AI Article Synopsis

  • Over 300,000 individuals in the U.S. seek treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD) each year, highlighting the need for effective medication strategies.
  • This study tested the effects of zolpidem alone and with nabilone on cannabis withdrawal and relapse in 11 non-treatment-seeking cannabis users over three 8-day phases.
  • The results showed that the combination of zolpidem and nabilone improved mood and food intake during withdrawal and reduced self-administration of cannabis, suggesting further clinical testing of nabilone is needed.

Article Abstract

Rationale: Each year, over 300,000 individuals in the USA enter treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). The development of effective pharmacotherapy for CUD is a priority.

Objective: This placebo-controlled study examined the effects of zolpidem alone and in combination with nabilone on cannabis withdrawal and a laboratory measure of relapse.

Methods: Eleven daily, non-treatment-seeking cannabis users completed three, 8-day inpatient phases; each phase tested a different medication condition in counter-balanced order. On the first day of each phase, participants were administered placebo capsules t.i.d. and smoked experimenter-administered active cannabis (5.6 % Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)). On days 2-8, the participants were administered capsules containing either placebo (0 mg at 0900, 1800, and 2300 hours), zolpidem (0 mg at 0900 and 1800, and 12.5 mg at 2300), or zolpidem (12.5 mg at 2300) and nabilone (3 mg at 0900 and 1800). Cannabis withdrawal, subjective capsule effects, and cognitive performance were examined on days 3-4, when only inactive cannabis (0.0 % THC) was available for self-administration. "Relapse" was measured on days 5-8, when participants could self-administer active cannabis.

Results: Both medication conditions decreased withdrawal-related disruptions in sleep, but only zolpidem in combination with nabilone decreased withdrawal-related disruptions in mood and food intake relative to placebo. Zolpidem in combination with nabilone, but not zolpidem alone, decreased self-administration of active cannabis. Zolpidem in combination with nabilone also produced small increases in certain abuse-related subjective capsule ratings, while zolpidem alone did not. Neither medication condition altered cognitive performance.

Conclusions: Clinical testing of nabilone, either alone, or in combination with zolpidem is warranted.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302052PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4298-6DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

zolpidem combination
20
combination nabilone
20
cannabis withdrawal
12
0900 1800
12
cannabis
9
zolpidem
9
effects zolpidem
8
nabilone cannabis
8
withdrawal laboratory
8
cannabis users
8

Similar Publications

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAR) modulators are crucial in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. This review examines the synthetic approaches and clinical applications of representative small-molecule GABAR modulators. Benzodiazepines, such as Diazepam, are well-known positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that enhance GABAR function, providing therapeutic effects but also associated with side effects like sedation and dependence.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Zolpidem for the Management of Catatonia: A Systematic Review.

J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry

November 2024

Stanford University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA; University of Florida, College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL.

Background: Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome associated with neurotransmitter disturbances, common in both psychiatric and medical settings. Hypoactivity of the GABA receptor is one of the predominant theories behind the pathophysiology of catatonia, affecting both motor functioning and emotional regulation. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are considered the first-line treatment for catatonia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Association between psychopharmacotherapy and postpartum hemorrhage.

AJOG Glob Rep

November 2024

Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY (Jackson, Kouba, Meirowitz, Keller, Bracero, and Blitz).

Background: Prior studies evaluating the relationship between psychopharmacotherapy (PPT), and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) have yielded inconsistent findings. Clarifying this potential relationship is important for effective counseling and risk stratification.

Objectives: Our primary objective was to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to PPT (any drug class) and the occurrence of PPH requiring transfusion of packed red blood cells (PPH+pRBC) after systematically adjusting for known hemorrhage risk factors at the time of admission for delivery.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rationale: Zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, is considered safer for the treatment of insomnia compared to benzodiazepines. However, in recent years, there have been growing reports of Zolpidem dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. We reported a case of Zolpidem addiction and successful detoxification, reviewed similar cases in the literature, and proposed a potential mechanism underlying Zolpidem addiction.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Placebo effects are often seen in clinical trials for benzodiazepine receptor agonists, leading to recommendations for discontinuation of these medications in older adults and the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) instead.
  • This study aims to compare the effects of a masked tapering process combined with enhanced CBTI against standard CBTI with an unmasked taper in helping older adults discontinue benzodiazepine receptor agonists.
  • The primary outcome measured is the percentage of participants successfully discontinuing their medication after 6 months, with additional assessments of insomnia severity and short-term discontinuation rates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!