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Naltrexone Use in Treating Hypersexuality Induced by Dopamine Replacement Therapy: Impact of OPRM1 A/G Polymorphism

Audrey Verholleman1, Caroline Victorri-Vigneau2,3, Edouard Laforgue1,2,3

  • 1Addictology and Psychiatry Department, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Anti-craving drugs like naltrexone may treat hypersexuality caused by dopamine replacement therapy (DRT). A patient with a specific OPRM1 gene variant responded well to naltrexone, suggesting a potential genetic link.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hypersexuality is a recognized adverse effect of dopamine replacement therapy (DRT).
  • Anti-craving medications are being explored as potential treatments for DRT-induced hypersexuality.
  • The role of genetic polymorphisms, specifically in the Opioid Receptor Mu 1 (OPRM1) gene, is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the literature on the use of anti-craving drugs for dopamine replacement therapy-induced hypersexuality.
  • To investigate the influence of the OPRM1 gene polymorphism on treatment response.
  • To present a case study of iatrogenic hypersexuality and its management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Analysis of a case report involving a patient with iatrogenic hypersexuality.
  • Genetic analysis of the OPRM1 gene in the patient.

Main Results:

  • The systematic review identified 7 relevant publications, all involving naltrexone; 5 were case reports.
  • No previous publications reported on DRT side effects or genetic data related to this issue.
  • The case report demonstrated successful resolution of hypersexuality with naltrexone, and the patient possessed the A/G OPRM1 genotype.

Conclusions:

  • Naltrexone shows promise as a therapeutic option for dopamine replacement therapy-induced hypersexuality, particularly in cases resistant to other treatments.
  • The A/G genotype of the OPRM1 gene may be associated with a positive response to naltrexone.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and genetic correlations of naltrexone in treating DRT-induced hypersexuality.
Keywords:
OPRM1Parkinson’s diseasedopamine replacement therapygenotypinghypersexualityimpulse control disordernaltrexonesex addiction

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