Treatment of opiate addiction
AssigneeIndiana University Foundation
InventorHanus J. Grosz
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Abstract
Addiction to opiate drugs, e.g., heroin, is treated by administering a beta-adrenergic-receptor-blocking drug, e.g. propranolol, which is found to block the rewarding and euphoric effects of the narcotic and to prevent the recurrence of hunger for the narcotic after withdrawal with methadone.
Claims10
A method of blocking the euphoric rewarding effects experienced by one addicted to an opiate drug comprising administering to the addict propranolol in a dosage of at least 5 milligrams per day.
A method of reducing an addict's craving for an opiate drug comprising administering to the addict propranolol in a dosage of at least 5 milligrams per day.
In the method of treating opiate addiction comprising withdrawing the addict from the opiate by administering methadone to the addict, the improvement comprising administering propranolol to the addict in a dosage of at least 5 milligrams per day at least during the period that methadone is administered in order to block the euphoric rewarding effects of the use of the opiate and to reduce the craving therefor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.