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Published on: February 18, 2016
Carisoprodol tolerance and precipitated withdrawal
Michael B Gatch1, Jacques D Nguyen, Theresa Carbonaro
1Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, USA. michael.gatch@unthsc.edu
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Carisoprodol causes tolerance and withdrawal symptoms in mice, indicating potential for abuse. This muscle relaxant may have addiction risks similar to benzodiazepines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant acting on GABA(A) receptors.
- Increasing concerns exist regarding carisoprodol's abuse potential.
- Evidence for carisoprodol-induced tolerance and withdrawal has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if repeated carisoprodol administration induces tolerance.
- To determine if carisoprodol causes withdrawal signs in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Mice received carisoprodol (0-500 mg/kg) twice daily for four days.
- Loss-of-righting reflex was measured post-administration.
- Withdrawal signs were assessed after bemegride, flumazenil, or vehicle administration.
Main Results:
- Carisoprodol dose-dependently impaired the righting reflex initially.
- Tolerance developed within four days, reducing reflex impairment by 75-100%.
- Spontaneous withdrawal was not observed, but antagonists precipitated withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Carisoprodol administration led to tolerance.
- Antagonist-precipitated withdrawal suggests addiction potential.
- Carisoprodol may share addiction risks with benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
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