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Jamshidi Z, Karami M, Khalili M, Roghani M. Protective Effect of Baclofen on Ovarian Cystogenesis and Morphine-Induced Lipid Profile Change in Female Rats. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2024; 28:43-46. [PMID: 38533288 PMCID: PMC10962766 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_364_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Morphine induces ovarian cysts that cause obesity and disrupt sex hormone secretion. Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist, can help regulate sex hormones and reduce harmful blood lipids by protecting against morphine-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibition. We investigated the prophylactic effect of baclofen in rats receiving morphine by comparing with the untreated groups. Materials and Methods Forty eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into several groups, including control (saline 1 mL/kg, i.p.), morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), baclofen (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, i.p.), and baclofen (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) before morphine (5 mg/kg). Twenty four hours after the treatment, blood and serum samples were taken to check the levels of gonadotropins (LH & FSH) and lipid profile. The ovaries and uterus were also studied, and a proinflammatory nitric oxide (NO) diagnostic test was completed. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results In comparison with the control group, the levels of LH and not FSH decreased in the morphine group and the number of ovarian cysts was more in the morphine group. These problems were not observed in the group of baclofen alone and baclofen + morphine. However, the triglyceride level increased slightly in the baclofen 30 mg/kg + morphine group. But the LDL level somewhat decreased. The proinflammatory NO system did not show significant activation in the ovary and uterus, except for the baclofen 10 mg/kg + baclofen group. Conclusion Morphine can cause ovarian cysts by lowering LH but baclofen prophylaxis can protect reproductive properties by adapting major metabolic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohsen Khalili
- Department of Physiology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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Gupta A, Laha JK. Growing Utilization of Radical Chemistry in the Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202300207. [PMID: 37565381 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Our current unhealthy lifestyle and the exponential surge in the population getting affected by a variety of diseases have made pharmaceuticals or drugs an imperative part of life, making the development of innovative strategies for drug discovery or the introduction of refined, cost-effective and modern technologies for the synthesis of clinically used drugs, a need of the hour. Ever since their discovery, free radicals and radical cations or anions as reactive intermediates have captivated the chemists, resulting in an exceptional utilization of these moieties throughout the field of chemical synthesis, owing to their unprecedented and widespread reactivity. Sticking with the idea of not judging the book by its cover, despite the conventional thought process of radicals being unstable and difficult to control entities, scientists and academicians around the globe have done an appreciable amount of work utilizing both persistent as well as transient radicals for a variety of organic transformations, exemplifying them with the synthesis of significant biologically active pharmaceutical ingredients. This review truly accounts for the organic radical transformations including radical addition, radical cascade cyclization, radical/radical cross-coupling, coupling with metal-complexes and radical cations coupling with nucleophiles, that offers fascinating and unconventional approaches towards the construction of intricate structural frameworks of marketed APIs with high atom- and step-economy; complementing the otherwise employed traditional methods. This tutorial review presents a comprehensive package of diverse methods utilized for radical generation, featuring their reactivity to form critical bonds in pharmaceutical total synthesis or in building key starting materials or intermediates of their synthetic journey, acknowledging their excellence, downsides and underlying mechanisms, which are otherwise poorly highlighted in the literature. Despite great achievements over the past few decades in this area, many challenges and obstacles are yet to be unraveled to shorten the distance between the academics and the industry, which are all discussed in summary and outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Process Chemistry), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) S.A.S. Nagar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali, 160062, India
| | - Joydev K Laha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Process Chemistry), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) S.A.S. Nagar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali, 160062, India
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Behmer Hansen RA, Behmer Hansen RT, Noureddine C, Behmer VA, Opler D. Reasons for use and experiences of using phenibut, a mixed methods analysis of online reports. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:458-469. [PMID: 37184879 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2204510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Phenibut is a drug similar in structure to gabapentin and pregabalin. It is available online without prescription, often marketed as a dietary supplement or amino acid derivative. Little is known about phenibut use despite its increased popularity in the United States over the last decade.Objective: To clarify reasons for taking phenibut, circumstances, and effects of use.Methods: Reports of phenibut, gabapentin, and pregabalin use were downloaded from a publicly-available database, Erowid.org. A mixed methods approach utilizing qualitative content analysis was used.Results: Of 229 reports, 211 were from male authors. People usually purchased phenibut online and reportedly used it for recreation, to manage a medical or psychiatric problem (primarily insomnia, anxiety), as a substitute for other drugs (especially benzodiazepines), to manage withdrawal from another substance (including benzodiazepines, opioids), and/or for performance enhancement. While it shared many reported effects with pregabalin and gabapentin such as anxiolysis, increased talkativeness, and impaired motor coordination, reports of gastrointestinal distress and sedation were more commonly attributed to phenibut. Several people reported difficulty in restricting their use and managing withdrawal.Conclusions: Phenibut reports suggest that phenibut may have some benefits for some people. Use also, however, carries risks of adverse effects, a potentially dangerous withdrawal syndrome, and addiction. Not dissimilar to unprescribed gabapentin or pregabalin, self-medication is a common motive for phenibut use. Physicians should continue to ask their patients about use of any non-prescribed medications, dietary supplements, or "amino acid derivatives."Abbreviation: PWUPh: people who use phenibut; PWUG: people who use gabapentin; PWUPr: people who use pregabalin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chaden Noureddine
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Virginia A Behmer
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Douglas Opler
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Agabio R, Saulle R, Rösner S, Minozzi S. Baclofen for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD012557. [PMID: 36637087 PMCID: PMC9837849 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012557.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most widespread psychiatric disorders leading to detrimental consequences to people with this disorder and others. Worldwide, the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (30-day prevalence of at least one occasion of 60 g of pure alcohol intake among current drinkers) is estimated at 20% and the prevalence of AUD at 5% of the adult general population, with highest prevalence in Europe and North America. Therapeutic approaches, including pharmacotherapy, play an important role in treating people with AUD. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2018. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of baclofen on achieving and maintaining abstinence or reducing alcohol consumption in people with AUD compared to placebo, no treatment or any other pharmacological relapse prevention treatment. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search was 22 November 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least four weeks' treatment duration and 12 weeks' overall study duration comparing baclofen for AUD treatment with placebo, no treatment or other treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. relapse, 2. frequency of use, 3. amount of use, 4. adverse events, 5. dropouts from treatment and 6. dropouts from treatment due to adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 7. craving, 8. anxiety, 9. depression and 10. frequency of most relevant adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 RCTs (1818 participants) with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition or International Classification of Diseases 10th edition criteria. Mean age was 46.5 years and 70% were men. Ten studies compared baclofen to placebo or another medication; seven compared two baclofen doses to placebo or another medication. Globally, 15 studies compared baclofen to placebo, two baclofen to acamprosate and two baclofen to naltrexone. In 16 studies, participants received psychosocial treatments. We judged most studies at low risk of selection, performance, detection (subjective outcome), attrition and reporting bias. Ten studies detoxified participants before treatment; in seven studies, participants were still drinking at the beginning of treatment. Treatment duration was 12 weeks for 15 RCTs and longer in two studies. Baclofen daily dose was 30 mg to 300 mg: 10 RCTs used low doses (30 mg or less); eight RCTs medium doses (above 30 and 100 mg or less) and four RCTs high doses (above 100 mg). Compared to placebo, moderate-certainty evidence found that baclofen probably decreases the risk to relapse (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 0.99; 12 studies, 1057 participants). This result was confirmed among detoxified participants but not among other subgroups of participants. High-certainty evidence found that baclofen increases the percentage of days abstinent (mean difference (MD) 9.07, 95% CI 3.30 to 14.85; 16 studies, 1273 participants). This result was confirmed among all subgroups of participants except non-detoxified or those who received medium doses. There was no difference between baclofen and placebo in the other primary outcomes: heavy drinking days (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.18, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.11; 13 studies, 840 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); number of drinks per drinking days (MD -0.45, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.30; 9 studies, 392 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.11; 10 studies, 738 participants; high-certainty evidence); dropouts (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.03; 17 studies, 1563 participants; high-certainty evidence); dropouts due to adverse events (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.18; 16 studies, 1499 participants; high-certainty evidence). These results were confirmed by subgroup analyses except than for the dropouts that resulted lower among participants who received high doses of baclofen and studies longer than 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, there was no difference in craving (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.04; 17 studies, 1275 participants), anxiety (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.11; 15 studies, 1123 participants) and depression (SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.27; 11 studies, 1029 participants). Concerning the specific adverse events, baclofen increases fatigue, dizziness, somnolence/sedation, dry mouth, paraesthesia and muscle spasms/rigidity. There was no difference in the other adverse events. Compared to acamprosate, one study (60 participants) found no differences in any outcomes but the evidence was very uncertain: relapse (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.20; very low-certainty evidence); number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.69; very low-certainty evidence); dropouts (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.46; very low-certainty evidence); dropouts due to adverse events (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-certainty evidence) and craving (MD 5.80, 95% CI -11.84 to 23.44); and all the adverse events evaluated. Compared to naltrexone, baclofen may increase the risk of relapse (RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.12 to 5.56; 1 study, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and decrease the number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.80; 2 studies, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence) but the evidence is very uncertain. One study (60 participants) found no difference between baclofen and naltrexone in the dropouts at the end of treatment (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.10; very low-certainty evidence), craving (MD 2.08, 95% CI -3.71 to 7.87), and all the adverse events evaluated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Baclofen likely reduces the risk of relapse to any drinking and increases the percentage of abstinent days, mainly among detoxified participants. It does not increase the number of participants with at least one adverse event, those who dropout for any reason or due to adverse events. It probably does not reduce number of heavy drinking days and the number of drinks per drinking days. Current evidence suggests that baclofen may help people with AUD in maintaining abstinence. The results of comparisons of baclofen with acamprosate and naltrexone were mainly based on only one study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Paterson LM, Barker D, Cro S, Mozgunov P, Phillips R, Smith C, Nahar L, Paterson S, Lingford-Hughes AR. FORWARDS-1: an adaptive, single-blind, placebo-controlled ascending dose study of acute baclofen on safety parameters in opioid dependence during methadone-maintenance treatment-a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study. Trials 2022; 23:880. [PMID: 36258248 PMCID: PMC9579625 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of opiate addiction with opiate substitution treatment (e.g. methadone) is beneficial. However, some individuals desire or would benefit from abstinence but there are limited options to attenuate problems with opiate withdrawal. Preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that the GABA-B agonist, baclofen, has the desired properties to facilitate opiate detoxification and prevent relapse. This study aims to understand whether there are any safety issues in administering baclofen to opioid-dependent individuals receiving methadone. Methods Opiate-dependent individuals (DSM-5 severe opioid use disorder) maintained on methadone will be recruited from addiction services in northwest London (NHS and third sector providers). Participants will be medically healthy with no severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 respiratory failure, no current dependence on other substances (excluding nicotine), no current severe DSM-5 psychiatric disorders, and no contraindications for baclofen or 4800 IU vitamin D (placebo). Eligible participants will be randomised in a 3:1 ratio to receive baclofen or placebo in an adaptive, single-blind, ascending dose design. A Bayesian dose-escalation model will inform the baclofen dose (10, 30, 60, or 90 mg) based on the incidence of ‘dose-limiting toxicity’ (DLT) events and participant-specific methadone dose. A range of respiratory, cardiovascular, and sedative measures including the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) and Glasgow Coma Scale will determine DLT. On the experimental day, participants will consume their usual daily dose of methadone followed by an acute dose of baclofen or placebo (vitamin D3) ~ 1 h later. Measures including oxygen saturation, transcutaneous CO2, respiratory rate, QTc interval, subjective effects (sedation, drug liking, craving), plasma levels (baclofen, methadone), and adverse events will be obtained using validated questionnaires and examinations periodically for 5 h after dosing. Discussion Study outcomes will determine what dose of baclofen is safe to prescribe to those receiving methadone, to inform a subsequent proof-of-concept trial of the efficacy baclofen to facilitate opiate detoxification. To proceed, the minimum acceptable dose is 30 mg of baclofen in patients receiving ≤ 60 mg/day methadone based on the clinical experience of baclofen’s use in alcoholism and guidelines for the management of opiate dependence. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05161351. Registered on 16 December 2021. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06821-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Paterson
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - D Barker
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Cro
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P Mozgunov
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Phillips
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Smith
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - L Nahar
- Toxicology Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Paterson
- Toxicology Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A R Lingford-Hughes
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, acts at the ionotropic GABAA and GABAC receptors, and the metabotropic GABAB receptor. This chapter summarizes the studies that have investigated the role of the GABAB receptor in stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety and mood disorders. Overall, clinical and preclinical evidences strongly suggest that the GABAB receptor is a therapeutic candidate for depression and anxiety disorders. However, the clinical development of GABAB receptor-based drugs to treat these disorders has been hampered by their potential side-effects, particularly those of agonists. Nevertheless, the discovery of novel GABAB receptor allosteric modulators, and increasing understanding of the influence of specific intracellular GABAB receptor-associated proteins on GABAB receptor activity, may now pave the way towards GABAB receptor therapeutics in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Felice
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Olivia F O'Leary
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Bareli T, Ahdoot HL, Ben Moshe H, Barnea R, Warhaftig G, Gispan I, Maayan R, Rosca P, Weizman A, Yadid G. Novel Opipramol-Baclofen Combination Alleviates Depression and Craving and Facilitates Recovery From Substance Use Disorder-An Animal Model and a Human Study. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:788708. [PMID: 35002647 PMCID: PMC8733380 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.788708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with depression and anxiety, with the latter being one of the major factors in substance-seeking and relapse. Due to dose-dependent sedative side effects there is limited efficacy of baclofen treatment for SUDs. Here we suggest the use of a novel combination of opipramol and baclofen (O/B) which is known to attenuate anxiety and depression, for the facilitation of recovery from SUDs. Since both opipramol and baclofen have a common downstream signal transduction, their individual doses could be reduced while still maintaining the benefits of the combination. We tested the O/B combination in both animals and patients. Rats treated with O/B showed significant attenuation in craving behavior and in relapse rate during withdrawal from cocaine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, conducted in a residential detoxification center, 14 males and 3 females, aged 28-60 years were assigned to a study (n = 6) and a placebo (n = 11) group (placebo group: 40 ± 10.5 years; O/B group 40 ± 10.8 years). The participants completed scales measuring depression, anxiety and craving symptoms and provided saliva samples for stress hormone examination [cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)]. Participants with polysubstance use disorder (PsUD) treated with O/B showed a reduction in cravings and depression and an increase in DHEA-S and in the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio. Our findings indicate a beneficial effect of O/B treatment. This study suggests a novel candidate for pharmacological treatment of patients with SUD and comorbid mood/anxiety disorders that may facilitate their rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzofnat Bareli
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hadas Levi Ahdoot
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hila Ben Moshe
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Royi Barnea
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gal Warhaftig
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Iris Gispan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rachel Maayan
- The Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, Israeli Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- The Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gal Yadid
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Leslie and Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Vlachou S. A Brief History and the Significance of the GABA B Receptor. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 52:1-17. [PMID: 34595739 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA type B (GABAB) receptors (GABABRs) are the only metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors for GABA and can be found distributed not only in the central nervous system, but also in the periphery. This chapter introduces important, fundamental knowledge related to GABABR function and the various potential therapeutic applications of the development of novel GABABR-active compounds, as documented through extensive studies presented in subsequent chapters of this Current Topic in Behavioral Neurosciences volume on the role of the neurobiology of GABABR function. The compounds that have received increased attention in the last few years compared to GABABR agonists and antagonists - the positive allosteric modulators - exhibit better pharmacological profiles and fewer side effects. As we continue to unveil the mystery of GABABRs at the molecular and cellular levels, we further understand the significance of these receptors. Future directions should aim for developing highly selective GABABR compounds for treating neuropsychiatric disorders and their symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Vlachou
- Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
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Abstract
An increasing number of chronic pain patients presenting for surgery are chronic opioid users. Pain management in the postoperative period can be challenging in this population due to the development of tolerance, physical dependence, and hyperalgesia in long-term opioid users. It is common for postoperative pain to be undertreated in these patients, leading to an overall increase in length of hospital stays, health care costs, and decreased patient satisfaction. Identifying opioid-tolerant patients and developing a perioperative pain management plan are important components of a patient's overall recovery after any surgical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Grancaric
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168 Street PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Woojin Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168 Street PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Madeline Scanlon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W 168 Street PH5-505, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Reynoard J, Schmitt C, Torrents R, Simon N. Toxicological considerations in the prescription of baclofen for the treatment of substance use disorders. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:309-317. [PMID: 32149546 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1740681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: For many years, applications for baclofen have widened in the treatment of substance abuse disorder (SUD), mainly alcohol use disorder, with a growing rate of off-label prescriptions in Europe. Clinical effects seem to be both a decrease of craving and anxiety, leading to a decrease of drug or alcohol consumption. We described baclofen poisoning circumstances, therapeutic options and outcomes when used in substance use disorders.Areas covered: This review summarizes the toxicological considerations where baclofen was prescribed in humans for substance use or abuse disorder in randomized clinical trials, case series, case reports and observational studies between 1990 and 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic reviews and Meta-Analysis.Expert opinion: The most frequent cause of severe intoxication is self-poisoning. A dose above 180 mg are expected to cause severe toxicity and death. The treatment is only symptomatic as no antidote is available. Off-label prescription remains unsafe because the optimal dose is not known and varies greatly between patients. As SUD are frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and such patients may have suicidal thoughts, the risk of self-poisoning is high. Potential co-ingestants should also be considered, especially CNS depressants, and they need to be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Reynoard
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Corinne Schmitt
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Romain Torrents
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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11
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Paino M, Aletraris L, Roman PM. The use of off-label medications in substance abuse treatment programs. Subst Abus 2019; 41:340-346. [PMID: 31361567 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1635962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers serve a population of clients who have diverse needs, and may desire or require access to varied treatments while seeking care for their SUDs. While pharmacotherapies have increased in popularity for the treatment of SUDs, adoption rates do remain quite low. But a wider array of pharmacotherapies has become available in recent years which may shift the trend. This article helps shed light on how variations in SUD treatment centers develop and persist with regard to the adoption and delivery of off-label medications. Methods: We use a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of SUD treatment centers in the US (N = 196). We use a logistic regression to analyze the relationship between organizational characteristics and offering any medications, off-label. We also use a negative binomial regression to analyze the relationship between organizational characteristics and the number of medications that were used off-label. Results: Our findings reveal that older centers, accredited centers, and centers that offer mental health screenings are all positively associated with the provision of off-label medication in SUD treatment. We also find a positive relationship between private funding and offering a greater number of off-label medications. Conclusions: Our results suggest that SUD clients who seek treatment from centers that offer medications off-label, may have access to a greater number of medication-assisted treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paino
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Lydia Aletraris
- Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul M Roman
- Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Assembling of medium/long chain-based β-arylated unnatural amino acid derivatives via the Pd(II)-catalyzed sp3 β-C-H arylation and a short route for rolipram-type derivatives. Tetrahedron 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related impairments belong to the most widespread psychiatric disorders leading to specific psychophysical, affective and cognitive symptoms and consequences for psychosocial well-being and health. Alcohol consumption is increasingly becoming a problem in many developing regions and AUD prevalence is estimated at 4.1% worldwide, with highest prevalence in European countries (7.5%), and the North America (6.0%). Therapeutic approaches, including pharmacotherapy, play an important role in treating patients with AUD. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of baclofen for treating people with AUD, who are currently drinking, with the aim of achieving and maintaining abstinence or reducing alcohol consumption. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two further databases and two clinical trials registries, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles. The date of the most recent search was 30 January 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least four weeks' treatment duration and 12 weeks' overall study duration comparing baclofen for relapse prevention of AUD with placebo, no treatment or other treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 RCTs (1128 participants). All studies but three recruited fewer than 100 participants. Participants had a diagnosis of alcohol dependence according the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria who were currently drinking. The mean age of participants was 48 years, and there were more men (69%), than women. All studies compared baclofen to placebo, except for one study that evaluated baclofen versus acamprosate. The included studies considered baclofen at different doses (range 10 mg a day to 150 mg a day). In all but one of the studies, participants in both the baclofen and placebo groups received psychosocial treatment or counselling of various intensity.We judged most of the studies at low risk of selection, performance, detection (subjective outcome), attrition and reporting bias.We did not find any difference between baclofen and placebo for the primary outcomes: relapse-return to any drinking (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.04; 5 studies, 781 participants, moderate certainty evidence); frequency of use by percentage of days abstinent (MD 0.39, 95% CI -11.51 to 12.29; 6 studies, 465 participants, low certainty evidence) and frequency of use by percentage of heavy drinking days at the end of treatment (MD 0.25, 95% CI -1.25 to 1.76; 3 studies, 186 participants, moderate certainty evidence); number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.10; 4 studies, 430 participants, high certainty evidence); the dropout rate at the end of treatment (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.26, 8 studies, 977 participants, high certainty evidence) and dropout due to adverse events (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.59 to 2.07; 7 studies, 913 participants, high certainty evidence).We found evidence that baclofen increases amount of use (drink per drinking days), (MD 1.55, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.77; 2 studies, 72 participants, low certainty evidence).Among secondary outcomes, there was no difference on craving (MD 1.38, 95% CI -1.28 to 4.03, 5 studies, 469 participants), and anxiety (SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.28; 5 trials, 509 participants). We found that baclofen increased depression (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.48; 3 studies, 387 participants).Concerning the specific adverse events we found that baclofen increased: vertigo (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.74; 7 studies, 858 participants), somnolence/sedation (RR 1.48, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.96; 8 studies, 946 participants), paraesthesia (RR 4.28, 95% CI 2.11 to 8.67; 4 studies, 593 participants), and muscle spasms/rigidity (RR 1.94, 95%CI 1.08 to 3.48; 3 studies, 551 participants). For all the other adverse events we did not find significant differences between baclofen and placebo.For the comparison baclofen versus acamprosate, we were only able to extract data for one outcome, craving. For this outcome, we found that baclofen increased craving compared with acamprosate (MD 14.62, 95% CI 12.72 to 16.52; 1 study, 49 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS None of the primary or secondary outcomes of the review showed evidence of a difference between baclofen and placebo. The high heterogeneity among primary studies results limits the interpretation of the summary estimate, the identification of moderators and mediators of baclofen's effects on alcohol use remains a challenge for further research. Even though some results from RCTs are promising, current evidence remains uncertain regarding the use of baclofen as a first-line treatment for people with AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Minozzi
- Lazio Regional Health ServiceDepartment of EpidemiologyVia Cristoforo Colombo, 112RomeItaly00154
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Lazio Regional Health ServiceDepartment of EpidemiologyVia Cristoforo Colombo, 112RomeItaly00154
| | - Susanne Rösner
- Forel KlinikIslikonerstrasse 5Ellikon an der ThurSwitzerland8548
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Beurmanjer H, Kamal RM, de Jong CAJ, Dijkstra BAG, Schellekens AFA. Baclofen to Prevent Relapse in Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-Dependent Patients: A Multicentre, Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Trial. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:437-442. [PMID: 29651711 PMCID: PMC5976688 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) dependence is associated with a severe, potentially lethal, withdrawal syndrome and relapse rates as high as 60% within 3 months of detoxification. Baclofen has been shown to decrease self-administration of GHB in mice and reduce relapse in a case series of GHB-dependent patients. Controlled studies on the effectiveness of baclofen to prevent relapse in GHB-dependent patients are lacking. AIM The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness of baclofen in preventing relapse in GHB-dependent patients. METHODS This was an out-patient, multicentre, open-label, non-randomized, controlled trial in GHB-dependent patients (n = 107) in the Netherlands. Treatment as usual (TAU, n = 70) was compared with TAU plus baclofen 45-60 mg/day for 3 months (n = 37). Outcome measures were rates of lapse (any use) and relapse (using GHB on average once a week or more), based on self-report. Side effects were monitored with a baclofen side-effects questionnaire. Treatment groups were compared using Chi square analyses, with both per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. RESULTS GHB-dependent patients treated with baclofen after detoxification showed no reduced lapse rates, but reduced relapse and dropout rates, compared with patients receiving TAU only (24 vs 50%). While both ITT and PP analyses revealed similar results, the effectiveness of baclofen prescribed PP was slightly higher than in ITT analysis. Patients reported overall limited side effects, with the most frequently reported being feeling tired (28%), sleepiness (14%) and feeling depressed (14%). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS This study showed potential effectiveness of baclofen in preventing relapse in patients with GHB dependence after detoxification. Though promising, future studies with longer follow-up and a randomized double-blind design should confirm these findings before recommendations for clinical practice can be made. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register with number NTR4528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmen Beurmanjer
- Novadic-Kentron, Vught, The Netherlands.
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Cor A J de Jong
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Boukje A G Dijkstra
- Novadic-Kentron, Vught, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnt F A Schellekens
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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de Beaurepaire R, Sinclair JMA, Heydtmann M, Addolorato G, Aubin HJ, Beraha EM, Caputo F, Chick JD, de La Selle P, Franchitto N, Garbutt JC, Haber PS, Jaury P, Lingford-Hughes AR, Morley KC, Müller CA, Owens L, Pastor A, Paterson LM, Pélissier F, Rolland B, Stafford A, Thompson A, van den Brink W, Leggio L, Agabio R. The Use of Baclofen as a Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Clinical Practice Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:708. [PMID: 30662411 PMCID: PMC6328471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a brain disorder associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Baclofen, a selective gamma-aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonist, has emerged as a promising drug for AUD. The use of this drug remains controversial, in part due to uncertainty regarding dosing and efficacy, alongside concerns about safety. To date there have been 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of baclofen in AUD; three using doses over 100 mg/day. Two additional RCTs have been completed but have not yet been published. Most trials used fixed dosing of 30-80 mg/day. The other approach involved titration until the desired clinical effect was achieved, or unwanted effects emerged. The maintenance dose varies widely from 30 to more than 300 mg/day. Baclofen may be particularly advantageous in those with liver disease, due to its limited hepatic metabolism and safe profile in this population. Patients should be informed that the use of baclofen for AUD is as an "off-label" prescription, that no optimal fixed dose has been established, and that existing clinical evidence on efficacy is inconsistent. Baclofen therapy requires careful medical monitoring due to safety considerations, particularly at higher doses and in those with comorbid physical and/or psychiatric conditions. Baclofen is mostly used in some European countries and Australia, and in particular, for patients who have not benefitted from the currently used and approved medications for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia M A Sinclair
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mathis Heydtmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Alexandra Hospital Paisley, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- AUD and Alcohol Related Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, Université Paris-Sud, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.,Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Paris, France
| | - Esther M Beraha
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Italy
| | - Jonathan D Chick
- Castle Craig Hospital, Blyth Bridge, United Kingdom.,School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicolas Franchitto
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Poisons and Substance Abuse Treatment Centre, Toulouse-Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - James C Garbutt
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Paul S Haber
- National Health Medical Research Council, Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Philippe Jaury
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anne R Lingford-Hughes
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christian A Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lynn Owens
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Pastor
- Department Addiction Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise M Paterson
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fanny Pélissier
- Poison Control Center, Toulouse-Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon, Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Andrew Thompson
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Holtyn AF, Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. Baclofen and naltrexone effects on alcohol self-administration: Comparison of treatment initiated during abstinence or ongoing alcohol access in baboons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:47-54. [PMID: 28753481 PMCID: PMC5599358 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, is under investigation as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. Treatment with a pharmacotherapeutic can be initiated during alcohol abstinence or active drinking, which may influence treatment outcomes. This study examined whether baclofen treatment initiated and maintained during alcohol abstinence would reduce alcohol seeking and self-administration upon return to alcohol access, and whether effects differed from treatment initiated and maintained during ongoing alcohol access. Naltrexone was tested under similar conditions for comparison. METHODS Five baboons self-administered alcohol under a three-component chained schedule of reinforcement that modeled periods of anticipation (Component 1), seeking (Component 2), and consumption (Component 3). Alcohol was only available in Component 3. In Experiment 1, baclofen (0.1-1.8mg/kg) or naltrexone (1.0-5.6mg/kg) was administered daily beginning on the first day of a 5-day abstinence period and treatment was continued for 5days of alcohol access. In Experiment 2, selected doses of both drugs were administered during ongoing alcohol access. RESULTS When treatment was initiated during alcohol abstinence, baclofen and naltrexone did not significantly reduce total alcohol intake (g/kg) or alcohol seeking. In comparison, when treatment was initiated during ongoing alcohol access, both baclofen (1.8mg/kg) and naltrexone (3.2 and 5.6mg/kg) significantly reduced total alcohol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone (5.6mg/kg), but not baclofen, significantly reduced alcohol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Initiation of baclofen treatment (or other alcohol use disorder treatments) during abstinence or active drinking may be an important factor in influencing efficacy and appropriate dose selection.
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Bosch OG, Esposito F, Havranek MM, Dornbierer D, von Rotz R, Staempfli P, Quednow BB, Seifritz E. Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Increases Resting-State Limbic Perfusion and Body and Emotion Awareness in Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2141-2151. [PMID: 28561068 PMCID: PMC5603804 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a GHB-/GABA-B receptor agonist inducing a broad spectrum of subjective effects including euphoria, disinhibition, and enhanced vitality. It is used as treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders including narcolepsy and alcohol withdrawal, but is also a drug of abuse. Non-medical users report enhancement of body and emotion awareness during intoxication. However, the neuronal underpinnings of such awareness alterations under GHB are unknown so far. The assessment of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) enables the elucidation of drug-induced functional brain alterations. Thus, we assessed the effects of GHB (35 mg/kg p.o.) in 17 healthy males on rCBF and subjective drug effects, using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, cross-over design employing arterial spin labeling phMRI. Compared to placebo, GHB increased subjective ratings for body and emotion awareness, and for dizziness (p<0.01-0.001, Bonferroni-corrected). A whole-brain analysis showed increased rCBF in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the right anterior insula under GHB (p<0.05, cluster-corrected). ACC and insula rCBF are correlated with relaxation, and body and emotion awareness (p<0.05-0.001, uncorrected). Interaction analyses revealed that GHB-induced increase of body awareness was accompanied by increased rCBF in ACC, whereas relaxation under GHB was accompanied by elevated rCBF in right anterior insula (p<0.05, uncorrected). In conclusion, enhancement of emotion and body awareness, and increased perfusion of insula and ACC bears implications both for the properties of GHB as a drug of abuse as well as for its putative personalized potential for specific therapeutic indications in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Zurich CH-8032, Switzerland, Tel: +41 44 384 2357, Fax: +41 44 383 4456, E-mail:
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Michael M Havranek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Dornbierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robin von Rotz
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staempfli
- MR-Center of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Research Group Disorders of the Nervous System, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, Research Group Disorders of the Nervous System, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Hauser P, Fuller B, Ho SB, Thuras P, Kern S, Dieperink E. The safety and efficacy of baclofen to reduce alcohol use in veterans with chronic hepatitis C: a randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2017; 112:1173-1183. [PMID: 28192622 DOI: 10.1111/add.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common among people with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and accelerate the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by HCV. Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) beta-receptor agonist, differs from medications for AUDs currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as it is metabolized primarily through the kidneys. The primary outcome of this study was to compare baclofen with a placebo in the percentage of days abstinent from alcohol. DESIGN A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. SETTING Hepatology clinics in four separate US Veteran Affairs Medical Centers in the United States. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and eighty Veteran men and women older than 18 years with chronic HCV, a comorbid AUD and current alcohol use. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR Oral baclofen was given at dosages of 0 (placebo) or 30 mg/day over 12 weeks with concomitant manual-guided counseling. MEASUREMENTS The primary measurement was percentage of days abstinent during the 12-week study period between the baclofen and placebo groups [measured by time-line follow-back (TLFB)]. Secondary measurements were the percentage of Veterans who achieved complete abstinence, the percentage of Veterans who achieved no heavy drinking between weeks 4 and 12 of the study, alcohol craving, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). FINDINGS Primary outcome: compared with placebo, baclofen did not improve the percentage of days abstinent. For all subjects there were significant reductions from baseline to 12 weeks in percentage of days abstinent from 37.0% [standard error (SE) = 2.7] to 68.6% (SE = 2.8, F(1151.1) = 66.1, P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups for change in percentage of days abstinent over the 12-week study period [absolute difference 1.3% (-9.1 to 1.7%), F(1152.6) = 0.005, P = 0.95]. SECONDARY OUTCOMES Of subjects who completed the first 4 weeks of the study, 8.9% (15 of 168) achieved complete abstinence; 10.1% (nine of 89) in the placebo group and 7.6% (six of 79) in the baclofen group [χ2(1) = 0.33, odds ratio (OR) = 0.73 (0.24-2.15)]. The percentage of no heavy drinking for all subjects between weeks 4 and 12 was 20.2% (34 of 168), but no statistically significant differences were found between placebo 15.7% (14 of 89) and baclofen 25.3% (20 of 79) [χ2(1) = 2.38, OR = 1.82 (0.85-3.90)]. There were significant reductions for all subjects in all other secondary variables over the course of the study, but no differences between groups. Measures of various biomarkers of alcohol use did not change significantly throughout the course of the study for either the baclofen or placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS Baclofen administered at 30 mg/day does not appear to be superior to placebo in increasing abstinence or in reducing alcohol use, cravings for alcohol or anxiety among people with alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hauser
- Division of Mental Health, Long Beach VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,VISN 22 Network Office, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Bret Fuller
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences Division, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Samuel B Ho
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Paul Thuras
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MA, USA
| | - Shira Kern
- Division of Mental Health, Long Beach VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Eric Dieperink
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MA, USA
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19
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Minozzi S, Saulle R, Rösner S. Baclofen for alcohol use disorder. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Minozzi
- Lazio Regional Health Service; Department of Epidemiology; Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112 Rome Italy 00154
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Lazio Regional Health Service; Department of Epidemiology; Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112 Rome Italy 00154
| | - Susanne Rösner
- Forel Klinik; Islikonerstrasse 5 Ellikon an der Thur Switzerland 8548
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20
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Qurishi R, Markus W, Habra MM, Bressers B, De Jong CA. EMDR Therapy Reduces Intense Treatment-Resistant Cravings in a Case of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid Addiction. JOURNAL OF EMDR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This article presents the first experiences of using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to aid in the treatment of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) dependency. A case presented itself as a result of intense, treatment-resistant cravings despite pharmacological treatment. The patient received 7 weekly sessions using a subset of the palette of EMDR interventions in addiction (PEIA; Markus & Hornsveld, 2017) targeting both negative and positive valenced addiction-related memory representations from the past, present, and future. Patient-reported GHB craving showed a gradual and prolonged reduction. Urine samples showed that the patient remained abstinent during and at least 6 months after EMDR therapy. Further research regarding the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in this particularly challenging group of substance users is warranted.
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Froger-Colléaux C, Castagné V. Effects of baclofen and raclopride on reinstatement of cocaine self-administration in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 777:147-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Keegan BMT, Beveridge TJR, Pezor JJ, Xiao R, Sexton T, Childers SR, Howlett AC. Chronic baclofen desensitizes GABA(B)-mediated G-protein activation and stimulates phosphorylation of kinases in mesocorticolimbic rat brain. Neuropharmacology 2015; 95:492-502. [PMID: 25724082 PMCID: PMC4537290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The GABAB receptor is a therapeutic target for CNS and neuropathic disorders; however, few preclinical studies have explored effects of chronic stimulation. This study evaluated acute and chronic baclofen treatments on GABAB-activated G-proteins and signaling protein phosphorylation as indicators of GABAB signaling capacity. Brain sections from rats acutely administered baclofen (5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed no significant differences from controls in GABAB-stimulated GTPγS binding in any brain region, but displayed significantly greater phosphorylation/activation of focal adhesion kinase (pFAK(Tyr397)) in mesocorticolimbic regions (caudate putamen, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus) and elevated phosphorylated/activated glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (pGSK3β(Tyr216)) in the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, septum, and globus pallidus. In rats administered chronic baclofen (5 mg/kg, t.i.d. for five days), GABAB-stimulated GTPγS binding was significantly diminished in the prefrontal cortex, septum, amygdala, and parabrachial nucleus compared to controls. This effect was specific to GABAB receptors: there was no effect of chronic baclofen treatment on adenosine A1-stimulated GTPγS binding in any region. Chronically-treated rats also exhibited increases in pFAK(Tyr397) and pGSK3β(Tyr216) compared to controls, and displayed wide-spread elevations in phosphorylated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (pDARPP-32(Thr34)) compared to acutely-treated or control rats. We postulate that those neuroadaptive effects of GABAB stimulation mediated by G-proteins and their sequelae correlate with tolerance to several of baclofen's effects, whereas sustained signaling via kinase cascades points to cross-talk between GABAB receptors and alternative mechanisms that are resistant to desensitization. Both desensitized and sustained signaling pathways should be considered in the development of pharmacotherapies targeting the GABA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M T Keegan
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Thomas J R Beveridge
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Pezor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ruoyu Xiao
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Tammy Sexton
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Steven R Childers
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Akosile W, Klan M. Creating a new problem: The use of baclofen in the management of alcohol use disorder. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 35:115-116. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wole Akosile
- Addiction Psychiatry; University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Matthew Klan
- Alcohol and Drug Service; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital; Brisbane Australia
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Inhibition of alcohol self-administration by positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor in rats: lack of tolerance and potentiation of baclofen. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1831-41. [PMID: 25420609 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Treatment with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs) inhibits several alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents, including operant, oral alcohol self-administration. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the effects of (a) repeated administration of the GABAB PAMs, GS39783, and rac-BHFF and (b) a combination of an ineffective dose of either GS39783, or rac-BHFF, and an ineffective dose of the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, on operant, oral alcohol self-administration. METHODS Studies were conducted using selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats exposed to a standard procedure of fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement for 15 % (v/v) alcohol. RESULTS Repeated treatment with GS39783 (50 mg/kg, i.g.) or rac-BHFF (50 mg/kg, i.g.) produced an initial 40 % reduction in number of lever responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol that was maintained unaltered throughout the 10-day period of the GS39783 treatment and increased throughout the 5-day period of the rac-BHFF treatment. Combination of per se ineffective doses of GS39783 (5 mg/kg, i.g.), or rac-BHFF (5 mg/kg, i.g.), and baclofen (1 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced, by 35-45 %, both number of lever responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. CONCLUSIONS GS39783 and rac-BHFF (a) reduced alcohol reinforcing properties when given repeatedly, with no development of tolerance, and (b) potentiated baclofen effect. Both sets of data possess translational interest, as they suggest potential effectiveness of GABAB PAMs under chronic treatment and selective potentiation of baclofen effect.
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Kamal RM, Schellekens A, De Jong CAJ, Dijkstra BAG. Baclofen as relapse prevention in the treatment of Gamma- Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) dependence: an open label study. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:91. [PMID: 25927622 PMCID: PMC4424532 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GHB dependence is a growing health problem in several western countries, especially the Netherlands. Attempts to stop using GHB are often followed by relapse shortly after successful detoxification. Craving for GHB use and co-morbid psychiatric symptom levels are thought to be the major factors contributing to the high relapse rates. Given its pharmacological profile, baclofen might prove an effective anti-craving agent for patients with GHB dependence. The aim of the current study is to assess the potential of baclofen as an anti-craving agent relapse prevention intervention in GHB dependent patients. METHODS/DESIGN In an open label non-randomized trial treatment with baclofen to a maximum of 60 mg/day will be compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in recently detoxified GHB dependent patients (n = 80). The primary outcome measure will be the level of GHB use. Secondary outcome measures are craving levels, psychiatric symptom levels and quality of life. Questionnaires will be administered during 12 weeks of baclofen treatment and at follow-up (six months after the start of treatment). DISCUSSION It is hypothesized that baclofen treatment compared to TAU will be associated with significantly reduced GHB use. In addition, we hypothesize that baclofen treatment will be associated with decreased craving and anxiety levels, and higher quality of life. If results are in line with our hypotheses, further studies on the efficacy of baclofen using placebo controlled designs and long term follow-up are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Netherlands Trial Register with number NTR4528 . Registered 19 April 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama M Kamal
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Hogedwarsstraat 3, PO Box 243, Vught, 5260 AE, the Netherlands. .,Novadic-Kentron Addiction Care network, Vught, the Netherlands.
| | - Arnt Schellekens
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Hogedwarsstraat 3, PO Box 243, Vught, 5260 AE, the Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis AJ De Jong
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Hogedwarsstraat 3, PO Box 243, Vught, 5260 AE the Netherlands
| | - Boukje AG Dijkstra
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Hogedwarsstraat 3, PO Box 243, Vught, 5260 AE the Netherlands
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28
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Baclofen-Induced Manic Symptoms: Case Report and Systematic Review. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2014; 55:326-332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Agabio R, Colombo G. GABAB receptor ligands for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: preclinical and clinical evidence. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:140. [PMID: 24936171 PMCID: PMC4047789 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper summarizes the preclinical and clinical studies conducted to define the "anti-alcohol" pharmacological profile of the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, and its therapeutic potential for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Numerous studies have reported baclofen-induced suppression of alcohol drinking (including relapse- and binge-like drinking) and alcohol reinforcing, motivational, stimulating, and rewarding properties in rodents and monkeys. The majority of clinical surveys conducted to date-including case reports, retrospective chart reviews, and randomized placebo-controlled studies-suggest the ability of baclofen to suppress alcohol consumption, craving for alcohol, and alcohol withdrawal symptomatology in alcohol-dependent patients. The recent identification of a positive allosteric modulatory binding site, together with the synthesis of in vivo effective ligands, represents a novel, and likely more favorable, option for pharmacological manipulations of the GABAB receptor. Accordingly, data collected to date suggest that positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor reproduce several "anti-alcohol" effects of baclofen and display a higher therapeutic index (with larger separation-in terms of doses-between "anti-alcohol" effects and sedation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of ItalyMonserrato, Italy
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Rolland B, Paille F, Fleury B, Cottencin O, Benyamina A, Aubin HJ. Off-label baclofen prescribing practices among French alcohol specialists: results of a national online survey. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98062. [PMID: 24887094 PMCID: PMC4041643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, among alcohol specialists belonging to the Société Française d'Alcoologie (SFA), i.e., the French Alcohol Society, the proportion of physicians who prescribed off-label baclofen for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The secondary objective was to depict the features of individual prescribing and monitoring practices. METHODS On-line survey among 484 French alcohol specialists. Physicians were asked whether they prescribed baclofen for AUDs. If they did not, the reasons for this choice were investigated. If they did, the features of the physician's prescribing practice were explored, including the number of patients treated, the mean and maximum doses, the monitoring precautions and the pharmacovigilance reporting. Participants were also asked about their empirical findings on HDB's efficacy and safety. RESULTS In total, 302 physicians (response rate of 62.4%) participated in the survey. Data from 296 participants were analysed, representing 59.4% of all active prescribing physicians belonging to the SFA. HDB use was declared by 74.6% of participants (mean dose 109.5 ± 43.6 mg/d; maximum dose 188 ± 93.3 mg/d). However, 79.2% of prescribers had treated less than 30 patients, and 67.8% used HDB as a second-line medication. Although HDB was perceived as more efficacious than approved drugs by 54.3% of prescribers, it was also declared less safe by 62.8%. Nonetheless, 79.7% of prescribers had never filed any pharmacovigilance report. Non-prescribers (25.6%) were primarily deterred by the current lack of scientific data and official regulation. CONCLUSION A majority of French alcohol specialists reported using HDB, although often on a limited number of their patients. HDB was considered efficacious but also potentially hazardous. Despite this, physicians reported minimal safety data to the health security system. While French health authorities are planning to draft a specific regulatory measure for framing off-label HDB prescribing practices, the sustained education of prescribers on spontaneous pharmacovigilance reporting should be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rolland
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Service d’Addictologie, CHU Lille, Univ Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
| | - François Paille
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Service d’Addictologie, CHU Nancy, Université, Univ Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Benoit Fleury
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie et d'Alcoologie, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Cottencin
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Service d’Addictologie, CHU Lille, Univ Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- CERTA L’Albatros, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, INSERM U 669, Villejuif, France
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- Société Française d’Alcoologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- CERTA L’Albatros, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, INSERM U 669, Villejuif, France
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Müller CA, Geisel O, Banas R, Heinz A. Current pharmacological treatment approaches for alcohol dependence. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 15:471-81. [PMID: 24456374 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2014.876008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At present, the substances acamprosate, naltrexone and disulfiram are available for pharmacotherapy in alcohol dependence, but clinical studies found only modest effect sizes of these treatment options. AREAS COVERED This article focuses on current pharmacological treatment approaches for alcohol dependence, which have been evaluated in randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). EXPERT OPINION Besides the opioid system modulator nalmefene, which has recently been approved as a medication for the reduction of alcohol consumption, several compounds have been investigated in patients with alcohol dependence using a randomized, placebo-controlled design. In these studies, the antiepileptic drugs topiramate and gabapentin were found to be effective in improving several drinking-related outcomes, whereas levetiracetam failed to show efficacy in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Clinical studies using (low-dose) baclofen, a selective GABA-B receptor agonist, produced conflicting results, so that results of further trials are needed. Varenicline has also shown mixed results in two RCTs, but might possibly be useful in patients with comorbid nicotine dependence. The α1 adrenergic antagonist prazosin is currently under investigation in alcohol dependence with and without comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Finally, first clinical evidence suggests that the 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron might possibly be used in future within a pharmacogenetic treatment approach in alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Müller
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte , Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin , Germany
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Pape E, Roman E, Scala-Bertola J, Thivilier C, Javot L, Saint-Marcoux F, Jouzeau JY, Gambier N. Death of an alcohol-dependent patient following intentional drug intoxication: implication of baclofen? Eur Addict Res 2014; 20:300-4. [PMID: 25300747 DOI: 10.1159/000362409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Used in the treatment of spasticity at low doses, baclofen is also prescribed off-label at high doses for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Several cases of baclofen intoxication have been reported, but only 1 case deals with the treatment of alcohol dependence. Thus, we report the first death in the context of baclofen off-label use of an alcohol-dependent patient with a high blood baclofen concentration after intentional drug intoxication. The safety profile of baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence is reviewed and discussed, underlining the obligatory caution that may support any prescription of high doses of baclofen in this off-label indication and especially in patients with concomitant psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Pape
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, CHU Nancy, Nancy, France
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