Neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention for detoxified heroin addicts.
This study examined the effects of combined administration of tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on heroin withdrawal syndromes and mental symptoms in detoxified heroin addicts. In the cluster-randomized placebo-controlled trial, 83 detoxified heroin addicts were recruited from a detoxification treatment center in Wuhan, China. Patients in the intervention group (n=41) were given the combined treatment with tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and 5-HTP and those in the control group (n=42) were administered the placebo. The sleep status and the withdrawal symptoms were observed daily throughout the study, and the mood states were monitored pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that the insomnia and withdrawal scores were significantly improved over time in participants in the intervention group as compared with those in the control group. A greater reduction in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance, and a greater increase in their vigor-activity symptoms were found at day 6 in the intervention group than in the control group (all P<0.05). It was concluded that the neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention is effective in alleviating the withdrawal and mood symptoms and it may become a supplementary method for patients' recovery from heroin addiction.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Dingyan
D
Chen
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Yan
Y
Liu
Compulsory Detoxification Treatment Center, Wuhan Public Security Bureau, Wuhan, 430040, China.
Wulong
W
He
inGenious Targeting Laboratory, Inc., 25 Health Sciences Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11790-3350, USA.
Hongxing
H
Wang
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. wzzh@mails.tjmu.edu.cn.
Zengzhen
Z
Wang
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents