Addiction Rehab: Combined Action of MK-801 and Ceftriaxone Impairs the Acquisition and Reinstatement of Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference, and Delays Morphine Extinction in Rats.

Combined action of MK-801 and ceftriaxone impairs the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference, and delays morphine extinction in rats.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

Neurosci Bull. 2012 Oct; 28(5): 567-76
Fan Y, Niu H, Rizak JD, Li L, Wang G, Xu L, Ren H, Lei H, Yu H

It is well established that glutamate and its receptors, particularly the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), play a significant role in addiction and that the inhibition of glutamatergic hyperfunction reduces addictive behaviors in experimental animals. Specifically, NMDAR antagonists such as MK-801, and an inducer of the expression of glutamate transporter subtype-1 (GLT-1) (ceftriaxone) are known to inhibit addictive behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combined action of a low dose of MK-801 and a low dose of ceftriaxone provides better inhibition of the acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) than either compound alone.A morphine-paired CPP experiment was used to study the effects of low doses of MK-801, ceftriaxone and a combination of both on reward-related memory (acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement of morphine preference) in rats.A low dose of neither MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) nor ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg, i.p.) alone effectively impaired CPP behaviors. However, when applied in combination, they reduced the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP and completely prevented morphine reinstatement. Their combination also notably impaired the extinction of morphine-induced CPP.The combined action of a low dose of an NMDAR antagonist (MK-801) and GLT-1 activation by ceftriaxone effectively changed different phases of CPP behavior.
HubMed – addiction

 

Handling relapse in smoking cessation: strategies and recommendations.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

Intern Emerg Med. 2012 Oct 7;
Caponnetto P, Keller E, Bruno CM, Polosa R

Once established, smoking is a very difficult addiction to break. Many smokers persist in tobacco use for several years and typically cycle through multiple periods of remission and relapse. Smoking cessation is not a single event but a process, and relapse is an ordinary component of this process. While international guidelines place great emphasis on relapse prevention, very little can be found about managing smokers who have relapsed. This article is intended to address the challenge of managing smokers who relapse in the course of a smoking cessation program. This knowledge may lead to an improved smoking cessation outcomes.
HubMed – addiction

 

A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial of gabapentin 300 versus 900 mg versus placebo for anxiety symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Filed under: Addiction Rehab

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 Oct 2;
Lavigne JE, Heckler C, Mathews JL, Palesh O, Kirshner JJ, Lord R, Jacobs A, Amos E, Morrow GR, Mustian K

Gabapentin is used for the treatment of hot flashes and neuropathic pain in breast cancer survivors, and is commonly used off-label for the treatment of anxiety. Yet, clinical trial evidence to support the use of gabapentin for anxiety symptoms is lacking. In a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial we compared 300 mg gabapentin versus 900 mg gabapentin versus placebo. Subjects were 420 breast cancer patients who had completed all chemotherapy cycles. Anxiety traits and current (state) anxiety were measured using the Speilberger Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pain was measured at baseline using a 10-point scale. Analyses included analysis of covariance and ordinary least squares regression. At 4 weeks, state anxiety change scores were significantly better for gabapentin 300 and 900 mg (p = 0.005) compared to placebo. The magnitude of improvement was proportional to baseline state anxiety. At 8 weeks, the anxiolytic effects of gabapentin compared to placebo persisted (p < 0.005). We found no significant interactions. The lower dose (300 mg) was associated with the best treatment outcomes for all patients except those with the highest baseline anxiety. Given its similar pharmacology, efficacy in the treatment of hot flashes, and low cost, gabapentin may provide a low cost and parsimonious alternative treatment choice for breast cancer survivors presenting in primary care practices with anxiety symptoms. Gabapentin is effective for hot flashes, and, therefore, may provide therapeutic benefit for both anxiety and hot flashes at a generic drug price. For patients reluctant to take a controlled substance, such as a benzodiazepine, gabapentin may offer an alternative therapy. Similarly, patients with a history of substance use may benefit from gabapentin without risk of addiction or abuse. For cancer survivors experiencing both hot flashes and anxiety, gabapentin may provide a single effective treatment for both and is an alternative therapy for anxiety for patients unwilling to take a benzodiazepine or those with a history of substance use. HubMed – addiction

 


 

Treatment at The Cabin Chiang Mai – The Cabin’s senior counsellors talk about various aspects of the drug and alcohol treatments offered by The Cabin Chiang Mai, Thailand.

 

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