Human psychopharmacology
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Human psychopharmacology · May 2017
Multicenter StudyImpact of synthetic cannabinoids on the duration of opioid-related withdrawal and craving among patients of addiction clinics in Kazakhstan: A prospective case-control study.
The aim of the study was to prospectively assess whether regular use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) affects the duration of opioid-related withdrawal and craving symptoms in patients undergoing drug detoxification treatments. ⋯ This is the first study to assess the impact of SCs on the course of opioid withdrawal and craving symptoms. The results (a) suggest that patients with opioid use disorder in combination with regular use of SCs exhibit a significantly longer duration of opioid withdrawal and craving symptoms, (b) add to the accumulating evidence showing clinical and molecular cross talks between cannabinoids and opioids, and (c) underline novel harmful effects of SCs.
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Human psychopharmacology · Mar 2017
Clinical TrialOpen-label, proof-of-concept study of brexanolone in the treatment of severe postpartum depression.
Preclinical evidence indicates that rapid changes in levels of allopregnanolone, the predominant metabolite of progesterone, confer dramatic behavioral changes and may trigger postpartum depression (PPD) in some women. Considering the pathophysiology of PPD (i.e., triggered by reproductive steroids), the need for fast-acting, efficacious treatments and the negative consequences of untreated PPD, there is an increasing focus on developing PPD therapies. Brexanolone (USAN; formerly SAGE-547 Injection), a proprietary injectable allopregnanolone formulation, was evaluated as a treatment for severe PPD in a proof-of-concept, open-label study. ⋯ Brexanolone was well tolerated and demonstrated activity in severe PPD. Larger, double-blind trials are needed for further evaluation.
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Human psychopharmacology · Mar 2016
Effects of methylphenidate on body index and physical fitness in Korean children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The side effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on growth remain a controversial concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MPH on clinical symptoms, growth, and physical fitness in Korean children. ⋯ Our findings support the effectiveness of MPH treatment for improving IQ, attention, and balance and agility measures of skill-related fitness in Korean children with ADHD. MPH was not associated with growth delays in height, weight, and BMI.
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Human psychopharmacology · Jan 2016
New psychoactive substances as part of polydrug abuse within opioid maintenance treatment revealed by comprehensive high-resolution mass spectrometric urine drug screening.
At present, polydrug abuse comprises, besides traditional illicit drugs, new psychoactive substances (NPS) and non-prescribed psychotropic medicines (N-PPM). Polydrug abuse was comprehensively evaluated among opioid-dependent patients undergoing opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). ⋯ A widespread occurrence of abused substances beyond the ordinary was revealed. Identifying these patients is essential as polydrug abuse is a safety risk to the patient and may cause attrition from OMT.
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Human psychopharmacology · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialAre antidepressants equally effective in the long-term treatment of major depressive disorder?
Few studies have compared simultaneously different antidepressants in long-term treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Long-term prevention of recurrences should be the main goal of MDD treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare antidepressants of different pharmacological classes in terms of retention in treatment (no discontinuation for recurrences, hospitalizations, side effects). ⋯ Bupropion and fluvoxamine appear less effective in long-term treatment of MDD. These results should be confirmed by randomized placebo-controlled prospective studies with larger samples.