Journal of psychopharmacology
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J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) · Mar 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialThe mu-opioid receptor agonist remifentanil induces acute dysphoria irrespective of its analgesic properties.
Mu-opioidergic agonists are believed to induce euphoria, whereas kappa-agonists are thought to lead to dysphoria. Our study investigated mood effects of remifentanil, a mu-receptor opioid agonist, in healthy male volunteers. Moreover, we examined interactions between mood and pain. ⋯ These effects occur with and without pain. Taken into account that remifentanil reduces pain, one could have expected analgesia-related amelioration of mood instead. In clinical practice, these remifentanil effects should be considered and a comedication might be advisable.