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Traccis F, Presciuttini R, Pani PP, Sinclair JMA, Leggio L, Agabio R. Alcohol-medication interactions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:519-541. [PMID: 34826511 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and other xenobiotics may limit the therapeutic effects of medications. We aimed at investigating alcohol-medication interactions (AMI) after the exclusion of confounding effects related to other xenobiotics. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies comparing the effects induced by alcohol versus placebo on pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic parameters of approved medications. Certainty in the evidence of AMI was assessed when at least 3 independent studies and at least 200 participants were available. We included 107 articles (3097 participants): for diazepam, cannabis, opioids, and methylphenidate, we found significant AMI and enough data to assign the certainty of evidence. Alcohol consumption significantly increases the peak plasma concentration of diazepam (low certainty; almost 290 participants), cannabis (high certainty; almost 650 participants), opioids (low certainty; 560 participants), and methylphenidate (moderate certainty; 290 participants). For most medications, we found some AMI but not enough data to assign them the certainty grades; for some medications, we found no differences between alcohol and placebo in any outcomes evaluated. Our results add further evidence for interactions between alcohol and certain medications after the exclusion of confounding effects related to other xenobiotics. Physicians should advise patients who use these specific medications to avoid alcohol consumption. Further studies with appropriate control groups, enough female participants to investigate sex differences, and elderly population are needed to expand our knowledge in this field. Short phrases suitable for indexing terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Presciuttini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Pier Paolo Pani
- Health Social Services Public Health Trust Sardinia, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, United States; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, United States; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Vinckenbosch FRJ, Vermeeren A, Vuurman EFPM, van der Sluiszen NNJJM, Verster JC, van de Loo AJ, van Dijken JH, Veldstra JL, Brookhuis KA, De Waard D, Ramaekers JG. An explorative approach to understanding individual differences in driving performance and neurocognition in long-term benzodiazepine users. Hum Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:e2778. [PMID: 33547849 PMCID: PMC8365705 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research reported cognitive and psychomotor impairments in long-term users of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs). This article explores the role of acute intoxication and clinical complaints. METHODS Neurocognitive and on-road driving performance of 19 long-term (≥6 months) regular (≥twice weekly) BZRA users with estimated plasma concentrations, based on self-reported use, exceeding the therapeutic threshold (CBZRA +), and 31 long-term regular BZRA users below (CBZRA -), was compared to that of 76 controls. RESULTS BZRA users performed worse on tasks of response speed, processing speed, and sustained attention. Age, but not CBZRA or self-reported clinical complaints, was a significant covariate. Road-tracking performance was explained by CBZRA only. The CBZRA + group exhibited increased mean standard deviation of lateral position comparable to that at blood-alcohol concentrations of 0.5 g/L. CONCLUSIONS Functional impairments in long-term BZRA users are not attributable to self-reported clinical complaints or estimated BZRA concentrations, except for road-tracking, which was impaired in CBZRA + users. Limitations to address are the lack of assessment of objective clinical complaints, acute task related stress, and actual BZRA plasma concentrations. In conclusion, the results confirm previous findings that demonstrate inferior performance across several psychomotor and neurocognitive domains in long-term BZRA users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemiek Vermeeren
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Eric F. P. M. Vuurman
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Joris C. Verster
- Division PharmacologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Institute for Risk Assessment SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Centre for Human PsychopharmacologySwinburne UniversityMelbourne, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Aurora J.A.E. van de Loo
- Division PharmacologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands,Institute for Risk Assessment SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Joke H. van Dijken
- Department of Clinical and Developmental NeuropsychologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Janet L. Veldstra
- Department of Clinical and Developmental NeuropsychologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Karel A. Brookhuis
- Department of Clinical and Developmental NeuropsychologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Dick De Waard
- Department of Clinical and Developmental NeuropsychologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
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Berger B, Brooks S, Zuiker R, Richard M, Muehlan C, Dingemanse J. Pharmacological Interactions between the Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist Daridorexant and Ethanol in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Dummy, Four-Way Crossover Phase I Study in Healthy Subjects. CNS Drugs 2020; 34:1253-1266. [PMID: 33205362 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-020-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daridorexant (ACT-541468) is a potent dual orexin receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of sleep disorders. Concomitant intake of ethanol and hypnotics has been shown to result in additive/supra-additive depression of the central nervous system, resulting in pronounced sedation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions between ethanol and daridorexant. METHOD This was a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, four-way crossover study conducted in 19 healthy male/female subjects. Subjects received the following four treatments: ethanol with daridorexant, daridorexant alone, ethanol alone, and placebo. Daridorexant 50 mg and the matching placebo were administered as single oral tablets. Ethanol was infused intravenously and clamped at a level of 0.6 g/L for 5 h. The PK of ethanol and daridorexant were assessed and a battery of PD tests performed. RESULTS Concomitant administration of ethanol prolonged the time to reach maximum plasma concentrations (tmax) of daridorexant (median difference 1.25 h). No other relevant PK interactions were observed. Coadministration with ethanol produced a numerically greater impairment on saccadic peak velocity, body sway, visual analog scale (VAS) alertness, VAS alcohol intoxication, smooth pursuit, and adaptive tracking compared with daridorexant alone. All treatments were generally well tolerated without serious adverse events (AEs). The most commonly reported treatment-emergent AEs following coadministration of daridorexant and ethanol included somnolence, headache, fatigue, sudden onset of sleep, and dizziness. CONCLUSIONS Apart from a shift in tmax, no relevant changes in PK parameters were observed following coadministration of daridorexant and ethanol. The coadministration led to reinforced drug actions that were, at most, indicative of infra-additive effects on certain PD markers. Patients will be advised not to consume ethanol with daridorexant. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03609775 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Berger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Sander Brooks
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Zuiker
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Muriel Richard
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Muehlan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Jasper Dingemanse
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
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Effects of Alcohol on the Pharmacokinetics of Blonanserin and N-Deethylated Blonanserin in Healthy Chinese Subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2018; 38:129-133. [PMID: 29424805 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Blonanserin is a novel antipsychotic drug approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in East Asia. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of alcohol on the pharmacokinetic properties of blonanserin and its metabolite N-deethyl blonanserin in healthy Chinese male subjects under fasting conditions. METHODS/PROCEDURES The study was designed as a randomized, open-label, crossover clinical investigation in 10 male volunteers, each of whom received 2 treatments under fasted conditions: treatment A, blonanserin (8 mg) with water, and treatment B, blonanserin (8 mg) with alcohol (1 mL/kg). FINDINGS/RESULTS The average values of areas under the curve (AUCs) and mean peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) were noticeably increased by alcohol consumption. In treatment A, average values of AUC0-24h, AUC0-∞, and Cmax were 3178 ng/h/L, 3879 ng/h/L, and 492 ng/L for blonanserin, and 1932 ng/h/L, 4208 ng/h/L, and 137 ng/L for N-deethylated blonanserin, respectively. In treatment B, AUC0-∞ and Cmax were both increased 2.4-fold for blonanserin and 1.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, for N-deethylated blonanserin (P < 0.05). Compared with treatment A, clearance (Clz/F) of blonanserin and N-deethylated blonanserin decreased significantly (2.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively) in treatment B (P < 0.05). Alcohol delayed the absorption and reduced the clearance of blonanserin, leading to a 1.8-fold increase in the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and half life time (t1/2) (P < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Alcohol increased the bioavailability of blonanserin and N-deethyl blonanserin in healthy subjects and the marked effect of alcohol on blonanserin bioavailability should be taken into consideration in deciding dosing schedules in clinical therapy.
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Oki T, Asamura H, Hayashi T, Ota M. Unusual intracranial stab wounds inflicted with metal tent stakes for a case involving a family murder suicide. Forensic Sci Int 2010; 202:e19-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cysneiros RM, Farkas D, Harmatz JS, von Moltke LL, Greenblatt DJ. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions Between Zolpidem and Caffeine. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2007; 82:54-62. [PMID: 17443132 DOI: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The kinetic and dynamic interaction of caffeine and zolpidem was evaluated in a double-blind, single-dose, six-way crossover study of 7.5 mg zolpidem (Z) or placebo (P) combined with low-dose caffeine (250 mg), high-dose caffeine (500 mg), or placebo. Caffeine coadministration modestly increased maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve of zolpidem by 30-40%, whereas zolpidem did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of caffeine or its metabolites. Compared to P+P, Z+P significantly increased sedation, impaired digit-symbol substitution test performance, slowed tapping speed and reaction time, increased EEG relative beta amplitude, and impaired delayed recall. Caffeine partially, but not completely, reversed most pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem. Thus, caffeine only incompletely reverses zolpidem's sedative and performance-impairing effects, and cannot be considered as an antidote to benzodiazepine agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Cysneiros
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts--New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Takiguchi A, Masuoka T, Yamamoto Y, Mikami A, Kamei C. Potentiation of Ethanol in Spatial Memory Deficits Induced by Some Benzodiazepines. J Pharmacol Sci 2006; 101:325-8. [PMID: 16891765 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.fpj06008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triazolam caused no significant increase in the total error at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg. However, at 0.2 mg/kg, it caused a significant increase in total error. Almost the same findings were observed with brotizolam and rilmazafone. That is, at 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg of brotizolam, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg of rilmazafone caused no significant increase in the total error. However, brotizolam at 1.0 mg/kg and rilmazafone at 2.0 mg/kg caused a significant increase in total error. Triazolam (0.05 mg/kg) and ethanol (1.0 g/kg) showed no significant effect on the numbers of errors when used alone separately, but the simultaneous use of triazolam and ethanol caused a significant increase in total error. Almost the same findings were observed with the coadministration of brotizolam (0.2 mg/kg) or rilmazafone (0.5 mg/kg) with ethanol. These results clearly indicate that all the short-acting benzodiazepines used in the study showed potentiation by ethanol in spatial memory deficits in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takiguchi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Tanaka E. Toxicological interactions between alcohol and benzodiazepines. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2002; 40:69-75. [PMID: 11990206 DOI: 10.1081/clt-120002887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We review recentfindings on the toxicological interactions between alcohol (ethanol) and benzodiazepines, and the combined use of benzodiazepines and alcohol in fatal poisoning. Acute ingestion of alcohol combined with benzodiazepines is responsible for several toxicological interactions that can have significant clinical implications. In general, metabolism of these drugs is delayed when combined with acute alcohol ingestion although some reports suggest otherwise. Alternately, the drugs metabolized during chronic alcohol ingestion have an increased clearance. The net effect may also be influenced by internal (e.g., disease, age) and external (e.g., environment, diet) factors. Fatal poisoning involving coadministration of alcohol and benzodiazepine, especially triazolam, continues to be a serious problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einosuke Tanaka
- Department of Legal Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan.
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Tanaka E, Misawa S. Pharmacokinetic interactions between acute alcohol ingestion and single doses of benzodiazepines, and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants -- an update. J Clin Pharm Ther 1998; 23:331-6. [PMID: 9875680 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.1998.00175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports of interactions between alcohol and benzodiazepines, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants during their acute concomitant use are reviewed. Acute ingestion of alcohol (ethanol) with tranquilizers or hypnotics is responsible for several pharmacokinetic interactions that can have significant clinical implications. In general, metabolism of these drugs is delayed when combined with alcohol but some reports have suggested otherwise. The amount of alcohol consumed, the presence or absence of liver disease, and differences in the dosage and administration of these drugs may account for the observed discrepancies. In recent years, the cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) isoenzyme that catalyses the metabolism of these drugs has also been identified. However, since changes in the pharmacogenetic metabolism of benzodiazepines and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants are mainly governed by CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, caution is needed when used together with alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tanaka
- Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
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Lapierre KA, Greenblatt DJ, Goddard JE, Harmatz JS, Shader RI. The neuropsychiatric effects of aspartame in normal volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1990; 30:454-60. [PMID: 2347957 DOI: 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1990.tb03485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ten healthy volunteers with no history of aspartame intolerance (6 men and 4 women, aged 21-36 years) received a single dose of aspartame (15 mg/kg body weight in capsules) or matching placebo in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Eleven blood samples collected over 24 hours were analyzed for plasma glucose and amino acid concentrations. The following variables were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-dosage: changes in mood measured on visual analog scales, cognitive function determined by digit-symbol substitution test (DSST) and arithmetic test scores, and reaction time measured with a brake-pedal reaction timer. Memory was tested at 2 and 24 hours after dosage based on recall of standardized 16-item word lists. No significant differences between aspartame and placebo were found in measures of sedation, hunger, headache, reaction-time, cognition, or memory at any time during the study. Plasma phenylalanine levels were significantly higher following aspartame (P less than .01) than with placebo between 1 and 6 hours postdosage, reaching a maximum difference of +3.36 mumols/dl at 2 hours. Plasma glucose concentrations were not significantly different between aspartame and placebo. The results of this study suggest that following a single 15 mg/kg dose of aspartame, no detectable effects are observed in a group of healthy volunteers with no history of aspartame intolerance, despite significant increases in plasma phenylalanine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Lapierre
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Linnoila M, Stapleton JM, Lister R, Moss H, Lane E, Granger A, Greenblatt DJ, Eckardt MJ. Effects of adinazolam and diazepam, alone and in combination with ethanol, on psychomotor and cognitive performance and on autonomic nervous system reactivity in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1990; 38:371-7. [PMID: 2344860 DOI: 10.1007/bf00315578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Effects on psychomotor and cognitive performance of adinazolam (15 or 30 mg), alone and in combination with ethanol (0.8 g/kg), were studied in healthy male volunteers and compared to effects of 10 mg diazepam. Adinazolam 30 mg produced relatively long-lasting impairments on tests of tracking, attention, verbal and nonverbal information processing, and memory. Adinazolam 15 mg resulted in descreased visual information processing. Adinazolam decreased supine mean arterial pressure, but only the 15 mg resulted in a tendency for decreased plasma norepinephrine concentrations. After standing for 5 min, 30 mg adinazolam was associated with increased heart rate. Although ethanol consumption produced additive decrements on a continuous performance task, there was little evidence to support a synergistic effect. Adinazolam 30 mg was accompanied by increased self-reports of side effects, especially drowsiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Linnoila
- Laboratory of Clinical Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland 21224
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Greenblatt DJ, Miller LG, Shader RI. Neurochemical and pharmacokinetic correlates of the clinical action of benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs. Am J Med 1990; 88:18S-24S. [PMID: 1968714 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(90)90281-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepine derivatives are presumed to exert their pharmacologic activity via interaction with specific molecular recognition sites, termed benzodiazepine receptors, within the brain. The various benzodiazepines used in clinical practice differ considerably in their intrinsic receptor affinity, but the qualitative character of the drug-receptor interaction is similar or identical among this class of drugs. All benzodiazepines are lipophilic (lipid-soluble) substances that relatively rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier and equilibrate with brain tissue. After equilibrium is attained, a constant brain:plasma ratio is maintained, such that plasma concentrations proportionately reflect concentrations of drug in brain. Brain concentrations are proportional to the extent of receptor occupancy, which in turn determines the acute behavioral effect. Clinical differences among benzodiazepines largely reflect differences in pharmacokinetic properties. The onset of action after single oral doses reflects the rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, whereas the duration of action is determined by the rate and extent of drug distribution to peripheral tissues, as well as by the rate of elimination and clearance. During multiple dosage, long half-life drugs accumulate, with the concurrent possibility of daytime sedation. However, a benefit of long half-life drugs is that rebound insomnia on abrupt termination is unlikely. Short half-life drugs accumulate minimally and have a lower likelihood of producing daytime sedation. However, they may be more likely to produce rebound insomnia on abrupt discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Greenblatt
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
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Langley MS, Clissold SP. Brotizolam. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy as an hypnotic. Drugs 1988; 35:104-22. [PMID: 3281819 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-198835020-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Brotizolam is a new thienotriazolodiazepine derivative with a pharmacological profile similar to that of benzodiazepines. It is indicated for use as an hypnotic in the management of insomnia, although it also has anticonvulsant, antianxiety and muscle relaxant properties in animals. In clinical trials brotizolam 0.125 to 0.5mg improved sleep in insomniacs similarly to nitrazepam 2.5 and 5mg, flunitrazepam 2mg and triazolam 0.25mg, whilst brotizolam 0.5mg was shown to be superior to flurazepam 30mg in some studies. Brotizolam is an effective hypnotic for hospital patients awaiting surgery, in whom it also reduces anxiety. Brotizolam has an elimination half-life of about 5 hours, which is 'intermediate' compared with the shorter-acting hypnotic, triazolam, and longer-acting benzodiazepines. Consequently, it is able to induce sleep without producing early morning rebound insomnia, and can also maintain sleep throughout the night. Brotizolam at dosages below 0.5mg at night usually produced minimal morning drowsiness; no residual impairment of psychomotor performance occurs following dosages within the recommended range of 0.125 to 0.25 mg/kg. No serious side effects have been reported to date and the most frequently observed adverse experiences are drowsiness, headache and dizziness. Mild rebound insomnia may occur in some patients when treatment is stopped. Thus, brotizolam is a useful hypnotic which can be used in patients who have difficulty in falling asleep and also in patients who are troubled by night-time awakenings. Used in the recommended dosage it may be particularly useful for patients in whom daytime impairment of performance is unacceptable.
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Greenblatt DJ, Harmatz JS, Zinny MA, Shader RI. Effect of gradual withdrawal on the rebound sleep disorder after discontinuation of triazolam. N Engl J Med 1987; 317:722-8. [PMID: 3306380 DOI: 10.1056/nejm198709173171202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sixty volunteers with insomnia participated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. After an initial six nights of placebo, 30 subjects (the abrupt-withdrawal group) received 0.5 mg of triazolam nightly for 7 to 10 nights, after which they received placebo. The other 30 subjects (the tapered-dosage group) received the same initial placebo treatment, then triazolam at 0.5 mg for seven nights, at 0.25 mg for two nights, and at 0.125 mg for two nights, and then placebo. As compared with the initial placebo period, the triazolam period significantly reduced the interval before the onset of sleep (sleep latency), and it prolonged sleep duration, reduced the number of awakenings, and improved the self-rated soundness of sleep in all cohorts. In the abrupt-withdrawal group, plasma levels of triazolam were undetectable the morning after the first night of placebo substitution, and subjects reported prolongation of sleep latency (57 minutes longer than base line), reduction in sleep duration (1.4 hours less than base line), and increased awakenings (1.2 per night above base line). The symptoms of rebound sleep disorder lasted one or possibly two nights, and there was a reversion toward base line on subsequent placebo nights. In the tapered-dosage group, however, plasma triazolam levels fell gradually to zero, and rebound symptoms were decreased or eliminated. Thus, rebound sleep disorder following abrupt discontinuation of triazolam can be attenuated by a regimen of tapering.
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