The effect of lamotrigine on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1998 Oct 1;52(2):173-6. doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(98)00057-x.

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

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics / administration & dosage*
  • Analgesics / adverse effects
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Lamotrigine
  • Male
  • Naloxone / administration & dosage*
  • Naloxone / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / rehabilitation*
  • Triazines / administration & dosage*
  • Triazines / adverse effects

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Triazines
  • Naloxone
  • Lamotrigine