansetron may be useful for treating opiate addiction and lowering the recidivism rate.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Endogenous opioid tone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
We have previously shown that there is deficient hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responsiveness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The basis for this deficient response is not known. The purpose of the project was to investigate whether the defective HPA response in RA patients is the result of increased endogenous opioid tone secondary to chronic pain which can suppress corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) production. ⋯ The mean prolactin level showed no significant change in both groups after any treatment. We conclude that endogenous opioid tone does not appear to be a major contributor to the HPA defect in RA. However, the number of patients studied was small and this result will require confirmation from larger trials.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAn investigation of the ability of oral naloxone to correct opioid-related constipation in patients with advanced cancer.
A dose-ranging study of the use of oral naloxone in opioid-related constipation in patients with far-advanced cancer is reported. Naloxone doses were calculated as a percentage of the morphine dose each patient was receiving. Seventeen patients entered the first phase of the study, which had a randomised, double-blind design. ⋯ It is concluded that oral naloxone at a daily dose of 20% or more of the prevailing 24 h morphine dose is a potentially valuable therapy for opioid-related constipation. However, opioid withdrawal was observed and it is suggested that initial individual naloxone doses should not exceed 5 mg. Further research is needed into the oral absorption of naloxone, as well as further studies of clinical efficacy and dosing.