Switching of H(2)-Receptor Antagonists to Over-the-Counter Status in Finland : Implications for Consumption and Adverse Effects.

Objective: To evaluate the consumption and safety of H(2)-receptor antagonists after switching ranitidine and famotidine to over-the-counter (OTC) status.

Methods: The Finnish drug consumption data, based on the sales of medicines, and the national register for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from 1990 to 2003 were used. We studied the consumption of H(2)-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate and antacids (A02BA, A02BC, A02BX02 and A02A, respectively, according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical [ATC] classification).

No association of CCK and CCK(B) receptor polymorphisms with alcohol dependence.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the most widely distributed neuropeptide in the central nervous system. One of its several functions is to modulate the release of dopamine in brain areas involved in reinforcement and reward behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CCK system genes (CCK, CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptor genes) with alcohol dependence using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic markers.

Midazolam 12 mg is moderately counteracted by 250 mg caffeine in man.

Objective: Caffeine (Caf) counteracts various effects of benzodiazepines (BZDs). Since the effects of zolpidem, a short-acting atypical GABA(A)-BZD agonist, were not antagonized by Caf, we studied an interaction between Caf and midazolam (Mid) in healthy volunteers.

Subjects, Materials And Methods: In Study 1, 108 healthy students divided to 6 parallel groups were given Mid 12 mg (capsule) and Caf 125 and 250 mg (in decaffeinated coffee), alone and in combinations in the double-blind placebo-controlled manner.

Driving under light and dark conditions: effects of alcohol and diazepam in young and older subjects.

Objectives: Driving at night time increases accident risk due to visual conditions, fatigue and impaired performance. In addition, the use of alcohol and benzodiazepines may enhance the risks related to night-time driving. We studied these aspects of traffic safety in a simulated driving test with young and older drivers.

An abundant proneurotensin polymorphism, 479A>G, and a test of its association with alcohol dependence in a Finnish population.

Background: Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide that endogenously modulates dopamine release in the central nervous system. In substance dependence, the mesolimbic dopamine system has been postulated to be a central structure that mediates rewarding and reinforcing effects. Neurotensin receptors in the neurons of the ventral tegmental area facilitate dopamine release, making the neurotensin gene an excellent candidate gene for alcohol dependence and for other behaviors that involve reinforcement.