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Researchers explore medications` possible role in fighting methamphetamine
University of Florida researchers suggest that some medications already on the market for other conditions could assist in the fight against methamphetamine addiction.
Reporting this week in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers stated that based on a study of theirs using rodents, sigma-1 receptor agonists appear to inhibit the prolonged dopamine increase that accompanies methamphetamine use. These drugs include several commonly prescribed antidepressants and antihistamines.
University of Florida College of Medicine associate professor Habibeh Khoshbouei told WTXL News that use of sigma-1 receptor agonists for this purpose, which still would have to be tested in humans, would work only to prevent future meth use in individuals motivated to recover. It would not reverse the effects of the drug after its use.
