ADDICTION
As of right now, there are no meds that have been approved by the FDA to counteract the specific effects of meth by someone addicted to it. NIDA (2019) states on its website that research into medications of this nature is a priority.
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Drug researchers are typically looking for medications that can counteract the known physiological effects of chronic methamphetamine use. They may also test medications that have shown promise in treating other addictions or psychiatric disorders. Here are some of the targets and strategies that have shown promise in animal or human studies related to methamphetamine use disorder (Abuse 2019) :
- Neuroimmune system - Chronic meth usage is associated with over-activating microglia which mediate inflammation in the central nervous system.
- Ibudilast and Minocycline are currently being studied for their effectiveness.🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
- Cognitive enhancement - Several drugs are under investigation that fall into this category.
Medications that activate the same receptors as an addictive drug can be effective in treating other addictions. For example, methadone and buprenorphine are opioid agonists that can be used to treat opioid use disorder, and nicotine replacement therapy can be used to help people quit smoking.
Since methamphetamine targets the dopamine system, researchers are investigating stimulant medications that activate dopamine receptors (agonists) as potential medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder. These medications are often used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).In summary, medications that activate the same receptors as an addictive drug are a promising new approach to treating methamphetamine use disorder.
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Other monoamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine targets -
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms are similar to depression, so researchers are investigating the use of antidepressants that act on the serotonin and norepinephrine systems to treat methamphetamine use disorder. Antipsychotic medications also act on the dopamine system and may have promise for ameliorating the effects of chronic methamphetamine use.
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The Opioid System -
The opioid system is thought to be involved in the euphoric effects of addictive drugs. Candidate medications for methamphetamine use disorder that target the opioid system include the opioid antagonist naltrexone and the opioid partial agonist buprenorphine.
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain. It is currently being studied in combination with the antidepressant bupropion for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, which means that it activates the opioid receptors in a weaker way than opioids like methamphetamine. It is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and some research suggests that it may also be helpful for methamphetamine use disorder.
Both naltrexone and buprenorphine have the potential to reduce methamphetamine cravings and relapse rates. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications for methamphetamine use disorder.
Overall, medications that target the opioid system are a promising new approach to treating methamphetamine use disorder.
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GABA and glutamate systems
Several medications targeting disruptions in the balance of excitation and inhibition (mediated by the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate) are being investigated to treat methamphetamine use disorder. This is because methamphetamine use can disrupt the balance between these two systems, leading to increased excitation and decreased inhibition.
Medications that target the GABA and glutamate systems may be helpful for reducing methamphetamine cravings, relapse rates, and other symptoms of methamphetamine use disorder. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications.
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Hormones
The hormones cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and oxytocin have both shown promise in reducing the rewarding properties of methamphetamine in animals. However, more research is needed to determine whether these hormones are effective in treating methamphetamine use disorder in humans.
Overall, medications that target the GABA and glutamate systems and hormones like CCK-8 and oxytocin are promising new approaches to treating methamphetamine use disorder.
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References
Abuse, N. I. on D. (2019, October). What treatments are effective for people who misuse methamphetamine? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-treatments-are-effective-people-who-misuse-methamphetamine
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