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Ondansetron and Opiate Craving

A Novel Pharmacological Approach to Addiction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

L. A. Sell ,
P. J. Cowen  and
P. J. Robson
L. A. Sell*
Affiliation:
Department of Addictive Behaviour, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
P. J. Cowen
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Littlemore Hospital, Oxford
P. J. Robson
Affiliation:
Department of Addictive Behaviour, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
*
Dr L. A. Sell, Department of Addictive Behaviour, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX
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Abstract

Background

Pharmacological approaches to opiate addiction have for the most part been limited to a role in detoxification. A high percentage of patients who complete detoxification programmes relapse.

Method

In the present study, we used a simple laboratory method to investigate suggestions from preclinical studies that 5-(hydroxytryptamine) HT3 receptor antagonists have a role in the treatment of addiction.

Results

We showed that addicts stably maintained on methadone experienced significant craving, dysphoria, and withdrawal-like symptoms when exposed to a video containing drug-related cues. The craving was not lessened by treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron (4 mg orally).

Conclusion

Our current findings do not support a role for 5-HT3 receptor agonists in the reduction of craving in opiate addicts.

Information

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 166 , Issue 4 , April 1995 , pp. 511 - 514
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1995 

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