Researchers at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital have produced the first evidence that the opioid blocker extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) is able to reduce the brain's response to cues that may cause alcoholics to relapse. In data presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, Scott Lukas, PhD, director of the Neuroimaging Center at McLean, located in Belmont, Mass., said the findings help in the understanding of how XR-NTX works in reducing the craving for alcohol and may potentially help predict which people will respond best to the drug.
Treatment Research › Pharmaceutical Treatments
Medications to treat substance abuse
Fears Over Naltrexone Unfounded, Study Finds
Fears over a drug that can be used to treat alcohol addiction are unfounded, according to its first ever systematic review, led by academics at The University of Manchester. Though the study found no evidence of any serious side effects linked to Naltrexone, many doctors hold back from prescribing the drug, often citing liver toxicity as a reason
Medication Reduces Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Lofexidine, the first medication for use in reducing symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal in adults, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Lofexidine, an oral tablet, is designed to manage the symptoms patients often experience during opioid discontinuation.
Lucemyra Reduces Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Lofexidine, the first medication for use in reducing symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal in adults, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lofexidine, an oral tablet, is designed to manage the symptoms patients often experience during opioid discontinuation.
Alcoholism 'Wonder Drug' Is a Dud
A drug used to treat spasticity was touted as a 'wonder drug' for alcohol use disorders, but researchers found it is no more effective than a placebo for reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol cravings.
Follow-Up Increases Naltrexone Compliance
Symptoms of alcoholism make it more difficult for some people to regularly take the prescription drug naltrexone, which could help treat their disease, a researcher at Oregon State University has found.