Abstract
The objectives of the current study were to determine 1) the effects of various doses of dynorphin A (1–13) on opiate withdrawal in humans and 2) the safety of dynorphin at these doses. Opiate dependent subjects who had been stabilized on morphine received a single IV dose of placebo, 150, 500 or 1000μg/kg dynorphin after exhibiting spontaneous withdrawal using a randomized, double-blinded, between-subjects study design. Observer Withdrawal Scores were lower in the 150 and 1000μg/kg groups as compared to placebo (P<0.05) but no significant differences were observed on the observer-rated Wang or Sickness Scales. Significant decreases were also found for self-reported symptoms of nervousness, runny nose, sneezing, and painful joints in the 500μg/kg group. Significant increases in serum prolactin levels were seen after all dynorphin doses; however, these were not dose-related. Dynorphin A (1–13) was well tolerated and safe, with no changes in physiologic parameters. We conclude that dynorphin A (1–13) has a modest effect in reducing mild opiate withdrawal in humans and is well tolerated at doses up to 1000μg/kg.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 24 March 1997/Final version: 22 November 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Specker, S., Wananukul, W., Hatsukami, D. et al. Effects of dynorphin A(1–13) on opiate withdrawal in humans. Psychopharmacology 137, 326–332 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050626
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002130050626