title: The effect of lamotrigine on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal.
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.
authors.affiliation: Yale University, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Pearsall
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Kosten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014227:Triazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D014227:Triazines; D009270:Naloxone; D000077213:Lamotrigine