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Green M, Veltri CA, Grundmann O. Nalmefene Hydrochloride: Potential Implications for Treating Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2024; 15:43-57. [PMID: 38585160 PMCID: PMC10999209 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s431270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nalmefene hydrochloride was first discovered as an opioid antagonist derivative of naltrexone in 1975. It is among the most potent opioid antagonists currently on the market and is differentiated from naloxone and naltrexone by its partial agonist activity at the kappa-opioid receptor which may benefit in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Oral nalmefene has been approved in the European Union for treatment of alcohol use disorder since 2013. As of 2023, nalmefene is available in the United States as an intranasal spray for reversal of opioid overdose but is not approved for alcohol or opioid use disorder as a maintenance treatment. The substantially longer half-life of nalmefene and 5-fold higher binding affinity to opioid receptors makes it a superior agent over naloxone in the reversal of high potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl and the emerging nitazenes. Nalmefene presents with a comparable side effect profile to other opioid antagonists and should be considered for further development as a maintenance treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeShell Green
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Charles A Veltri
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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2
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Sanajou S, Yirün A, Arca Çakır D, Demirel G, Şahin G, Erkekoğlu P, Baydar T. Unraveling the neuroprotective mechanisms of naltrexone against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38221775 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2303975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxic trace element linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, has shown promising effects in reducing neuroinflammation at lower doses than those prescribed for addiction. This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of naltrexone on Al-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. The SH-SY5Y cells were first cultivated in a standard growth medium. Subsequently, the cells were induced to differentiate by decreasing the concentration of fetal bovine serum and introducing retinoic acid (RA) into the culture media. Subsequently, the inclusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was implemented in conjunction with RA. The process of differentiation was concluded on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as the control group, naltrexone group, Al group, Al-Nal group, Alzheimer' model (AD) group, Alzheimer model + Al-exposed group (AD-Al), Alzheimer model + Nal applied group (AD-Nal) and Alzheimer model + Al-exposed + Nal applied group (AD-Al-Nal). Hyperphosphorylated Tau protein as the specific marker of AD was measured in all groups. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)β, Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), Akt and Wnt signaling pathways were analyzed comparatively. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl and reactive oxygen species) were measured comparatively in the study groups. The results showed that naltrexone reduced hyperphosphorylated tau protein levels by regulating GSK-3β, PP2A, Akt and Wnt signaling. Also, exposure to naltrexone decreased oxidative stress parameters. Based on these results, naltrexone shows promise as a potential therapy for AD, subject to additional clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sanajou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anil Yirün
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Deniz Arca Çakır
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Göksun Demirel
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gönül Şahin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Mas-Herrero E, Ferreri L, Cardona G, Zatorre RJ, Pla-Juncà F, Antonijoan RM, Riba J, Valle M, Rodriguez-Fornells A. The role of opioid transmission in music-induced pleasure. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:105-114. [PMID: 36514207 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies conducted in rodents indicate a crucial role of the opioid circuit in mediating objective hedonic reactions to primary rewards. However, it remains unclear whether opioid transmission is also essential to experience pleasure with more abstract rewards, such as music. We addressed this question using a double-blind within-subject pharmacological design in which opioid levels were up- and downregulated by administering an opioid agonist (oxycodone) and antagonist (naltrexone), respectively, before healthy participants (n = 21) listened to music. Participants also performed a monetary incentive delay (MID) task to control for the effectiveness of the treatment and the specificity of the effects. Our results revealed that the pharmacological intervention did not modulate subjective reports of pleasure, nor the occurrence of chills. On the contrary, psychophysiological (objective) measures of emotional arousal, such as skin conductance responses (SCRs), were bidirectionally modulated in both the music and MID tasks. This modulation specifically occurred during reward consumption, with greater pleasure-related SCR following oxycodone than naltrexone. These findings indicate that opioid transmission does not modulate subjective evaluations but rather affects objective reward-related psychophysiological responses. These findings raise new caveats about the role of the opioidergic system in the modulation of pleasure for more abstract or cognitive forms of rewarding experiences, such as music.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Mas-Herrero
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ferreri
- Department of Brain & Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Gemma Cardona
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert J Zatorre
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francesc Pla-Juncà
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa María Antonijoan
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Drug Research Center, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Riba
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Valle
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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Trøstheim M, Eikemo M, Haaker J, Frost JJ, Leknes S. Opioid antagonism in humans: a primer on optimal dose and timing for central mu-opioid receptor blockade. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:299-307. [PMID: 35978096 PMCID: PMC7613944 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-human animal studies outline precise mechanisms of central mu-opioid regulation of pain, stress, affiliation and reward processing. In humans, pharmacological blockade with non-selective opioid antagonists such as naloxone and naltrexone is typically used to assess involvement of the mu-opioid system in such processing. However, robust estimates of the opioid receptor blockade achieved by opioid antagonists are missing. Dose and timing schedules are highly variable and often based on single studies. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of central opioid receptor blockade after opioid antagonism based on existing positron emission tomography data. We also create models for estimating opioid receptor blockade with intravenous naloxone and oral naltrexone. We find that common doses of intravenous naloxone (0.10-0.15 mg/kg) and oral naltrexone (50 mg) are more than sufficient to produce full blockade of central MOR (>90% receptor occupancy) for the duration of a typical experimental session (~60 min), presumably due to initial super saturation of receptors. Simulations indicate that these doses also produce high KOR blockade (78-100%) and some DOR blockade (10% with naltrexone and 48-74% with naloxone). Lower doses (e.g., 0.01 mg/kg intravenous naloxone) are estimated to produce less DOR and KOR blockade while still achieving a high level of MOR blockade for ~30 min. The models and simulations form the basis of two novel web applications for detailed planning and evaluation of experiments with opioid antagonists. These tools and recommendations enable selection of appropriate antagonists, doses and assessment time points, and determination of the achieved receptor blockade in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Trøstheim
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marie Eikemo
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Haaker
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Siri Leknes
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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5
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The influence of opioid blockage on the sexual response cycle: A randomized placebo-controlled experiment with relevance for the treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 147:105968. [PMID: 36356514 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The use of opioid antagonists is discussed as a feasible and tolerable treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD). However, little is known about the influence of opioid blockage on relevant physiological functions such as sexual arousal, pain perception as well as disgust sensitivity during the sexual response cycle (SRC). Healthy participants (N = 64, n = 32 women) were invited to the laboratory twice using a double-blind, randomized cross-over design, with an interval of four weeks between sessions. Participants were randomly subjected to an SRC condition (including an erotic audio play and masturbation to orgasm) and a control condition. Participants received either naltrexone (50 mg, n = 32) or placebo at both sessions. Self-reported sexual arousal and physiological measures of arousal as well as pain perception, odor disgust sensitivity, and prolactin levels were assessed along the SRC. Naltrexone increased prolactin levels and blunted the orgasm-induced prolactin rise. Naltrexone also reduced self-reported sexual arousal throughout the sexual response cycle and blunted respiration rate during masturbation. However, naltrexone did not affect other markers of physiological arousal, pressure pain ratings and odor disgust sensitivity. These findings suggest that naltrexone has an acute negative effect on sexual arousal. Since prolactin levels mediate sexual satiation, we propose that a prolactin-induced increase in sexual satiation could explain the positive effects reported for naltrexone in the treatment of CSBD.
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Stress-induced analgesia: an evaluation of effects on temporal summation of pain and the role of endogenous opioid mechanisms. Pain Rep 2022; 7:e987. [PMID: 35155968 PMCID: PMC8826964 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute stress reduced the initial pain rating in a temporal summation protocol via nonopioid mechanisms but did not affect temporal summation slope, an indicator of central sensitization. Introduction: Objectives: Methods: Results: Conclusions:
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Oliva V, Hartley-Davies R, Moran R, Pickering AE, Brooks JC. Simultaneous brain, brainstem and spinal cord pharmacological-fMRI reveals involvement of an endogenous opioid network in attentional analgesia. eLife 2022; 11:71877. [PMID: 35080494 PMCID: PMC8843089 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain perception is decreased by shifting attentional focus away from a threatening event. This attentional analgesia engages parallel descending control pathways from anterior cingulate (ACC) to locus coeruleus, and ACC to periaqueductal grey (PAG) – rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), indicating possible roles for noradrenergic or opioidergic neuromodulators. To determine which pathway modulates nociceptive activity in humans, we used simultaneous whole brain-spinal cord pharmacological-fMRI (N = 39) across three sessions. Noxious thermal forearm stimulation generated somatotopic-activation of dorsal horn (DH) whose activity correlated with pain report and mirrored attentional pain modulation. Activity in an adjacent cluster reported the interaction between task and noxious stimulus. Effective connectivity analysis revealed that ACC interacts with PAG and RVM to modulate spinal cord activity. Blocking endogenous opioids with Naltrexone impairs attentional analgesia and disrupts RVM-spinal and ACC-PAG connectivity. Noradrenergic augmentation with Reboxetine did not alter attentional analgesia. Cognitive pain modulation involves opioidergic ACC-PAG-RVM descending control which suppresses spinal nociceptive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Oliva
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Ron Hartley-Davies
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalyn Moran
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony E Pickering
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Brenna IH, Marciuch A, Birkeland B, Veseth M, Røstad B, Løberg EM, Solli KK, Tanum L, Weimand B. 'Not at all what I had expected': Discontinuing treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX): A qualitative study. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 136:108667. [PMID: 34865937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX), an opioid antagonist, has demonstrated equal treatment outcomes, in terms of safety, opioid use, and retention, to the recommended OMT medication buprenorphine. However, premature discontinuation of XR-NTX treatment is still common and poorly understood. Research on patient experiences of XR-NTX treatment is limited. We sought to explore participants' experiences with discontinuation of treatment with XR-NTX, particularly motivation for XR-NTX, experiences of initiation and treatment, and rationale for leaving treatment. METHODS We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with participants from a clinical trial of XR-NTX. The study participants (N = 13) included seven women and six men with opioid dependence, who had received a minimum of one and maximum of four injections of XR-NTX. The study team analyzed transcribed interviews, employing thematic analysis with a critical realist approach. FINDINGS The research team identified three themes, and we present them as a chronological narrative: theme 1: Entering treatment - I thought I knew what I was going into; theme 2: Life with XR-NTX - I had something in me that I didn't want; and theme 3: Leaving treatment - I want to go somewhere in life. Patients' unfulfilled expectations of how XR-NTX would lead to a better life were central to decisions about discontinuation, including unexpected physical, emotional, or mental reactions as well as a lack of expected effects, notably some described an opioid effect from buprenorphine. A few participants ended treatment because they had reached their treatment goal, but most expressed disappointment about not achieving this goal. Some also expressed renewed acceptance of OMT. The participants' motivation for abstinence from illegal substances generally remained. CONCLUSION Our findings emphasize that a dynamic understanding of discontinuation of treatment is necessary to achieve a long-term approach to recovery: the field should understand discontinuation as a feature of typical treatment trajectories, and discontinuation can be followed by re-initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Halvorsen Brenna
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne Marciuch
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Birkeland
- Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Marius Veseth
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente Røstad
- RIO-a Norwegian users' association in the field of alcohol and drugs, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin Klemmetsby Solli
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Vestfold Hospital Trust, Toensberg, Norway
| | - Lars Tanum
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Faculty for Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Weimand
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Stancil SL, Abdel-Rahman S, Wagner J. Developmental Considerations for the Use of Naltrexone in Children and Adolescents. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2021; 26:675-695. [PMID: 34588931 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.7.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Naltrexone (NTX) is a well-tolerated drug with a wide safety margin and mechanism of action that affords use across a wide variety of indications in adults and children. By antagonizing the opioid reward system, NTX can modulate behaviors that involve compulsivity or impulsivity, such as substance use, obesity, and eating disorders. Evidence regarding the disposition and efficacy of NTX is mainly derived from adult studies of substance use disorders and considerable variability exists. Developmental changes, plausible disease-specific alterations and genetic polymorphisms in NTX disposition, and pharmacodynamic pathways should be taken into consideration when optimizing the use of NTX in the pediatric population. This review highlights the current state of the evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding NTX to facilitate evidence-based pharmacotherapy of mental health conditions, for which few pharmacologic options exist.
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10
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Tobin KV, Fiegel J, Brogden NK. Thermosensitive Gels Used to Improve Microneedle-Assisted Transdermal Delivery of Naltrexone. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13060933. [PMID: 33803552 PMCID: PMC8002892 DOI: 10.3390/polym13060933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transdermal delivery of naltrexone (NTX) can be enhanced using microneedles, although micropores generated this way can reseal by 48 h in humans, which prevents further drug delivery from a formulation. Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a thermosensitive polymer that may extend microneedle-assisted NTX delivery time by creating an in situ gel depot in the skin. We characterized gelation temperature, drug release, and permeation of P407 gels containing 7% NTX-HCl. To investigate microneedle effects on NTX-HCl permeation, porcine skin was treated with microneedles (600 or 750 μm length), creating 50 or 100 micropores. The formulations were removed from the skin at 48 h to simulate the effect of micropores resealing in vivo, when drug delivery is blunted. Gelation temperature increased slightly with addition of NTX-HCl. In vitro NTX-HCl release from P407 formulations demonstrated first order release kinetics. Microneedle treatment enhanced NTX-HCl permeation both from aqueous solution controls and P407 gels. Steady-state flux was overall lower in the P407 conditions compared to the aqueous solution, though ratios of AUCs before and after gel removal demonstrate that P407 gels provide more sustained release even after gel removal. This may be beneficial for reducing the required application frequency of microneedles for ongoing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin V. Tobin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Jennifer Fiegel
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Nicole K. Brogden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Laeng B, Garvija L, Løseth G, Eikemo M, Ernst G, Leknes S. 'Defrosting' music chills with naltrexone: The role of endogenous opioids for the intensity of musical pleasure. Conscious Cogn 2021; 90:103105. [PMID: 33711654 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system has been implicated during experiences of pleasure (i.e., from food or sex). Music can elicit intense emotional and bodily sensations of pleasure, called 'Chills'. We investigated the effects of an opioid antagonist (50 mg naltrexone) or placebo (40 μg d3-vitamin) while listening to self-selected music or other 'control' music selected by another participant. We used a novel technique of continuous measurement of pleasantness with an eye tracker system, where participants shifted their eyes along a visual analogue scale, in the semblance of a thermometer so that, as the music unfolded, gaze positions indicated the self-reported hedonic experience. Simultaneously, we obtained pupil diameters. Self-reported pleasure remained unchanged by naltrexone, which - however - selectively decreased pupillary diameters during 'Chills'. Hence, the endogenous μ-opioid signaling is not necessary for subjective enjoyment of music but an opioid blockade dampens pupil responses to peak pleasure, consistent with decreased arousal to the music.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Laeng
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lara Garvija
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro Løseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Eikemo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gernot Ernst
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Vestre Viken Health Trust, Kongsberg Hospital, Norway
| | - Siri Leknes
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
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12
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Santos RA, Rae M, Dartora VFMC, Matos JKR, Camarini R, Lopes LB. Bioresponsive nanostructured systems for sustained naltrexone release and treatment of alcohol use disorder: Development and biological evaluation. Int J Pharm 2020; 585:119474. [PMID: 32473371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, microemulsions capable of transforming into nanostructured hexagonal phase gels in vivo upon uptake of biological fluids for naltrexone prolonged release were investigated as a strategy for management of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Microemulsions were prepared using monoolein, tricaprylin, water and propylene glycol; after preliminary characterization, one formulation was selected, which contained 55% of monoolein-tricaprylin (M-55). This microemulsion displayed size below 200 nm and Newtonian rheological behavior. Liquid crystalline gels formed in vitro upon 8 h of contact with water following a second order kinetics. After 120 h, <50% of naltrexone was released in vitro independently on drug loading (5 or 10%). In vivo, gels formed within 24 h of M-55 subcutaneous administration, and persisted locally for over 30 days providing slow release of the fluorescent marker Alexa fluor compared to a solution. Using the conditioned place preference paradigm, a test used to measure drug's rewarding effects, a single dose of M-55 containing 5% naltrexone reduced the time spent in the ethanol-paired compartment by 1.8-fold compared to saline; this effect was similar to that obtained with daily naltrexone injections, demonstrating the formulation efficacy and its ability to reduce dosing frequency. A more robust effect was observed following administration of M-55 containing 10% of naltrexone, which was compatible with aversion. These results support M-55 as a platform for sustained release of drugs that can be further explored for management of AUD to reduce dosing frequency and aid treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério A Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rae
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa F M C Dartora
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jenyffer K R Matos
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Davis DA, Martins PP, Zamloot MS, Kucera SA, Williams RO, Smyth HDC, Warnken ZN. Complex Drug Delivery Systems: Controlling Transdermal Permeation Rates with Multiple Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. AAPS PharmSciTech 2020; 21:165. [PMID: 32500420 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-020-01682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is generally designed to deliver an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) through the skin for systemic action. Permeation of an API through the skin is controlled by adjusting drug concentration, formulation composition, and patch design. A bilayer, drug-in-adhesive TDDS design may allow improved modulation of the drug release profile by facilitating varying layer thicknesses and drug spatial distribution across each layer. We hypothesized that the co-release of two fixed-dose APIs from a bilayer TDDS could be controlled by modifying spatial distribution and layer thickness while maintaining the same overall formulation composition. Franz cell diffusion studies demonstrated that three different bilayer patch designs, with different spatial distribution of drug and layer thicknesses, could modulate drug permeation and be compared with a reference single-layer monolith patch design. Compared with the monolith, decreased opioid antagonist permeation while maintaining fentanyl permeation could be achieved using a bilayer design. In addition, modulation of the drug spatial distribution and individual layer thicknesses, control of each drug's permeation could be independently achieved. Bilayer patch performance did not change over an 8-week period in accelerated stability storage conditions. In conclusion, modifying the patch design of a bilayer TDDS achieves an individualized permeation of each API while maintaining constant patch composition.
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14
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Løseth GE, Eikemo M, Leknes S. Effects of opioid receptor stimulation and blockade on touch pleasantness: a double-blind randomised trial. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2020; 14:411-422. [PMID: 30951167 PMCID: PMC6523440 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) system has long been thought to underpin the rewarding properties of pleasant touch. Numerous non-human animal studies implicate MORs in social behaviours involving touch, but little is currently known about MOR involvement in human touch reward. Here, we employed a bi-directional pharmacological double-blind crossover design to assess the role of the human MOR system for touch pleasantness and motivation. Forty-nine male volunteers received 10 mg per-oral morphine, 50 mg per-oral naltrexone and placebo before being brushed on their forearm at three different velocities (0.3, 3 and 30 cm/s). In a touch liking task, pleasantness ratings were recorded after each 15 s brushing trial. In a touch wanting task, participants actively manipulated trial duration through key presses. As expected, 3 cm/s was the preferred velocity, producing significantly higher pleasantness ratings and wanting scores than the other stimuli. Contrary to our hypothesis, MOR drug manipulations did not significantly affect either touch pleasantness or wanting. The null effects were supported by post hoc Bayesian analyses indicating that the models with no drug effect were more than 25 times more likely than the alternative models given the data. We conclude that μ-opioid signalling is unlikely to underpin non-affiliative touch reward in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro E Løseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, N Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Eikemo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, N Oslo, Norway.,Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, N Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Leknes
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, N Oslo, Norway
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15
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Stancil SL, Adelman W, Dietz A, Abdel-Rahman S. Naltrexone Reduces Binge Eating and Purging in Adolescents in an Eating Disorder Program. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:721-724. [PMID: 31313939 PMCID: PMC6822572 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2019.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Little evidence exists for pharmacologic treatment of binge eating and purging in adolescents with eating disorders. Given the role of the opioid reward system in compulsive binge eating and purging, naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, may be effective in reducing these behaviors. Previous studies have demonstrated that naltrexone reduces binge eating and purging in adults, yet evidence for its use in adolescents is lacking. This case series describes naltrexone utilization, response, and safety in adolescents with eating disorders. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adolescent patients prescribed naltrexone at an academic eating disorder program was completed. Results: Thirty-three adolescents aged 15.3 ± 1.49 years, 94% female gender identity, were treated with naltrexone with the most common expected outcome "to reduce vomiting." Naltrexone was prescribed for 129 ± 125 days. Over half of patients (52%, n = 17) had liver function tests during follow-up, all of which were within normal limits. Three patients (9.1%) experienced nausea related to naltrexone. Just over half of adolescents (67%; n = 22) had documentation of positive naltrexone response (e.g., reduced purging or urge to purge). The mean Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement score was 2.7 ± 1.3 (2 = much improved; 3 = minimally improved). Conclusions: Naltrexone is safe, well tolerated, and effective for the treatment of adolescents with binge eating and/or purging as part of a comprehensive eating disorder treatment plan. Further study is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of naltrexone prospectively and evaluate factors contributing to naltrexone response vs. nonresponse to promote an individualized approach to treatment of binge eating and purging behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani L. Stancil
- Divisions of Adolescent Medicine, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.,Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.,Address correspondence to: Stephani L. Stancil, PhD, APRN, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - William Adelman
- Divisions of Adolescent Medicine, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Amanda Dietz
- Divisions of Adolescent Medicine, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Susan Abdel-Rahman
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
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16
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Park K, Otte A. Prevention of Opioid Abuse and Treatment of Opioid Addiction: Current Status and Future Possibilities. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2019; 21:61-84. [PMID: 30786212 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-060418-052155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prescription opioid medications have seen a dramatic rise in misuse and abuse, leading regulators and scientists to develop policies and abuse-deterrent technologies to combat the current opioid epidemic. These abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) are intended to deter physical and chemical tampering of opioid-based products, while still providing safe and effective delivery for therapeutic purposes. Even though formulations with varying abuse-deterrent technologies have been approved, questions remain about their effectiveness. While these formulations provide a single means to combat the epidemic, a greater emphasis should be placed on formulations for treatment of addiction and overdose to help those struggling with opioid dependence. This article analyzes various ADFs currently in clinical use and explores potential novel systems for treatment of addiction and prevention of overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinam Park
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Andrew Otte
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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17
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Pravetoni M, Comer SD. Development of vaccines to treat opioid use disorders and reduce incidence of overdose. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107662. [PMID: 31173759 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines offer a promising therapeutic strategy to treat substance use disorders (SUD). Vaccines have shown extensive preclinical proof of selectivity, safety, and efficacy against opioids, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and designer drugs. Despite clinical evaluation of vaccines targeting nicotine and cocaine showing proof of concept for this approach, no vaccine for SUD has yet reached the market. This review first discusses how vaccines for treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and reduction of opioid-induced fatal overdoses fit within the current medication assisted treatment (MAT) portfolio, and then summarizes ongoing efforts toward translation of vaccines targeting heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and other opioids. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pravetoni
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Sandra D Comer
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Krupitsky EM, Zvartau EE, Blokhina EA, Verbitskaya EV, Wahlgren VY, Tsoy-Podosenin MV, Bushara NM, Burakov AM, Masalov DV, Romanova TN, Tiurina AA, Palatkin VY, Yaroslavtseva TS, Sulimov GY, Pecoraro A, Woody G. [Anhedonia, depression, anxiety, and craving in opioid dependent patients stabilized on oral naltrexone or naltrexone implant]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 118:26-33. [PMID: 29658501 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181181226-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the relationship between long-term naltrexone treatment and anxiety, depression and craving in opioid dependent individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Opioid dependent patients (n=306) were enrolled in a three cell (102ss/cell) randomized, double blind, double dummy, placebo-controlled 6-month trial comparing extended release implantable naltrexone with oral naltrexone and placebo (oral and implant). Monthly assessments of affective responses used a Visual Analog Scale for opioid craving, the Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, and the Ferguson and Chapman Anhedonia Scales. Between-group outcomes were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance (Mixed ANOVA) and repeated measures and the post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Anhedonia, depression, anxiety, and craving for opiates were elevated at baseline but gradually reduced to normal within the first 1-2 months for patients who remained in treatment and did not relapse. There were no significant between-group differences prior to treatment dropout as well as between those who relapsed and who continued on naltrexone. CONCLUSION These data do not support concerns that naltrexone treatment of opioid dependence precipitates anhedonia, depression, anxiety or craving for opiates.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Krupitsky
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia; St. Petersburg Bekhterev Research Psychoneurological Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia; Leningrad Regional Narcology Dispensary, St. Petersburg, Russia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Phyladelphia, USA
| | - E E Zvartau
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - E A Blokhina
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - E V Verbitskaya
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Yu Wahlgren
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - M V Tsoy-Podosenin
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - N M Bushara
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A M Burakov
- Leningrad Regional Narcology Dispensary, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - D V Masalov
- Leningrad Regional Narcology Dispensary, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - T N Romanova
- Leningrad Regional Narcology Dispensary, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A A Tiurina
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Ya Palatkin
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - T S Yaroslavtseva
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - G Yu Sulimov
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology of Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A Pecoraro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Phyladelphia, USA
| | - G Woody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Phyladelphia, USA
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19
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Graham JM, Evans B. Severe Uncontrolled Pain in Buttock in a Patient on Naltrexone: A Diagnostic Challenge. Anaesth Intensive Care 2019; 33:808-11. [PMID: 16398390 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x0503300618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A 26-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug use was admitted to hospital with worsening pain in the right buttock radiating to the lateral part of the thigh and to the calf with no suspicion of cauda equina compression. Eventually, a diagnosis of sacroiliitis was made and appropriate antibiotics were administered. Provision of analgesia for this patient was difficult. On admission her medications included naltrexone, venlafaxine and tramadol. Initially naltrexone was continued and analgesia provided by epidural local anaesthetic and clonidine, intravenous ketamine and oral agents. After several days, naltrexone was ceased and opioids were used in addition to the other analgesics. The epidural analgesia was only partially effective, perhaps because of inadequate blockade of the L4-S1 nerve roots, which carry sensation from the sacroiliac joint. Naltrexone is a long-acting opioid antagonist. If opioid analgesia is planned, it is necessary to cease naltrexone for 24 to 72 hours. In an emergency, if non-opioid techniques prove ineffective, short-acting opioids can be titrated to effect in a monitored environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Graham
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Western Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria
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20
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Brünen S, Bekier NK, Hiemke C, Korf F, Wiedemann K, Jahn H, Kiefer F. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Naltrexone and 6β-Naltrexol During Anti-craving Treatment in Alcohol Dependence: Reference Ranges. Alcohol Alcohol 2019; 54:51-55. [PMID: 30260366 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agy067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Aim of this study was to associate concentration of naltrexone and its major active metabolite 6β-naltrexol in blood with therapeutic outcome during treatment with naltrexone in subjects with alcohol dependence. Treatment with the μ-opiate receptor antagonist naltrexone has been shown to reduce craving for alcohol and alcohol intake in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. Short summary This article shows the use of therapeutic drug monitoring in alcohol dependent patients, who are treated with naltrexone. The plasma concentrations of naltrexone and 6β-naltrexol showed high inter-individual variability. They were predictive for treatment response, as they correlated significantly with the reduction of alcohol craving. Methods Naltrexone and 6β-naltrexol were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with column switching and spectrophotometric detection. Alcohol craving was assessed with the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). Results and conclusions The study included 43 patients who were treated with naltrexone with a dose of 50 mg/day. Blood was taken for drug analysis 8 h after the last dose of the day at Week 4, 8 and 12. The plasma concentrations of naltrexone and 6β-naltrexol showed high inter-individual variability. They were predictive for treatment response, as they correlated significantly with the reduction of alcohol craving. Defining patients with OCDS reduction of 70% or higher as responders, the mean±SD concentration of naltrexone plus naltrexol was 22 ± 13 ng/ml compared to 15 ± 8 ng/ml in patients with score reductions of 1-69%. Further analyses indicated that concentrations of 17-50 ng/ml at 8 h and 7-20 ng/ml at 24 h after drug intake were required for treatment response. Conclusions Since plasma concentration of naltrexone plus 6β-naltrexol was found to be predictive for reduction of alcohol craving, it is concluded that therapeutic drug monitoring has the potential to enhance naltrexone's moderate therapeutic efficiency in patients with alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Brünen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Mainz, Germany
| | - Nina Kim Bekier
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Hiemke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix Korf
- Psychiatric Hospital Scivias St. Valentinushaus Bad Soden, Bad Soden, Germany
| | - Klaus Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Holger Jahn
- AMEOS Klinikum Heiligenhafen, Heiligenhafen, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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21
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Eikemo M, Biele G, Willoch F, Thomsen L, Leknes S. Opioid Modulation of Value-Based Decision-Making in Healthy Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1833-1840. [PMID: 28294136 PMCID: PMC5520785 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Modifying behavior to maximize reward is integral to adaptive decision-making. In rodents, the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) system encodes motivation and preference for high-value rewards. Yet it remains unclear whether and how human MORs contribute to value-based decision-making. We reasoned that if the human MOR system modulates value-based choice, this would be reflected by opposite effects of agonist and antagonist drugs. In a double-blind pharmacological cross-over study, 30 healthy men received morphine (10 mg), placebo, and the opioid antagonist naltrexone (50 mg). They completed a two-alternative decision-making task known to induce a considerable bias towards the most frequently rewarded response option. To quantify MOR involvement in this bias, we fitted accuracy and reaction time data with the drift-diffusion model (DDM) of decision-making. The DDM analysis revealed the expected bidirectional drug effects for two decision subprocesses. MOR stimulation with morphine increased the preference for the stimulus with high-reward probability (shift in starting point). Compared to placebo, morphine also increased, and naltrexone reduced, the efficiency of evidence accumulation. Since neither drug affected motor-coordination, speed-accuracy trade-off, or subjective state (indeed participants were still blinded after the third session), we interpret the MOR effects on evidence accumulation efficiency as a consequence of changes in effort exerted in the task. Together, these findings support a role for the human MOR system in value-based choice by tuning decision-making towards high-value rewards across stimulus domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Eikemo
- The Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Norwegian Center for Addiction Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, PO BOX 1039 Blindern, Oslo 0315, Norway, Tel: +47 23 36 89 76, Fax: +47 23 36 89 86, E-mail:
| | - Guido Biele
- The Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of Child Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frode Willoch
- The Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lotte Thomsen
- The Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Leknes
- The Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Larabi IA, Abe E, Etting I, Alvarez JC. Dosage de naltrexone dans les cheveux : intérêt comme marqueur de l’observance des patients au cours du traitement de l’alcoolo-dépendance. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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Sweet taste pleasantness is modulated by morphine and naltrexone. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3711-3723. [PMID: 27538675 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent models highlight the key role of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) signaling in palatable food consumption. In humans, however, the effects of MOR stimulation on eating and food liking remain unclear. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested sweet pleasantness experience in humans following MOR drug manipulations. We hypothesized that behaviors regulated by the endogenous MOR system would be enhanced by MOR agonism and decreased by antagonism. In line with rodent findings, we expected the strongest drug effects for the sweetest (high-calorie) sucrose stimuli. As very sweet stimuli are considered aversive by many people (called sweet dislikers), we also assessed whether MOR manipulations affect pleasantness ratings of sucrose-water stimuli differently depending on subjective and objective value. METHODS In a bidirectional psychopharmacological cross-over study, 49 healthy men underwent a sweet taste paradigm following double-blind administration of the MOR agonist morphine, placebo, and the opioid antagonist naltrexone. RESULTS As hypothesized, MOR stimulation with morphine increased pleasantness of the sweetest of five sucrose solutions, without enhancing pleasantness of the lower-sucrose solutions. For opioid antagonism, an opposite pattern was observed for the sweetest drink only. The observed drug effects on pleasantness of the sweetest drink did not differ between sweet likers and dislikers. CONCLUSIONS The bidirectional effect of agonist and antagonist treatment aligns with rodent findings showing that MOR manipulations most strongly affect the highest-calorie foods. We speculate that the MOR system promotes survival in part by increasing concordance between the objective (caloric) and subjective (hedonic) value of food stimuli, so that feeding behavior becomes more focused on the richest food available.
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24
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Krupitsky E, Zvartau E, Blokhina E, Verbitskaya E, Wahlgren V, Tsoy-Podosenin M, Bushara N, Burakov A, Masalov D, Romanova T, Tyurina A, Palatkin V, Yaroslavtseva T, Pecoraro A, Woody G. Anhedonia, depression, anxiety, and craving in opiate dependent patients stabilized on oral naltrexone or an extended release naltrexone implant. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2016; 42:614-620. [PMID: 27436632 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2016.1197231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naltrexone is a μ-opioid receptor antagonist that blocks opioid effects. Craving, depression, anxiety, and anhedonia are common among opioid dependent individuals and concerns have been raised that naltrexone increases them due to blocking endogenous opioids. Here, we present data that address these concerns. OBJECTIVE Assess the relationship between affective responses and naltrexone treatment. METHODS Opioid dependent patients (N = 306) were enrolled in a three cell (102ss/cell) randomized, double blind, double dummy, placebo-controlled 6-month trial comparing extended release implantable naltrexone with oral naltrexone and placebo (oral and implant). Monthly assessments of affective responses used a Visual Analog Scale for opioid craving, the Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger Anxiety Test, and the Ferguson and Chapman Anhedonia Scales. Between-group outcomes were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance (Mixed ANOVA) and repeated measures and the Tukey test for those who remained and treatment and did not relapse, and between the last measure before dropout with the same measure for those remaining in treatment. RESULTS Depression, anxiety, and anhedonia were elevated at baseline but reduced to normal within the first 1-2 months for patients who remained in treatment and did not relapse. Other than a slight increase in two anxiety measures at week two, there were no significant between-group differences prior to treatment dropout. CONCLUSION These data do not support concerns that naltrexone treatment of opioid dependence increases craving, depression, anxiety or anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Krupitsky
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia.,b Department of Addictions, Bekhterev Research Psychoneurological Institute , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Edwin Zvartau
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Elena Blokhina
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Elena Verbitskaya
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Valentina Wahlgren
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Marina Tsoy-Podosenin
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Natalia Bushara
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Andrey Burakov
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Dmitry Masalov
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Tatyana Romanova
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Arina Tyurina
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Vladimir Palatkin
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Tatyana Yaroslavtseva
- a Department of Pharmacology , St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Anna Pecoraro
- c Department of Psychiatry, Treatment Research Institute , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - George Woody
- c Department of Psychiatry, Treatment Research Institute , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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25
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Davis MP. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of oxycodone and naltrexone for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:823-31. [PMID: 27253690 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2016.1191469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and difficult illness to manage. Some individuals with CLBP have pain processing disorders and are also at risk for opioid abuse, misuse; addiction and diversion. Guidelines have been published to guide management; neuromodulation, exercise, mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive behavior therapies among other non-pharmacological reduce the pain of CLBP with minimal toxicity. Pharmacological management includes acetaminophen, NSAIDs and antidepressants, mainly duloxetine. Abuse-deterrent opioids have been developed which have been shown to reduce pain and opioid abuse risk. ALO-02 is a tamper-resistant sustained release opioid consisting of extended release oxycodone and sequestered naltrexone. Pivotal studies of ALO-02 have centered on patients with CLBP. AREAS COVERED This manuscript will review CLBP, the pivotal analgesic and clinical abuse potential studies of ALO-02. The opinion will cover whether opioids should be used for CLBP, when they should be used and opioid choices. EXPERT OPINION ALO-02 is one of several opioids which can be considered in the management of CLBP. The outcome to a trial of opioids should be function rather than analgesia. Most analgesic trials for CLBP have had analgesia as the primary outcome and function has not been vigorously studied as an outcome. Opioids should be considered as a trial only when other non-opioid analgesics have failed to improve analgesia and function. Universal precautions should be routinely part of phase III analgesic trial particularly for chronic non-malignant pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- a Cleveland Clinic Lerner School of Medicine , Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland , OH , USA.,b Clinical Fellowship Program, Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology Services, Division of Solid Tumor , Taussig Cancer Institute, The Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
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Haney M, Ramesh D, Glass A, Pavlicova M, Bedi G, Cooper ZD. Naltrexone Maintenance Decreases Cannabis Self-Administration and Subjective Effects in Daily Cannabis Smokers. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2489-98. [PMID: 25881117 PMCID: PMC4569951 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Given that cannabis use is increasing in the United States, pharmacological treatment options to treat cannabis use disorder are needed. Opioid antagonists modulate cannabinoid effects and may offer a potential approach to reducing cannabis use. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory study, we assessed the effects of naltrexone maintenance on the reinforcing, subjective, psychomotor, and cardiovascular effects of active and inactive cannabis. Nontreatment-seeking, daily cannabis smokers were randomized to receive naltrexone (50 mg: n=18 M and 5 F) or placebo (0 mg; n=26 M and 2 F) capsules for 16 days. Before, during, and after medication maintenance, participants completed 10 laboratory sessions over 4-6 weeks, assessing cannabis' behavioral and cardiovascular effects. Medication compliance was verified by observed capsule administration, plasma naltrexone, and urinary riboflavin. Relative to placebo, maintenance on naltrexone significantly reduced both active cannabis self-administration and its positive subjective effects ('good effect'). Participants in the placebo group had 7.6 times (95% CI: 1.1-51.8) the odds of self-administering active cannabis compared with the naltrexone group. This attenuation of reinforcing and positive subjective effects also influenced cannabis use in the natural ecology. Naltrexone had intrinsic effects: decreasing ratings of friendliness, food intake, and systolic blood pressure, and increasing spontaneous reports of stomach upset and headache, yet dropout rates were comparable between groups. In summary, we show for the first time that maintenance on naltrexone decreased cannabis self-administration and ratings of 'good effect' in nontreatment-seeking daily cannabis smokers. Clinical studies in patients motivated to reduce their cannabis use are warranted to evaluate naltrexone's efficacy as a treatment for cannabis use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Haney
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division on Substance Abuse, Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, USA, Tel: +1 646 774 6153, Fax: +1 646 774 6141, E-mail:
| | - Divya Ramesh
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew Glass
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Biostatistics, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Pavlicova
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gillinder Bedi
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Use of Remifentanil in a Novel Clinical Paradigm to Characterize Onset and Duration of Opioid Blockade by Samidorphan, a Potent μ-Receptor Antagonist. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2015; 35:242-9. [PMID: 25928699 PMCID: PMC4415969 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A novel clinical study design was used to evaluate the blockade of a selective short-acting μ-opioid agonist (remifentanil) in 24 opioid-experienced subjects. Samidorphan (3-carboxamido-4-hydroxynaltrexone) is a novel opioid modulator with μ-antagonist properties. Objective (pupil diameter) and subjective (visual analog scale) responses to repeated remifentanil and saline infusion challenges were assessed after single oral administration of placebo (day 1) and samidorphan (day 2). Complete blockade persisted with samidorphan for 24 hours for pupil miosis and 48 hours for the drug liking visual analog scale. Samidorphan effects persisted beyond measurable samidorphan exposure (t½ = 7 hours). Samidorphan was associated with complete blockade of remifentanil, and the duration supports daily administration. This study used a novel approach with multiple administrations of remifentanil to successfully demonstrate a durable effect with samidorphan and a rapid and potent blockade of physiological and subjective μ-opioid effects.
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Strickland JC, Rush CR, Stoops WW. Mu opioid mediated discriminative-stimulus effects of tramadol: an individual subjects analysis. J Exp Anal Behav 2015; 103:361-74. [PMID: 25664525 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Drug discrimination procedures use dose-dependent generalization, substitution, and pretreatment with selective agonists and antagonists to evaluate receptor systems mediating interoceptive effects of drugs. Despite the extensive use of these techniques in the nonhuman animal literature, few studies have used human participants. Specifically, human studies have not routinely used antagonist administration as a pharmacological tool to elucidate the mechanisms mediating the discriminative stimulus effects of drugs. This study evaluated the discriminative-stimulus effects of tramadol, an atypical analgesic with monoamine and mu opioid activity. Three human participants first learned to discriminate 100 mg tramadol from placebo. A range of tramadol doses (25 to 150 mg) and hydromorphone (4 mg) with and without naltrexone pretreatment (50 mg) were then administered to participants after they acquired the discrimination. Tramadol produced dose-dependent increases in drug-appropriate responding and hydromorphone partially or fully substituted for tramadol in all participants. These effects were attenuated by naltrexone. Individual participant records indicated a relationship between mu opioid activity (i.e., miosis) and drug discrimination performance. Our findings indicate that mu opioid activity may mediate the discriminative-stimulus effects of tramadol in humans. The correspondence of generalization, substitution, and pretreatment findings with the animal literature supports the neuropharmacological specificity of the drug discrimination procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C Strickland
- DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
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Cordery SF, Taverner A, Ridzwan IE, Guy RH, Delgado-Charro MB, Husbands SM, Bailey CP. A non-rewarding, non-aversive buprenorphine/naltrexone combination attenuates drug-primed reinstatement to cocaine and morphine in rats in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Addict Biol 2014; 19:575-86. [PMID: 23240906 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Concurrent use of cocaine and heroin is a major public health issue with no effective relapse prevention treatment currently available. To this purpose, a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone, a mixed very-low efficacy mu-opioid receptor agonist/kappa-opioid receptor antagonist/nociceptin receptor agonist, was investigated. The tail-withdrawal and the conditioned place preference (CPP) assays in adult Sprague Dawley rats were used to show that naltrexone dose-dependently blocked the mu-opioid receptor agonism of buprenorphine. Furthermore, in the CPP assay, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 3.0 mg/kg naltrexone was aversive. A combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone was neither rewarding nor aversive, but still possessed mu-opioid receptor antagonist properties. In the CPP extinction and reinstatement method, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone completely blocked drug-primed reinstatement in cocaine-conditioned rats (conditioned with 3 mg/kg cocaine, drug prime was 3 mg/kg cocaine) and attenuated drug-primed reinstatement in morphine-conditioned rats (conditioned with 5 mg/kg morphine, drug prime was 1.25 mg/kg morphine). These data add to the growing evidence that a buprenorphine/naltrexone combination may be protective against relapse in a polydrug abuse situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irna E. Ridzwan
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; University of Bath; UK
| | - Richard H. Guy
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; University of Bath; UK
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Goonoo N, Bhaw-Luximon A, Ujoodha R, Jhugroo A, Hulse GK, Jhurry D. Naltrexone: a review of existing sustained drug delivery systems and emerging nano-based systems. J Control Release 2014; 183:154-66. [PMID: 24704710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Narcotic antagonists such as naltrexone (NTX) have shown some efficiency in the treatment of both opiate addiction and alcohol dependence. A few review articles have focused on clinical findings and pharmacogenetics of NTX, advantages and limitations of sustained release systems as well as pharmacological studies of NTX depot formulations for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependency. To date, three NTX implant systems have been developed and tested in humans. In this review, we summarize the latest clinical data on commercially available injectable and implantable NTX-sustained release systems and discuss their safety and tolerability aspects. Emphasis is also laid on recent developments in the area of nanodrug delivery such as NTX-loaded micelles and nanogels as well as related research avenues. Due to their ability to increase the therapeutic index and to improve the selectivity of drugs (targeted delivery), nanodrug delivery systems are considered as promising sustainable drug carriers for NTX in addressing opiate and alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nowsheen Goonoo
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, MSIRI Building, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Archana Bhaw-Luximon
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, MSIRI Building, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Reetesh Ujoodha
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, MSIRI Building, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Anil Jhugroo
- Dept. of Medicine, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Gary K Hulse
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, M521, D Block, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Dhanjay Jhurry
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, MSIRI Building, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius.
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Dunn K, Fingerhood M, Wong CJ, Svikis DS, Nuzzo P, Silverman K. Employment-based abstinence reinforcement following inpatient detoxification in HIV-positive opioid and/or cocaine-dependent patients. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2014; 22:75-85. [PMID: 24490712 PMCID: PMC4332775 DOI: 10.1037/a0034863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Employment-based reinforcement interventions have been used to promote abstinence from drugs among chronically unemployed injection drug users. The current study used an employment-based reinforcement intervention to promote opioid and cocaine abstinence among opioid and/or cocaine-dependent, HIV-positive participants who had recently completed a brief inpatient detoxification. Participants (n = 46) were randomly assigned to an abstinence and work group that was required to provide negative urine samples in order to enter the workplace and to earn incentives for work (n = 16), a work-only group that was permitted to enter the workplace and to earn incentives independent of drug use (n = 15), and a no-voucher control group that did not receive any incentives for working (n = 15) over a 26-week period. The primary outcome was urinalysis-confirmed opioid, cocaine, and combined opioid/cocaine abstinence. Participants were 78% male and 89% African American. Results showed no significant between-groups differences in urinalysis-verified drug abstinence or HIV risk behaviors during the 6-month intervention. The work-only group had significantly greater workplace attendance, and worked more minutes per day when compared to the no-voucher group. Several features of the study design, including the lack of an induction period, setting the threshold for entering the workplace too high by requiring immediate abstinence from several drugs, and increasing the risk of relapse by providing a brief detoxification that was not supported by any continued pharmacological intervention, likely prevented the workplace from becoming established as a reinforcer that could be used to promote drug abstinence. However, increases in workplace attendance have important implications for adult training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Dunn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Paul Nuzzo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,University of Kentucky
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Failure to block opiate effects of oral etonitazene with naltrexone during 24-h choice testing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.3758/bf03329838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Effects of naloxone and naltrexone on morphine-elicited changes in hamster locomotor activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.3758/bf03326491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Optimization of naltrexone diclofenac codrugs for sustained drug delivery across microneedle-treated skin. Pharm Res 2013; 31:148-59. [PMID: 23943543 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-013-1147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this work was to optimize the structure of codrugs for extended delivery across microneedle treated skin. Naltrexone, the model compound was linked with diclofenac, a nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor to enhance the pore lifetime following microneedle treatment and develop a 7 day transdermal system for naltrexone. METHODS Four different codrugs of naltrexone and diclofenac were compared in terms of stability and solubility. Transdermal flux, permeability and skin concentration of both parent drugs and codrugs were quantified to form a structure permeability relationship. RESULTS The results indicated that all codrugs bioconverted in the skin. The degree of conversion was dependent on the structure, phenol linked codrugs were less stable compared to the secondary alcohol linked structures. The flux of naltrexone across microneedle treated skin and the skin concentration of diclofenac were higher for the phenol linked codrugs. The polyethylene glycol link enhanced solubility of the codrugs, which translated into flux enhancement. CONCLUSION The current studies indicated that formulation stability of codrugs and the flux of naltrexone can be enhanced via structure design optimization. The polyethylene glycol linked naltrexone diclofenac codrug is better suited for a 7 day drug delivery system both in terms of stability and drug delivery.
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Ghosh P, Pinninti RR, Hammell DC, Paudel KS, Stinchcomb AL. Development of a Codrug Approach for Sustained Drug Delivery Across Microneedle-Treated Skin. J Pharm Sci 2013; 102:1458-67. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.23469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Davis M, Goforth HW, Gamier P. Oxycodone combined with opioid receptor antagonists: efficacy and safety. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2013; 12:389-402. [PMID: 23534906 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2013.783564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A mu receptor antagonist combined with oxycodone (OXY) may improve pain control, reduce physical tolerance and withdrawal, minimizing opioid-related bowel dysfunction and act as an abuse deterrent. AREAS COVERED The authors cover the use of OXY plus ultra-low-dose naltrexone for analgesia and the use of sustained-release OXY plus sustained-release naloxone to reduce the opioid bowel syndrome. The authors briefly describe the use of sustained-release OXY and naltrexone pellets as a drug abuse deterrent formulation. Combinations of ultra-low-dose naltrexone plus OXY have been in separate trials involved in patients with chronic pain from osteoarthritis and idiopathic low back pain. High attrition and marginal differences between ultra-low-dose naltrexone plus OXY and OXY led to discontinuation of development. Prolonged-release (PR) naloxone combined with PR OXY demonstrates a consistent reduction in opioid-related bowel dysfunction in multiple randomized controlled trials. However, gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, were increased in several trials with the combination compared with PR OXY alone. Analgesia appeared to be maintained although non-inferiority to PR OXY is not formally established. There were flaws to trial design and safety monitoring. Naltrexone has been combined with OXY in individual pellets encased in a capsule. This combination has been reported in a Phase II trial and is presently undergoing Phase III studies. EXPERT OPINION Due to the lack of efficacy the combination of altered low-dose naltrexone with oxycodone should cease in development. The combination of sustained release oxycodone plus naloxone reduces constipation with a consistent benefit. Safety has been suboptimally evaluated which is a concern. Although the drug is commercially available in several countries, ongoing safety monitoring particularly high doses would be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar Davis
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Involvement of μ-opioid receptors in antinociceptive action of botulinum toxin type A. Neuropharmacology 2013; 70:331-7. [PMID: 23499661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is approved for treatment of chronic migraine and has been investigated in various other painful conditions. Recent evidence demonstrated retrograde axonal transport and suggested the involvement of CNS in antinociceptive effect of BTX-A. However, the mechanism of BTX-A central antinociceptive action is unknown. In this study we investigated the potential role of opioid receptors in BTX-A's antinociceptive activity. In formalin-induced inflammatory pain we assessed the effect of opioid antagonists on antinociceptive activity of BTX-A. Naltrexone was injected subcutaneously (0.02-2 mg/kg) or intrathecally (0.07 μg/10 μl-350 μg/10 μl), while selective μ-antagonist naloxonazine was administered intraperitoneally (5 mg/kg) prior to nociceptive testing. The influence of naltrexone (2 mg/kg s.c.) on BTX-A antinociceptive activity was examined additionally in an experimental neuropathy induced by partial sciatic nerve transection. To investigate the effects of naltrexone and BTX-A on neuronal activation in spinal cord, c-Fos expression was immunohistochemically examined in a model of formalin-induced pain. Antinociceptive effects of BTX-A in formalin and sciatic nerve transection-induced pain were prevented by non-selective opioid antagonist naltrexone. Similarly, BTX-A-induced pain reduction was abolished by low dose of intrathecal naltrexone and by selective μ-antagonist naloxonazine. BTX-A-induced decrease in dorsal horn c-Fos expression was prevented by naltrexone. Prevention of BTX-A effects on pain and c-Fos expression by opioid antagonists suggest that the central antinociceptive action of BTX-A might be associated with the activity of endogenous opioid system (involving μ-opioid receptor). These results provide first insights into the mechanism of BTX-A's central antinociceptive activity.
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Naltrexone effects on cortisol secretion in women and men in relation to a family history of alcoholism: studies from the Oklahoma Family Health Patterns Project. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1922-8. [PMID: 22575355 PMCID: PMC3449011 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Naltrexone evokes a cortisol response through its blockade of central opioid receptors on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA). The magnitude of this cortisol response may be useful as a probe for central opioid activity in different groups of subjects. Accordingly, the present study examined the effect of opioid blockade on the HPA in 70 women and 58 men with (N=41) and without (N=87) a family history of alcoholism, using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind administration of oral naltrexone (50mg). Saliva cortisol was sampled at baseline prior to placebo or naltrexone and again every 30 min over the next 180 min. Women had significantly larger cortisol responses to naltrexone than did the men, F=6.88, p<0.0001. There were no significant differences in cortisol response between groups differing in family history of alcoholism, F=0.65, p>0.69. The present results confirm that women have much greater central opioid restraint on the HPA than men do and that this endogenous restraint is unmasked by opioid blockade. However the results provide no evidence of a differential central opioid tonus in persons with a family history of alcoholism at this dose of naltrexone. The cortisol response to naltrexone may be a useful probe for central opioid activity in women and to a lesser degree in men.
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Krupitsky E, Zvartau E, Blokhina E, Verbitskaya E, Wahlgren V, Tsoy-Podosenin M, Bushara N, Burakov A, Masalov D, Romanova T, Tyurina A, Palatkin V, Slavina T, Pecoraro A, Woody GE. Randomized trial of long-acting sustained-release naltrexone implant vs oral naltrexone or placebo for preventing relapse to opioid dependence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 69:973-81. [PMID: 22945623 DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2012.1a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sustained-release naltrexone implants may improve outcomes of nonagonist treatment of opioid addiction. OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes of naltrexone implants, oral naltrexone hydrochloride, and nonmedication treatment. DESIGN Six-month double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial. SETTING Addiction treatment programs in St Petersburg, Russia. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred six opioid-addicted patients recently undergoing detoxification. INTERVENTIONS Biweekly counseling and 1 of the following 3 treatments for 24 weeks: (1) 1000-mg naltrexone implant and oral placebo (NI+OP group; 102 patients); (2) placebo implant and 50-mg oral naltrexone hydrochloride (PI+ON group; 102 patients); or (3) placebo implant and oral placebo (PI+OP group; 102 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Percentage of patients retained in treatment without relapse. RESULTS By month 6, 54 of 102 patients in the NI+OP group (52.9%) remained in treatment without relapse compared with 16 of 102 patients in the PI+ON group (15.7%) (survival analysis, log-rank test, P < .001) and 11 of 102 patients in the PI+OP group (10.8%) (P < .001). The PI+ON vs PI+OP comparison showed a nonsignificant trend favoring the PI+ON group (P = .07). Counting missing test results as positive, the proportion of urine screening tests yielding negative results for opiates was 63.6% (95% CI, 60%-66%) for the NI+OP group; 42.7% (40%-45%) for the PI+ON group; and 34.1% (32%-37%) for the PI+OP group (P < .001, Fisher exact test, compared with the NI+OP group). Twelve wound infections occurred among 244 implantations (4.9%) in the NI+OP group, 2 among 181 (1.1%) in the PI+ON group, and 1 among 148 (0.7%) in the PI+OP group (P = .02). All events were in the first 2 weeks after implantation and resolved with antibiotic therapy. Four local-site reactions (redness and swelling) occurred in the second month after implantation in the NI+OP group (P = .12), and all resolved with antiallergy medication treatment. Other nonlocal-site adverse effects were reported in 8 of 886 visits (0.9%) in the NI+OP group, 4 of 522 visits (0.8%) in the PI+ON group, and 3 of 394 visits (0.8%) in the PI+ON group; all resolved and none were serious. No evidence of increased deaths from overdose after naltrexone treatment ended was found. CONCLUSIONS The implant is more effective than oral naltrexone or placebo. More patients in the NI+OP than in the other groups develop wound infections or local irritation, but none are serious and all resolve with treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00678418.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Krupitsky
- Department of Pharmacology, St Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University, St Petersburg, Russia
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Cocaine reverses the naltrexone-induced reduction in operant ethanol self-administration: The effects on immediate-early gene expression in the rat prefrontal cortex. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:927-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Lobmaier PP, Kunøe N, Gossop M, Waal H. Naltrexone depot formulations for opioid and alcohol dependence: a systematic review. CNS Neurosci Ther 2012; 17:629-36. [PMID: 21554565 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the reinforcing effects of opioids and reduces alcohol consumption and craving. It has no abuse potential, mild and transient side effects, and thus appears an ideal pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence. Its effectiveness in alcohol dependence is less evident, but compliance with naltrexone combined with psychosocial support has been repeatedly shown to improve drinking outcomes. Limited compliance with oral naltrexone treatment is a known drawback. Several naltrexone implant and injectable depot formulations are being investigated and provide naltrexone release for at least 1 month. Studies among opioid-dependent patients indicate significant reductions in heroin use, but sample sizes are usually small. In alcohol dependence, two large multicenter trials report alcohol and craving reductions for naltrexone and placebo groups, indicating a significant but moderate effect. The pharmacokinetic profile of the injectable formulation indicates reliable naltrexone release over 1 month at therapeutic levels. Implant formulations releasing naltrexone up to 7 months are reported. Findings on safety and tolerability confirm the generally mild adverse effects described for naltrexone tablets. However, further research on therapeutic levels (i.e., opioid blocking) is warranted. The majority of naltrexone implants lacks approval for regular clinical use and larger longitudinal studies are needed. The available naltrexone depot formulations have the potential to significantly improve medication compliance in opioid and alcohol dependence. In certain circumstances, they may constitute a promising new treatment option.
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Therapeutic drug monitoring for drugs used in the treatment of substance-related disorders: literature review using a therapeutic drug monitoring appropriateness rating scale. Ther Drug Monit 2012; 33:561-72. [PMID: 21912330 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0b013e31822fbf7c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of drugs for the treatment of substance-related disorders is moderate at best. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be an instrument to improve outcomes. Because TDM for most of those drugs is not established, the authors reviewed the literature and built a rating scale to detect the potential added value of TDM for these pharmacologic agents. METHODS A literature search was performed for acamprosate, bupropion, buprenorphine, clomethiazole, disulfiram, methadone, naltrexone, and varenicline. The rating scale included 22 items and was divided in five categories: efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, patient characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. Three reference substances with established TDM were similarly assessed for comparison: clozapine, lithium, and nortriptyline. The three reference substances achieved scores of 15, 12, and 14 points, respectively. RESULTS Drugs for treatment of substance-related disorders achieved 3 to 17 points, 17 for methadone, 11 for buprenorphine, 10 for disulfiram, also 10 for naltrexone for the indication opioid-dependence and 9 for the indication alcohol dependence as well as bupropion, 7 points for acamprosate, 6 points for clomethiazole, and 3 for varenicline. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that systematic evaluation of drug- and patient-related variables with the new rating scale can estimate the appropriateness of TDM. Because their rating revealed similar scores as the three reference drugs, it is proposed that TDM should be established for bupropion, buprenorphine, disulfiram or a metabolite, methadone, and naltrexone. An objective rating of drug- and patient-related characteristics could help laboratories focus their method development on the most likely drugs to require TDM along with a thorough drug use evaluation.
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Abstract
Illicit use of opiates is the fastest growing substance use problem in the United States, and the main reason for seeking addiction treatment services for illicit drug use throughout the world. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality related to human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and overdose. Treatment for opiate addiction requires long-term management. Behavioral interventions alone have extremely poor outcomes, with more than 80% of patients returning to drug use. Similarly poor results are seen with medication-assisted detoxification. This article provides a topical review of the three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for long-term treatment of opiate dependence: the opioid-agonist methadone, the partial opioid-agonist buprenorphine, and the opioid-antagonist naltrexone. Basic mechanisms of action and treatment outcomes are described for each medication. Results indicate that maintenance medication provides the best opportunity for patients to achieve recovery from opiate addiction. Extensive literature and systematic reviews show that maintenance treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine is associated with retention in treatment, reduction in illicit opiate use, decreased craving, and improved social function. Oral naltrexone is ineffective in treating opiate addiction, but recent studies using extended-release naltrexone injections have shown promise. Although no direct comparisons between extended-release naltrexone injections and either methadone or buprenorphine exist, indirect comparison of retention shows inferior outcome compared with methadone and buprenorphine. Further work is needed to directly compare each medication and determine individual factors that can assist in medication selection. Until such time, selection of medication should be based on informed choice following a discussion of outcomes, risks, and benefits of each medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Bart
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA.
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Abstract
Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX; Vivitrol), developed to address poor adherence in addictive disorders, is approved for use in alcohol and opioid-dependence disorders. In alcohol-dependent adults with ≥ 4-day initial abstinence, XR-NTX increased initial and 6-month abstinence. An fMRI study found that XR-NTX attenuated the salience of alcohol visual and olfactory cues in the absence of alcohol, and post hoc analyses demonstrated efficacy even during high cue-exposure holiday periods. Safety and tolerability have generally been good, without adverse hepatic impact or intractable acute pain management. XR-NTX use appears feasible in primary care and public systems, and retrospective claims analyses have found cost savings and decreased intensive service utilization relative to oral agents. In opioid dependence, following detoxification, XR-NTX shows efficacy for maintaining abstinence, improving retention, decreasing craving, and preventing relapse. Trials are also exploring its use for the treatment of stimulant dependence. XR-NTX appears compatible with counseling and self-help attendance. While more research is needed, current findings suggest that a formulation of naltrexone that was sought beginning over three decades ago is fulfilling its promise as an extended-release pharmacotherapeutic.
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Mannelli P, Peindl KS, Wu LT. Pharmacological enhancement of naltrexone treatment for opioid dependence: a review. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2011; 2011:113-123. [PMID: 21731898 PMCID: PMC3128868 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s15853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: Opioid dependence (OD) is a serious and growing clinical condition with increasing social costs that requires expanding treatment beyond opioid agonist substitution. The opioid antagonist naltrexone has displayed a remarkable association of theoretical effectiveness and poor clinical utility in treating OD due to noncompliant behavior and low acceptability among patients, only partly modified by psychosocial interventions. We reviewed pharmacological studies, including naltrexone depot formulations and combination treatments. METHOD: We searched PubMed for clinical studies on the use of naltrexone implants and slow-release injections in OD, and investigations using adjunct medications to improve naltrexone maintenance therapy of OD. We discussed the results in view of their application to the clinical practice. RESULTS: Significant reduction in opioid use and improved retention in treatment have been found in several studies using depot naltrexone formulations, some of which are controlled clinical trials. Pilot investigations have gathered initial positive results on the use of naltrexone in combination with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, α-2 adrenergic, opioid, and γ-aminobutyric acid agonist medications. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that more research on effectiveness and safety is needed in support of depot naltrexone treatment for OD. Further research comparing slow-release with oral naltrexone and opioid agonist medications will help characterize the role of opioid antagonist-mediated treatment of OD. Preliminary investigations on naltrexone combination treatments suggest the opportunity to continue study of new mixed receptor activities for the treatment of OD and other drug addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mannelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Nathan PJ, O'Neill BV, Bush MA, Koch A, Tao WX, Maltby K, Napolitano A, Brooke AC, Skeggs AL, Herman CS, Larkin AL, Ignar DM, Richards DB, Williams PM, Bullmore ET. Opioid receptor modulation of hedonic taste preference and food intake: a single-dose safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic investigation with GSK1521498, a novel μ-opioid receptor inverse agonist. J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 52:464-74. [PMID: 21610207 DOI: 10.1177/0091270011399577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous opioids and µ-opioid receptors have been linked to hedonic and rewarding aspects of palatable food intake. The authors examined the safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profile of GSK1521498, a µ-opioid receptor inverse agonist that is being investigated primarily for the treatment of overeating behavior in obesity. In healthy participants, GSK1521498 oral solution and capsule formulations were well tolerated up to a dose of 100 mg. After single doses (10-150 mg), the maximum concentration (C(max)) and area under the curve (AUC) in plasma increased in a dose-proportional manner. GSK1521498 selectively reduced sensory hedonic ratings of high-sugar and high-fat dairy products and caloric intake of high-fat/high-sucrose snack foods. These findings provide encouraging data in support of the development of GSK1521498 for the treatment of disorders of maladaptive ingestive behavior or compulsive consumption.
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Altamirano LJ, Fields HL, D'Esposito M, Boettiger CA. Interaction between family history of alcoholism and Locus of Control in the opioid regulation of impulsive responding under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1905-14. [PMID: 21569055 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01535.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid antagonist indicated for the treatment of alcoholism, which is not universally effective. Thus, identifying individual predictors of NTX's behavioral effects is critical to optimizing its therapeutic use. Moreover, given the high rate of relapse during treatment for alcoholism, understanding NTX's behavioral effects when combined with moderate ethanol intake is important. Our previous study of abstinent alcoholics and control subjects showed that a more internal Locus of Control score predicted increased impulsive choice on NTX (Mitchell et al., 2007, Neuropsychopharmacology 32:439-449). Here, we tested whether this predictive relationship remains in the context of moderate alcohol intake. METHODS In this study, we tested the effect of acute NTX (50 mg) on impulsive choice, motor inhibition, and attentional bias after ingestion of moderate ethanol (∼0.3 g/kg, n = 30 subjects). Subjects included those recruited from a pool of ∼1,200 UC Berkeley undergraduates on the basis of scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). RESULTS Impulsive choice was positively correlated with breath alcohol concentration in placebo sessions. Locus of Control was again the sole predictor of NTX's effect on decision making among subjects with a family history of alcoholism. We also found a weak interaction between BIS scores and NTX's effect on impulsive choice. CONCLUSIONS Our results reinforce the predictive relationship between Locus of Control and NTX's effect on decision making in those with a family history of alcoholism, suggesting a possible biological basis to this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee J Altamirano
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Johnson FK, Stark JG, Bieberdorf FA, Stauffer J. Relative oral bioavailability of morphine and naltrexone derived from crushed morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride extended-release capsules versus intact product and versus naltrexone solution: a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, three-way crossover trial in healthy volunteers. Clin Ther 2010; 32:1149-64. [PMID: 20637968 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphine sulfate/sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride (HCl) (MS-sNT) extended-release fixed-dose combination capsules, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2009 for chronic moderate to severe pain, contain extended-release morphine pellets with a sequestered core of the opioid antagonist naltrexone. MS-sNT was designed so that if the product is tampered with by crushing, the naltrexone becomes bioavailable to mitigate morphine-induced subjective effects, rendering the product less attractive for tampering. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this study was to compare the oral bioavailability of naltrexone and its metabolite 6-beta-naltrexol, derived from crushed pellets from MS-sNT capsules, to naltrexone solution. This study also assessed the relative bioavailability of morphine from crushed pellets from MS-sNT capsules and that from the whole, intact product. METHODS This single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment crossover trial was conducted in healthy volunteers. Adults admitted to the study center underwent a 10-hour overnight fast before study drug administration. Each subject received all 3 of the following treatments, 1 per session, separated by a 14-day washout: tampered pellets (crushed for >or=2 minutes with a mortar and pestle) from a 60-mg MS-sNT capsule (60 mg morphine/2.4 mg naltrexone); 60-mg whole, intact MS-sNT capsule; and oral naltrexone HCl (2.4 mg) solution. Plasma concentrations of naltrexone and 6-beta-naltrexol were measured 0 to 168 hours after administration. Morphine pharmaco-kinetics of crushed and whole pellets were determined 0 to 72 hours after administration. The analysis of relative bioavailability was based on conventional FDA criteria for assuming bioequivalence; that is, 90% CIs for ratios of geometric means (natural logarithm [In]-transformed C(max) and AUC) fell within the range of 80% to 125%. Subjects underwent physical examinations, clinical laboratory tests, and ECG at screening and study discharge and were monitored for adverse events (AEs) throughout the study. RESULTS Of the 24 subjects enrolled in the study, 23 completed it. Most subjects were white (79%) and male (63%); the mean (SD) age was 39.3 (11.2) years and the mean weight was 77.6 (13.5) kg (range, 55.0102.5 kg). Plasma C(max) and AUC(0-t) of naltrexone after the administration of crushed pellets of MS-sNT (579 pg/mL and 1811 h . pg/mL, respectively) and naltrexone solution (584 pg/mL and 1954 h . pg/mL) were not significantly different; 90% CIs were 83.8% to 116% and 83.3% to 102%, meeting the regulatory requirements for assuming bioequivalence in this study population. Plasma naltrexone concentration was below the lower limit of quantitation (4.0 pg/mL) in 23 of 24 subjects (96%) after whole MS-sNT administration. Morphine AUC(0-t) was not significantly different whether MS-sNT was crushed (163 h . ng/mL) or administered whole (174 h . ng/mL), but C(max) was numerically higher (24.5 vs 7.7 ng/mL) and T(max) was numerically shorter (2.00 vs 7.03 hours) with MS-sNT crushed versus whole. The most commonly reported AEs were nausea (8/23 [35%], 10/24 [42%], and 3/23 [13%] subjects in the crushed, whole, and naltrexone groups, respectively) and emesis (6 [26%], 7 [29%], and 2 [9%]). CONCLUSIONS In this single-dose study, when pellets from MS-sNT were crushed, naltrexone appeared to be completely released and available to mitigate morphine-induced effects. When MS-sNT was administered whole, morphine was released in an extended-release fashion while naltrexone remained sequestered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin K Johnson
- Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA.
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Reece AS. Clinical safety of 1500 mg oral naltrexone overdose. BMJ Case Rep 2010; 2010:2010/sep06_1/bcr0420102871. [PMID: 22778191 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.04.2010.2871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This case represents a clinical overdose of the largest known dose of oral naltrexone, equivalent to the taking of a whole bottle of the oral naltrexone preparation. The patient's intention was to control craving for alcohol and opiates. The patient quickly settled with expectant management. As such it demonstrates that earlier concerns that have been voiced in this area, particularly relating to naltrexone-related hepatotoxicity and depression, may have been overstated, at least in the experience of this patient. This patient's course was marked only by gastric irritation, of which she had some history. As such the present profile provides case report evidence consistent with more robust views of the patient safety of naltrexone itself, and opposing more cautious views. Her polydrug craving was suppressed for a period of 2 weeks, which raises the important question of the mechanism of action of naltrexone's generalised suppression of refractory hedonic consumptive addictive behaviours.
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Kunøe N, Lobmaier P, Vederhus JK, Hjerkinn B, Gossop M, Hegstad S, Kristensen Ø, Waal H. Challenges to antagonist blockade during sustained-release naltrexone treatment. Addiction 2010; 105:1633-9. [PMID: 20707781 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03031.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Naltrexone is a competitive opioid antagonist that effectively blocks the action of heroin and other opioid agonists. Sustained-release naltrexone formulations are now available that provide long-acting opioid blockade. This study investigates the use of heroin and other opioids among opioid-dependent patients receiving treatment with long-acting naltrexone implants, their subjective experience of drug 'high' after opioid use, and factors associated with opioid use. METHODS Participants (n = 60) were opioid-dependent patients receiving treatment with naltrexone implants. Outcome data on substance use, drug 'high', depression and criminal activity were collected over a 6-month period. Blood samples were taken to monitor naltrexone plasma levels, and hair samples to verify self-reported opioid use. FINDINGS More than half [n = 34 or 56%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 44-68%)] the patients challenged the blockade with illicit opioids during the 6-month treatment period; 44% (n = 26; 95% CI 32-56%) were abstinent from opioids. Mean opioid use was reduced from 18 [standard deviation (SD)13] days during the month preceding treatment to 6 days (SD 11) after 6 months. Of the respondents questioned on opioid 'high' (n = 31), nine patients (30%; 95% CI 16-47%) reported partial drug 'high' following illicit opioid use, and three (12%; 95% CI 3-26%) reported full 'high'. Opioid use was associated with use of non-opioid drugs and criminal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Challenging naltrexone blockade with heroin on at least one occasion is common among sustained-release naltrexone patients, but only a minority of patients use opioids regularly. Challenges represent a warning sign for poor outcomes and often occur in the context of polydrug use and social adjustment problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaj Kunøe
- SERAF, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Kirkeveien 166, 0407 Oslo, Norway.
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