Triazolam attenuates amphetamine but not morphine conditioned place preferences

In a series of four experiments the benzodiazepine triazolam was tested for reinforcing effects and for effects on reinforcement induced by amphetamine and morphine. Reinforcement was assessed in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Triazolam did not produce reinforcing or aversive effects when administered in doses ranging from 0.0625 to 0.5 mg/kg. Triazolam did attenuate reinforcing effects produced by 0.75 and 1.25 mg/kg amphetamine. No effect of triazolam was observed on morphine-induced reinforcement. These results indicate that the administration of triazolam can affect the brain mechanisms that mediate the reinforcing effects of amphetamine but not morphine.