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Evaluation of propranolol in opiate dependence
Archives of General Psychiatry
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Propranolol hydrochloride did not prove effective for treating opiate dependence. Controlled studies found it neither relieved nor precipitated withdrawal symptoms, nor blocked euphoria from heroin use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Recent reports suggested propranolol hydrochloride's efficacy in treating opiate dependence.
- These initial findings were based on uncontrolled clinical observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate previous reports on propranolol hydrochloride for opiate dependence.
- To conduct controlled, double-blind studies to assess its therapeutic effects.
Main Methods:
- Controlled, double-blind studies were performed with hospitalized volunteers.
- Subjects were dependent on dihydromorphinone hydrochloride or heroin.
- Propranolol hydrochloride's effects on withdrawal, euphoria, and self-administration were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Propranolol hydrochloride did not relieve or precipitate opiate withdrawal.
- It failed to block heroin-induced euphoria in both dependent and non-dependent subjects.
- No significant effect on the pattern of self-administration was observed.
Conclusions:
- The study does not confirm previous claims of propranolol hydrochloride's efficacy in treating opiate dependence.
- Propranolol hydrochloride is not an effective treatment for opiate withdrawal or blocking heroin's effects.
- Further research may be needed to explore other therapeutic avenues for opiate dependence.