Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of multiple sublingual buprenorphine tablets in dose-escalation trials.

In this investigation, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties were determined of multiple doses of sublingual tablets containing either buprenorphine alone or buprenorphine and naloxone. Subjects were experienced opiate users who received escalating doses (4-24 mg) of buprenorphine either alone or in combination with naloxone. Peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) increased for both buprenorphine and naloxone with escalating doses.

Nefazodone treatment of cocaine dependence with comorbid depressive symptoms.

Aims: In the current study, nefazodone, an antidepressant with dual action on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake as well as 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist effects, was studied in subjects with cocaine dependence and depressive symptoms, to determine its efficacy in reducing cocaine use.

Design: An 8-week, double blind, placebo-controlled design was used.

Setting: The study was conducted at the Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU) at the VA Boston Healthcare System and the Manhattan Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Medical Center.

Efficacy screening trials of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, pramipexole and venlafaxine in cocaine dependence.

Aims: The two studies presented here were conducted to assess the efficacy of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine and pramipexole as medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

Design: A multi-arm, modified blinded, placebo-controlled design was used.

Setting: The studies were conducted at the Boston VA Healthcare System and the Boston University School of Medicine Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU).

Release of abdominal compartment syndrome improves survival in patients with burn injury.

Background: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has rarely been described as a complication of burn injury. This study describes cases of ACS in patients with burn injury and the physiologic results of abdominal release.

Methods: Charts for all patients admitted to two major burn center intensive care units from January 1998 through August 2000 were reviewed for ACS.

Decreased EEG sensitivity to alprazolam in subjects with a parental history of alcoholism.

Altered benzodiazepine sensitivity in subjects with a history of parental alcoholism (PHP) compared to control subjects (NC) has been reported for regional brain blood volume, eye movement tasks, and subjective effects. This study tests the hypothesis that PHP subjects are less sensitive to benzodiazepine effects on EEG activity than are NC subjects. Frontal EEG activity was recorded in PHP and NC subjects after administration of the benzodiazepine, alprazolam (1 mg), or placebo.