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At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Narcotic abstinence in dependent rats: EEG and behavioral correlates.

The purpose of the study was to assess and compare EEG and behavioral correlates of abstinence from morphine, methadone, LAAM, NLAAM, and DNLAAM in dependent rats. Rats were initially trained to lever press for self-injections on a FR-20 schedule of reinforcement. Following substitution of saline for each of the narcotic agonists. REM sleep was significantly suppressed during morphine, methadone, and NLAAM abstinence, but not during LAAM and DNLAAM abstinence. Significant increases in lever pressing for saline during abstinence from morphine, methadone, and NLAAM emerged earlier than with LAAM and DNLAAM. Significant increases in head-shake behavior occurred during morphine, methadone, NLAAM, and DNLAAM abstinence, but not during LAAM abstinence. These results demonstrated further pharmacodynamic differences between the five narcotics studied. Our findings suggested that in dependent rats abstinence from LAAM was the least severe when compared with abstinence from any of the other four narcotic studied.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Association of alcoholism and antisocial personality in a narcotic-dependent population: the Lexington addicts.

Men with antisocial personality have a higher prevalence of alcoholism than men without. This relationship was examined in a narcotic-dependent sample, and it was found that narcotic-dependent men with antisocial personality had a rate of alcoholism comparable to that of narcotic-dependent men without antisocial personality. The methodological and clinical explanations for this finding are discussed along with the neurophysiological implications.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Neuropsychological effects of methylphenidate in patients receiving a continuous infusion of narcotics for cancer pain.

Twenty consecutive patients with cancer pain receiving a continuous subcutaneous infusion of narcotics were admitted to a double-blind, crossover trial designed to assess the effects of methylphenidate on neuropsychological functions. After a baseline assessment, patients were randomized to receive methylphenidate orally at 08.00 h for 2 consecutive days or placebo. During day 3, a crossover took place and patients received the alternate treatment for 2 more days. At the end of the trial, both patients and investigators were asked to choose blindly the most effective treatment. Cognitive tests (finger tapping, FT 10 and 30 sec; arithmetics, A; reverse memory of digits, RM; and visual memory, VM) were performed in all patients before and 45 min after their morning dose of narcotics for 2 consecutive days. Mean percentual change in FT 10 sec, FT 30 sec, A, RM, and VM after the narcotic dose were 89 +/- 12%, 98 +/- 15%, 108 +/- 17%, 101 +/- 17%, and 97 +/- 21% in the placebo group versus 119 +/- 16 (P less than 0.001), 130 +/- 19 (P less than 0.001), 78 +/- 21 (P less than 0.001), 125 +/- 28 (P less than 0.01), and 128 +/- 26 (P less than 0.001) in the methylphenidate group, respectively. After completion of the trial, methylphenidate was chosen blindly by the patient and investigator in 13 and 14 cases, placebo in 3 and 2 cases, a "no choice" in 3 and 3 cases, respectively (P less than 0.01). Our results suggest that methylphenidate is capable of improving cognitive function in patients receiving high doses of opiates subcutaneously. More research is necessary in order to determine the duration of cognitive improvement after each dose of methylphenidate as well as the best type and dose of amphetamine.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Neurobehavioral functioning in children exposed to narcotics in utero.

The neuropsychological and behavioral status of children exposed to narcotics in utero was investigated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, the Bender-Gestalt, the Quick Neurological Screening Test, and the Burks Behavior Rating Scales. The narcotic-exposed children scored significantly lower than control children on Performance and Full-Scale IQs and most of the performance subtests. They scored significantly in the more pathological direction on Hand Skill, Figure Recognition and Reproduction, and Behavioral Irregularities. The narcotic-exposed children were significantly lower on the neurological indicators of the Bender-Gestalt. They scored significantly in the more pathological direction on almost all of the behavioral variables. The children exposed to methadone in utero scored in the more pathological direction than those exposed to heroin so as to raise questions directed toward the societal and ethical implications of methadone treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Narcotic addiction in two Asian cultures: a comparison and analysis.

Our current knowledge regarding the effects of open access to narcotic drugs is limited. This study was undertaken to clarify issues regarding availability of these drugs. Two ethnic groups in Laos were compared: the Hmong (or Meo), a tribal group with access to opium in their homes; and the Lao, a peasant people with more limited access, usually in opium dens. Of 15 demographic and clinical variables studied, 10 showed significant differences between the two cultures. Eight of these 10 could be readily accounted for by differences in drug availability. Only two differences could be ascribed to socio-ecologic factors not related to drug availability. Similarities between the two groups appeared due to (1) pharmacologic effects of narcotic addiction and (2) low social opprobrium toward addiction in both cultures. In this study, open availability of narcotic drugs appeared to favor the following: a greater proportion of female addicts; younger age of opiate usage and addiction; use of the more intoxicating route of administration; earlier onset of problems related to addiction; and shorter duration of addiction before seeking treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Use and abuse of non-narcotic analgesics.

The definition of abuse and dependence of non-narcotic analgesics should take into consideration the interaction of drug and personality. Usually, definitions are based on qualitative aspects of the risk-benefit ratio in the use of psychotropic drugs. By means of modern research methods in epidemiology and clinical psychology, quantitative aspects might be integrated in the process of defining persons and drugs when evaluating their risk of abuse or dependence. In a prospective field study with working housewives of northwestern Switzerland who showed objective evidence of intake of non-narcotic analgesics and a control group, the interaction of drug use and personality features has been investigated. There was significant evidence that heavy use of non-narcotic analgesics was paralleled with a high risk of depression, emotional liability and disturbance in sexual identity. Using urine analysis, the study group was divided into two subgroups showing low or high intake of drugs, respectively. Special attention was focused on persons shifting from the study group into the control group and vice versa.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1980

Candidate mechanisms for inhibition of neurotransmitter release by narcotic analgesics and endorphins.

Some neurones are endowed with receptors for endorphins and narcotic analgesics. Activation of these receptors results in a depression of the release of transmitter per impulse. It is currently believed that narcotic analgesics and endorphins depress the stimulus-induced influx of calcium (Ca2+) into the terminal and thereby modify the amount of the ion which triggers the release of the transmitter from intracellular stores. The influx of Ca2+ is largely governed by the Ca2+ "channel", which opens during depolarization of the neuronal membrane either after an action potential (electrical stimulus) or in the presence of high extracellular potassium (K+) or nicotinic stimulants (chemical stimulus). The evoked influx of Ca2+ can be affected by a direct action on the Ca2+ "channel" or by primary actions on other membrane properties that subsequently regulate the Ca2+ "channel". In many tissues narcotic analgesics and endorphins fail to inhibit transmitter release. This may be accounted for by the possibility that either such neurones lack presynaptic opiate receptors or that the function of existing receptors remains latent under the experimental conditions employed. Currently, there is insufficient evidence for endorphins physiologically modulating transmitter release.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1978

Sudden unexpected death in infants of narcotic-dependent mothers.

During the study years 1972--1974, 8 of 383 infants born to mothers with known narcotic dependency during pregnancy died unexpectedly within the first 4 mth of life; autopsies were compatible with the diagnosis of SIDS. This incidence of SIDS was 5.5 times that in our hospital populations (P < 0.001) and 8.7 times that of our borough within New York City (P < 0.001). Similar factors, such as sex ratio, age at time of death, and diurnal and seasonal variations suggest that narcotic-associated sudden death may be a relevant study model for sudden unexpected death in the general population. Intrauterine exposure to narcotics and its subsequent effect on central control of respiration in the young infant may be the underlying mechanism of drug related SIDS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Suppression of natural killer cell activity by high-dose narcotic anesthesia in rats.

Suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity in the postoperative period has been reported in several clinical studies. Endogenous opioids and cerebral injection of morphine have been shown to suppress NK cell activity. Since high-dose opiates are commonly used in anesthetic practice, we sought to determine the effects of three narcotic agents on NK cell activity. Male rats were injected subcutaneously with morphine (30 mg/kg), fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg), or sufentanil (0.06 mg/kg). Three, 12, or 24 h later the cytotoxic activity of splenic NK cells was measured in a 4-h chromium-51 release assay using radiolabeled target cells. All three drugs significantly suppressed NK cytotoxicity at 3 h after administration; this effect was blocked by an opiate antagonist, naltrexone. Fentanyl and sufentanil also caused a significant suppression 12 h after drug administration. By 24 h NK activity of all groups returned to normal values. Interferon is known to augment NK cell activity. Therefore, in another experiment rats were given an interferon inducer, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), to determine if it would alter the effects of these narcotics on splenic NK activity. Poly I:C treatment increased NK cytotoxicity to above baseline; fentanyl in these animals reduced NK activity and brought it back to control levels. These findings suggest that clinically used high-dose narcotic anesthesia can suppress NK cytotoxic activity and that pretreatment with interferon can attenuate this suppression.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1993

Safety assessment of high-dose narcotic analgesia for emergency department procedures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of high-dose IV narcotics in patients requiring analgesia for painful emergency department procedures. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter clinical trial. SETTING: Five adult urban EDs. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: All patients received IV meperidine (1.5 to 3.0 mg/kg) titrated to analgesia followed by a painful procedure. Vital signs and alertness scale were recorded at regular intervals, and patients were observed for four hours. Adverse events were monitored and documented. Comparisons between baseline and postanalgesia intervals were made with a repeated measures ANOVA (Dunnett's test). RESULTS: Although statistically significant changes in vital signs and alertness scale occurred, they were not clinically significant. Opiate reversal with naloxone was not needed in any patient, and no significant respiratory or circulatory compromise occurred. CONCLUSION: This study of 72 patients demonstrates that high-dose narcotic analgesia is appropriate, well tolerated, and safe when used in selected patients before painful procedures in the ED. Narcotic antagonists and resuscitation equipment nonetheless should be available to maximize safety.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of positioning to reduce the severity of neonatal narcotic withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that highly fretful, narcotic-withdrawing neonates experience less distress in a prone-lying position than comparable, supine-lying neonates. STUDY DESIGN: Equivalent numbers of randomly assigned, narcotic-withdrawing newborns were assigned to prone-lying (n = 25) or supine-lying (n = 23) conditions. Subjects in the two groups were similar with regard to gestational age, birth weight, and clinical presentation. Peak and mean withdrawal severity, as measured by Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (NASS) scores and daily caloric intake, were compared between supine and prone groups by Wilcoxon's two-sample test. RESULTS: The prone-lying neonates had lower peak NASS scores (p < 0.0001), lower mean NASS scores (p < 0.0001), and lower caloric intake (p < 0.001) than supine-lying, narcotic-withdrawing newborns. CONCLUSION: The fretfulness associated with neonatal withdrawal and other stressful conditions can be moderated by laying the affected infant prone. The pronate quieting response is a significant, endogenous source of neonatal pacification.

Energy Intake↗
PubMed1975

Dual regulation of adenylate cyclase accounts for narcotic dependence and tolerance.

Narcotics affect adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] in two opposing ways, both mediated by the opiate receptor. The first process is the readily reversible inhibition of the enzyme by narcotics; the second is a compensatory increase in enzyme activity which is delayed in onset and relatively stable. Late positive regulation of the enzyme counteracts the inhibitory influence of morphine and is responsible for narcotic dependence and tolerance. The coupled inhibitory and positive regulatory mechanisms for adenylate cyclase provide a means of activating and deactivating neural circuits hours after the initial event and thus may play a role in a memory process.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1999

Early deviance and related risk factors in the children of narcotic addicts.

This descriptive study examines the self-reported behaviors of 285 male and female adolescent children (ages 12-17) of narcotic addicts participating in methadone maintenance programs. These children responded to an extensive 2.5-hour interview questionnaire focusing on current and past activities, including criminal activities prior to age 12. The findings revealed that early deviance, assessed by self-report measures of both severity and variety, is related to current adolescent drug and alcohol use, association with deviant peers, a negative view of home atmosphere, and psychological symptomatology. These results are contrasted with the retrospective reports of adolescent behavior obtained from adult male narcotic addicts in a prior study of vulnerability to addiction. The comparability of study results is discussed in the context of developmental risk factors, prevention and treatment strategies, and other considerations specifically related to the development of children of narcotic addicts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

X-ray microanalysis of crystalline material in the liver of a narcotics user.

A 22-year-old athlete, who had had intravenous injections of narcotics in the past, developed a viral hepatitis with markedly altered liver enzyme values. Studies revealed evidence of a virtual cure of hepatitis B virus and a current infection with delta agent. Liver biopsy showed a mixed-cell portal inflammation and doubly refractile crystalline particles. These particles were shown by energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis to contain calcite, silica, talc, and a variety of elements including Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Br, Yb, Os, Ir, and a trace U. The predominance of Ca-containing compounds suggested that the foreign material was present as a result of the chemical preparation of the narcotic or as a narcotic diluent. The potential for pathologic alteration by the various substances is discussed. These observations support the idea of particulate-induced hepatic disease advanced previously by others.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Determination of phenolalkylamines, narcotic analgesics, and beta-blockers by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

An analytical procedure for determination of phenolalkylamines, narcotic analgesics, and beta-blockers in urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is described. The detection of phenolalkylamines, narcotic analgesics, and beta-blockers is based on acid hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction, and selective derivatization. For screening of phenolalkylamines the m/e 179 and 267 ions were monitored by GC/MS. With narcotic analgesics, the extracted ion corresponded to the molecular ion (M+) of the drug and two additional characteristic ions. Beta-blockers were analyzed as the selectively derivatized forms of the parent molecule and its metabolites by GC/MS with selected ion monitoring. The ions monitored for screening of beta-blockers containing an isopropylamine group were m/e 284 and 129 ions. The ion at m/e 86 was monitored to characterize the tert-butylamine group of beta-blockers.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1989

In vitro inhibition of a polymorphic human liver P-450 isozyme by narcotic analgesics.

Genetically determined differences in the ability of individuals to oxidize certain drugs by hepatic P-450 processes has gained increasing attention. The so-called debrisoquin hydroxylase, which is defective in approximately 5-10% of whites, is known to be of major importance for the metabolism of several drugs. The possible relation of this isozyme to the metabolism of narcotics eliminated by oxidative biotransformation has not been studied. Several narcotics were screened for in vitro interaction with this P-450 isozyme. This was accomplished by testing for competitive inhibition by narcotics of the 2-hydroxylation of desmethylimipramine in a human liver microsomal preparation. Alfentanil, fentanyl, and dextropropoxyphene were found to competitively inhibit this pathway demonstrating an interaction with this polymorphic isozyme. No interaction was found for codeine, meperidine, methadone, morphine, or nalbuphine. These results suggest that a genetic defect may be important for elimination clearance by metabolism for dextropropoxyphene, alfentanil, and fentanyl and that in vivo investigation is warranted.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1977

MMPI changes in briefly hospitalized non-narcotic drug users.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered to 66 non-narcotic drug abusers as part of an intensive study of polydrug abuse. Patients were classified into four primary drug-of-abuse groups using either stimulants, barbiturates, other sedative-hypnotics, or a combination of these drugs. It was readministered to 42 of these patients after 2 weeks' hospitalization. At admission, the group's MMPI profile was consistent with psychosis. At discharge, most of the MMPI T-scores were sharply reduced, and the groups' profile was consistent with sociopathy. The admission MMPI profiles of the four primary drug-of-abuse groups did not differ. At discharge, the stimulant group's profile remained psychotic, while the profiles of the other three groups were not psychotic. Such results raise the possibility of a toxic psychotic effect of chronic non-narcotic drug abuse. The group of stimulant abusers appeared schizophrenic, while the other groups of non-narcotic drug abusers appeared sociopathic.

Amphetamines↗
PubMed1986

A comparison by ethnic group and city of the criminal activities of narcotic addicts.

In an effort to update the results of earlier studies concerning the amounts and types of crimes committed by urban, male narcotic addicts, confidential interviews were conducted with addicts attending methadone maintenance clinics in Baltimore and New York. Samples were stratified by ethnic group (black and white in Baltimore; black, white, and Hispanic in New York), and the amounts and types of crimes committed were compared across groups, cities, and narcotic addiction status (actively addicted/not actively addicted) using six different measures all based on the concept of crime-days per year at risk. Consistent with previous findings, addicts were found to engage in a great deal of criminal activity, especially during periods of active addiction to narcotics. Differences in the amounts and types of crimes committed were found among ethnic groups and, to a lesser extent, between cities as well. For the Baltimore sample, comparison of findings with those derived from an earlier (1973-78) data base suggests that the amount of crime committed by addicts has increased in several categories as well as overall. However, minor differences in data collection procedures render this finding suggestive rather than conclusive.

Adult↗