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Article
An Unusual Reaction to Opioid Blockade with Naltrexone in a Case of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles
  • Paloma Ibarra, University of Kentucky
  • Stephen P. Bruehl, Vanderbilt University
  • James A. McCubbin, Clemson University
  • Charles R. Carlson, University of Kentucky
  • John F. Wilson, University of Kentucky
  • Jane A. Norton, University of Kentucky
  • Thomas B. Montgomery, University of South Alabama
Abstract

An unusual behavioral and cardiovascular reaction was observed during opioid blockade with naltrexone in a 32-year-old male who met DSM III-R criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of an ongoing placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of naltrexone on laboratory and ambulatory blood pressure reactivity, this participant reported experiencing feelings of rage, explosive behavior, and other unpleasant symptoms. When compared to all other subjects (N=24), this individual showed significantly greater effects of naltrexone on blood pressure reactivity during the laboratory stressor. His ambulatory blood pressures, when compared to placebo, were significantly increased during the 24-hr period following naltrexone. The unusual behavioral and cardiovascular responses following ingestion of naltrexone suggest an important role for endogenous opioids in adjustment to stress in this case of PTSD.

Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1994
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02102950
Citation Information
Paloma Ibarra, Stephen P. Bruehl, James A. McCubbin, Charles R. Carlson, et al.. "An Unusual Reaction to Opioid Blockade with Naltrexone in a Case of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" (1994)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/james_mccubbin/3/