Effects of anaesthetic agents in interference of naloxone-induced opiate-withdrawal are dose-dependent in opiate-dependent rats.

In opiate-dependent rats previous studies showed that anaesthetic agents, such as chloral hydrate, midazolam and ketamine interfere with naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal. Each anaesthetic induces a specific pattern of interference, indicating that the interference is agent-dependent. In order to further investigate these effects and highlight a potential pharmacological basis of opiate withdrawal interference through anaesthetic agents, we hypothesized that anaesthetic-mediated interference of opiate withdrawal is also dose-dependent. Three groups of rats were compared in an experimental procedure of rapid withdrawal induction by an antagonist under anaesthesia using sub-anaesthetic dosage of midazolam, ketamine or saline. We observed that sub-anaesthetic dosage of ketamine, or midazolam, interferes significantly with opiate withdrawal expression. This brings arguments in favour of a pharmacological basis underlying rapid antagonists induction in opiate dependent rats.

Evaluation of cognitive functioning in 101 patients before opiate detoxification: implications in setting up therapeutic strategies.

Many studies have brought to light the facts that repeated use of drugs significantly influences one's cognitive functions, and that cognitive problems could interfere directly with one's capacity to participate in a rehabilitation program. In this research, we used the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) to assess the cognitive status of 101 hospitalized patients in an opiate detoxification program. The results reveal that a majority of the tested patients present cognitive abnormalities to varying degrees of severity. Furthermore, these cognitive deficits are correlated with four Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scales (medical, alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatry, respectively). Considering the results, because cognition is a major issue in detoxification and rehabilitation programs, simple cognitive screening (as with the GDS) coupled with a particular interest in some aspects of a patient's anamnesis could lead to better management of opiate-dependent patients.