Naloxone (Narcan) treatment in depression: clinical observations and effects on CSF endorphins and monoamine metabolites. 1977

L Terenius, and A Wahlström, and H Agren

Various dysphoric states are seen both in mood depression and on taking opiates. On the hypothesis that opiate antagonists would alter mood level, naloxone (Narcan), 0.4--0.8 mg t.i.d., was given to five depressed patients in six trials for a duration of 6--12 days. The CSF endorphin and monoamine metabolite content was analyzed before and after naloxone treatment. We observed no positive effect on mood level. However, an abrupt worsening of symptoms was noted in two cases on discontinuation of treatment. Decreasing values of endorphin Fraction I as a result of treatment was noted as a general trend. Fraction II, although elevated, showed no distinct trend. 5HIAA increased in four of the six trials. The results suggest that naloxone treatment changes endorphin and serotonin activity, though not to a clinically observable extent.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009270 Naloxone A specific opiate antagonist that has no agonist activity. It is a competitive antagonist at mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. MRZ 2593-Br,MRZ-2593,Nalone,Naloxon Curamed,Naloxon-Ratiopharm,Naloxone Abello,Naloxone Hydrobromide,Naloxone Hydrochloride,Naloxone Hydrochloride Dihydride,Naloxone Hydrochloride, (5 beta,9 alpha,13 alpha,14 alpha)-Isomer,Naloxone, (5 beta,9 alpha,13 alpha,14 alpha)-Isomer,Narcan,Narcanti,Abello, Naloxone,Curamed, Naloxon,Dihydride, Naloxone Hydrochloride,Hydrobromide, Naloxone,Hydrochloride Dihydride, Naloxone,Hydrochloride, Naloxone,MRZ 2593,MRZ 2593 Br,MRZ 2593Br,MRZ2593,Naloxon Ratiopharm
D011569 Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Standardized procedures utilizing rating scales or interview schedules carried out by health personnel for evaluating the degree of mental illness. Factor Construct Rating Scales (FCRS),Katz Adjustment Scales,Lorr's Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Rating Scale,Wittenborn Scales,Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale,Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview
D003863 Depression Depressive states usually of moderate intensity in contrast with MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER present in neurotic and psychotic disorders. Depressive Symptoms,Emotional Depression,Depression, Emotional,Depressive Symptom,Symptom, Depressive
D004723 Endorphins One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; OPIOID PEPTIDES is used for the broader group. Endorphin
D005260 Female Females
D006719 Homovanillic Acid A 3-O-methyl ETHER of (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid. 3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid,4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenylacetic Acid,3 Methoxy 4 Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid,4 Hydroxy 3 Methoxyphenylacetic Acid,Acid, 3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxyphenylacetic,Acid, 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenylacetic,Acid, Homovanillic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006897 Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid 5-HIAA,5-Hydroxy-3-Indoleacetic Acid,5-Hydroxyindolamine Acetic Acid,5 Hydroxy 3 Indoleacetic Acid,5 Hydroxyindolamine Acetic Acid,Acetic Acid, 5-Hydroxyindolamine,Acid, 5-Hydroxy-3-Indoleacetic,Acid, 5-Hydroxyindolamine Acetic,Acid, Hydroxyindoleacetic
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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