Abstract
We hypothesized that lamotrigine, a putative glutamate release antagonist, would attenuate glutamate-mediated signs of opiate withdrawal. Seven heroin-dependent subjects were hospitalized, stabilized on oral levorphanol 6 mg three times daily, and thrice underwent withdrawal precipitated by naloxone 0.4 mg intravenously. Lamotrigine (placebo, 250 mg, and 500 mg) was randomly given as a pretreatment 6 h before naloxone. Lamotrigine did not significantly attenuate any measure of opiate withdrawal. Lamotrigine was well-tolerated in subjects, although one did develop an allergic rash.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Analgesics / administration & dosage*
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Analgesics / adverse effects
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation*
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Humans
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Infusions, Intravenous
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Lamotrigine
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Male
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Naloxone / administration & dosage*
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Naloxone / adverse effects
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Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage*
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Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
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Neurologic Examination / drug effects
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / rehabilitation*
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Triazines / administration & dosage*
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Triazines / adverse effects
Substances
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Analgesics
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Narcotic Antagonists
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Triazines
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Naloxone
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Lamotrigine