Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in Robitussin-DM and Mucinex-DM and binds to a number of sites in the brain related to drug abuse and dependence, including opioid receptors, sigma receptors, glutamate receptors and neurotransmitter transporters. Pao-Pao Yang and colleagues recently published a research article in the journal Synapse indicating that dextromethorphan could be a treatment for craving for methamphetamine craving. In their experiment, dextromethorphan microinjection into brain regions associated with drug abuse and dependence (the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area) decreased methamphetamine-seeking during a methamphetamine withdrawal period.
Reference - Yang PP et al (2012) Post-treatment of dextromethorphan on methamphetamine-induced drug-seeking and behavioral sensitization in rats. Synapse
Using Dextromethorphan for aiding in the treatment of methamphetamines comes with a price it also has high drug abuse rates. Dextromethorphan has another use than just suppressing cough. Some individual use this drug for recreational purposes, if used over the recommended dosage a person could experience disociative hallucinations (wikipedi.com). The most effect drug replacement therapy is when using drugs of similar components like methadone and mondafinil. Helping methamphetamine addiction is a most since it is now the leading addictive drug used. Focusing on therapy and problem solving techinque rather than drug replacement, that only introduces another addictive drug or easily abused drug is not always the answer.
ReplyDeleteDextromethorphan is, in fact, used recreationally for the purpose of getting "high". It is described as being classified in the close relation to PCP being a dissociative anesthetic. Reportedly, however, when used correctly it is relatively safe and produces no side effects. Under a physician's care it seems that dextromethorphan could be a promising choice for many types of drug withdrawal symptoms from many different types of drugs. Dextromethorphan is quite different from methamphetamine as methamphetamines are a stimulant and dextromethorphan has anelgesic properties. It seems very feasible that it would alleviate cravings, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. As stated above, under a doctor's care with the proper dosage and administration, dextromethorphan therapy would be much safer than continuing to use methamphetamine or trying to "dry out" on your own.
ReplyDeleteNow this is amazing and new knowledge to me! However, since Dextromethorphan is also an abused drug/medication, it is possible that use for therapeutic treatment (for methamphetamine addiction) can increase tolerance and become ineffective overtime? Methamphetamine addiction has been determined to be a very difficult addiction to treat, with very high relapse potential and rates. I believe this is something to be considered in the research of Dextromethorphan-use for treatment of methamphetamine addiction.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, the community pharmacist has to rely on his or her own judgement as to when referral is necessary and to whom, often trusting the word of the individual that they will seek help for their addiction, as there is no formal referral pathway and refusal of supply may simply drive the client to another unsuspecting pharmacy. Rehab center Indianapolis
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