Evaluation of the reinforcing and subjective effects of heroin in combination with dextromethorphan and quinidine

Suzanne K. Vosburg, PhD; Maria A. Sullivan, MD, PhD; Sandra D. Comer, PhD

doi:10.5055/jom.2011.0086

Authors

Suzanne K. Vosburg, PhD
Maria A. Sullivan, MD, PhD
Sandra D. Comer, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2011.0086

Keywords:

self-administration, NMDA receptor, opiate, heroin

Abstract

Objective: Studies have suggested that the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist dextromethorphan may be useful in the treatment of opioid dependence.
Design: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled inpatient study evaluated the effects of 0, 30, and 60 mg of dextromethorphan and quinidine (DMQ) on the reinforcing and subjective effects of heroin in recently detoxified heroin abusers.
Participants: Nine heroin-dependent participants were admitted and then detoxified from heroin over the course of several days.
Interventions: Participants were subsequently stabilized on 0, 30, or 60 mg of DMQ. Each dose of DMQ was administered for two consecutive weeks, and the effects of heroin (0, 12.5, and 50 mg) were studied under each DMQ maintenance dose condition. DMQ and heroin dose were administered in random order both within and between participants.
Results: Planned comparisons revealed statistically significant increases in progressive ratio breakpoint values and positive subjective ratings as a function of heroin dose. There were no consistent changes in any of the responses as a function of DMQ maintenance dose, other than a modest reduction in craving.
Conclusions: In summary, results from this study suggest that maintenance on dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine has a limited role in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Author Biographies

Suzanne K. Vosburg, PhD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurobiology, Division of Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.

Maria A. Sullivan, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.

Sandra D. Comer, PhD

Professor of Clinical Neurobiology, Division of Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.

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