Effects of heroin and methadone on plasma cortisol and testosterone.
Narcotic addicts self-administered heroin intravenously for 10 days under controlled research ward conditions and were subsequently detoxified with methadone for 7 days. Plasma testosterone levels decreased signifcantly when heroin dosage was between 45 and 65 mg/day contrasted to predrug base-line levels. Testosterone levels remained depressed during methadone withdrawal. No statistically significant changes in a.m. plasma cortisol levels were observed during both heroin acquisition and methadone withdrawal.
D000328:Adult; D003932:Heroin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D013739:Testosterone; D003932:Heroin; D008691:Methadone; D006854:Hydrocortisone