Suppression of withdrawal symptoms by dynorphin in heroin addicts.
The effectiveness of dynorphin-(1-13) in suppressing heroin withdrawal was studied. At a dose of 60 micrograms/kg body weight, dynorphin-(1-13) was effective in suppressing withdrawal symptoms. When saline was administered a strong placebo effect was noticed that, however, did not influence the outcome of the results. Only three out of the twelve patients receiving dynorphin-(1-13) experienced some mild side-effects such as feeling warm, dizziness and precordial formication.
D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004399:Dynorphins; D004723:Endorphins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004723:Endorphins; D004399:Dynorphins