d-ala(2)-mephe(4)-met(0)-ol-enkephalin and Heroin-Dependence

Topics: Adult; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Drug Tolerance; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Growth Hormone; Heroin Dependence; Hormones; Humans; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Prolactin; Thyrotropin; Time Factors

The effects of 20 mg morphine HCL i.m. and the synthetic metenkephalin analogue FK 33-824 (1.25 mg, i.m.) were compared single blind in 8 addicts undergoing withdrawal from chronic heroin misuse. FK 33-824 was found to reduce withdrawal distress in 6 subjects but was less effective than distress in 6 subjects but was less effective than morphine. The effect of FK 33-824 was described as not morphine-like "an intoxication without euphoria". All 8 subjects preferred morphine to FK 33-824 and five stated that they would refuse to take another dose of FK 33-824. This difference in preference, with regard to the two drugs of substitution, may have been due to side-effects of the enkephalin-like compound: a feeling of oppression in the chest and heaviness in muscles.

Topics: D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Endorphins; Enkephalin, Methionine; Euphoria; Female; Heroin Dependence; Humans; Male; Morphine; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

Twenty cases of hard-core heroin abusers were treated by detoxification with DAMME (Sandoz FK 33-824). It was found that 55% (n = 11) were detoxified in seven days and were satisfied with analogue. The abstinence period, during post-treatment follow-up, varied from two days to six months. The withdrawal syndrome scoring was significant in this group but not in the failure group (45% (n = 9)). No sign of tolerance to DAMME was noted in this series.

Topics: D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Enkephalin, Methionine; Female; Heroin Dependence; Humans; Male