PS268 Study Guide - Final Guide: Aversion Therapy, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Cross-Tolerance
Document Summary
Magic bullet approach: as we increase knowledge of the brain mechanisms mediating substance abuse, we"re more able to use meds to target these mechanisms, thereby blocking the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. Major hope is that pharmacotherapies will provide a window of opportunity by relieving withdrawal symptoms, so that behavioural or psychosocial treatments can be used. Benzodiazepines like diazepam (valium), alprazolam (xanax), chlordiazepoxide (librium), diazepam (valium) and lorazepam (ativan) increase the activity of gaba. Barbiturates like phenobarbital and naltexone which also increase activity of gaba. Naltrexone (revia) which is an opioid receptor antagonist. Acamprosate (campral) normalizes basal gaba concentrations, blocks withdrawal-induced glutamate increases. Nicotine replacements which are full agonists at nicotine receptors. Bupropion (zyban) inhibits reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, is an acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Varenicline (champix) which is a partial nicotine-receptor agonist. Methadone is a full agonist at opioid receptors and buprenorphine is a partial agonist at opioid receptors. Buprenorphine/naloxone (suboxone) is a partial agonist at opioid receptors.
