Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHOD: Work by preclinical and clinical investigators on the subject of motivation and its contextually relevant behavior is reviewed. The review includes the pharmacologic modulation of the motivation or drive and subsequent changes in behavior in animals and humans. On the basis of these reviews, the author prescribed naltrexone for up to 9 months to 15 patients who had impulse-control disorder, and 3 select cases are reported. RESULTS:
Naltrexone was generally well tolerated, and there were no hepatic side effects. Naltrexone appears to reduce urge-related symptoms and decreases the problematic behaviors such as pathological gambling. The effect appears to be sustained. In general, 50 mg/day of naltrexone was not effective. Most patients required higher doses. Results were similar in the 12 other cases not reported here. CONCLUSION:
Naltrexone may be of use in select impulse-control disorder patients. Other opioid antagonists such as nalmefene also need to be tested. Until controlled study data become available, the present report should be viewed as preliminary.
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Authors | S W Kim |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 59
Issue 4
Pg. 159-64
(Apr 1998)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9590665
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Narcotic Antagonists
- Naltrexone
- nalmefene
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Topics |
- Adult
- Compulsive Behavior
(drug therapy)
- Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Gambling
(psychology)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Naltrexone
(analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
- Narcotic Antagonists
(therapeutic use)
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