A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Efficacy of Clonidine in Detoxification of Opioid Dependency
Mani B. Monajemi,
Seyyed Mohammad Moosavi
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
87-90
Received:
19 September 2016
Accepted:
9 February 2017
Published:
9 March 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajpn.20160406.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Clonidine is α² adrenergic receptor agonist with detrimental effect on locus coeruleus. It is considered as one of the detoxification drugs in order to reduce opiate withdrawal syndrome. We conducted this study in order to assess clonidine effect on withdrawal symptoms and signs. Materials and methods This double blind, clinical trial, single centered study was conducted among 104 male inpatient heroin dependent patients in Psychiatric Center. They were selected via convenient sampling method. Subsequently, they were divided randomly into two matched groups: trial–control (clonidine –placebo) groups. Withdrawal symptoms and signs based on DSM–5 were compared in groups. Results: In 14 day detoxification period (in 7th and 14th day examination), the effect of clonidine on craving and agitation (p < 0.01) was significant. With respect to other symptoms and signs, clonidine was not effective prominently. Discussion: Due to different results compared to previous studies in this area. Clonidine use with respect to opioid withdrawal syndrome needs further evaluation or may need to revise.
Abstract: Background: Clonidine is α² adrenergic receptor agonist with detrimental effect on locus coeruleus. It is considered as one of the detoxification drugs in order to reduce opiate withdrawal syndrome. We conducted this study in order to assess clonidine effect on withdrawal symptoms and signs. Materials and methods This double blind, clinical trial, ...
Show More
Common Neurotransmitters: Criteria for Neurotransmitters, Key Locations, Classifications and Functions
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
91-95
Received:
4 June 2016
Accepted:
20 June 2016
Published:
10 March 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajpn.20160406.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The criteria, key locations, classifications and functions of common neuro transmitters is reviewed and discussed. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. They relay signals between neurons. To be neurotransmitter the molecule must be present in the brain and distributed unevenly and enzymes that help to create the neurotransmitter must be present in the brain. Common inhibitory neurotransmitters such as serotonin, Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and dopamine calm the brain and help create balance where as excitatory neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, glutamate, epinephrine, and dopamine stimulate the brain. From inhibitory neurotransmitters dopamine is located in Amygdala, Cingulate cortex, Hippocampus, Nucleus accumbens. Olfactory bulb, Prefrontal cortex, substancia nigra and hypothalamus and it is mainly involved in movements, emotions, sexual arousal and cognitive functions where as Serotonin is located in Amygdala, Cingulate cortex, Hippocampus, thalamus, septum, neocortex, ventral tagemental area and hypothalamus and it is mainly involved in emotions, sleep, body temperature regulation and pain suppressions. From excitatory neurotransmitters norepinephrine is found in Amygdala, Hippocampus, brainstem, Spinal cord, Cerebellum, Cerebral cortex, Hypothalamus, Tectum, Thalamus, Ventral tegmental area, and Olfactory bulb and mainly involved in anxiety, mood, sympathetic arousal, cognitive control, working memory, hunger and circadian rhythm. Acetylcholine is found nucleus basalis of meynert, medial septal nucleus, diagonal band hippocampus, Cerebral cortex, limbic cortex, sensory cortex, thalamus and Ventral tegmental area and mainly involved in emotions, wakefulness and attention (arousal), short term memory, learning and motor functions.
Abstract: The criteria, key locations, classifications and functions of common neuro transmitters is reviewed and discussed. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. They relay signals between neurons. To be neurotransmitter the molecule must be present in the brain and distributed unevenly and enz...
Show More