title: Naltrexone treatment of combined alcohol and opioid dependence: deterioration of co-morbid major depression.
abstract: Naltrexone is frequently used for the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence. However, the reports on its potential to worsen affective disorders are contradicting. Here we report on a patient with combined alcohol and opioid dependence whose co-morbid major depression deteriorated reversibly and repeatedly under naltrexone. By exchanging buprenorphine for naltrexone, his depression and craving for alcohol and opioids disappeared. This underlines the close interaction between depression, substance dependence and the opioid system.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schürks
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Overlack
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bonnet
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D000639:Amitriptyline; D000431:Ethanol; D009271:Naltrexone; D009020:Morphine