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US 6,271,240 B1Granted
Methods for improved regulation of endogenous dopamine in prolonged treatment of opioid addicted individuals
OwnerDavid Lew Simoninventor
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Abstract
Methods for optimally regulating dopamine homeostasis in persons addicted to, then chemically detoxified from, opioid agonist analgesics, which generally include prolonged controlled administration of nalmefene, with or without the addition of a centrally acting medicinal agent which further enhances dopamine regulation.
Claims9
A method for treating a patient addicted to an opioid agonist analgesic who has undergone detoxification treatment for the opioid agonist analgesic, said method comprising the step of:
- inducing a steady state plasma concentration of nalmefene sufficient to block the effects of said opioid agonist analgesic at mu-opoid receptors if said opioid agonist analgesic is exogenously administered, and to substantially block endogenous dynorphins from binding to and activating mu-opioid receptors, while simultaneously permitting endogenous beta-endorphins to bind and activate mu-opioid receptors;
- wherein said steady state plasma concentration is maintained for a period following detoxification which is sufficient to permit said patient to overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.