Neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention for detoxified heroin addicts.
10.1007/s11596-012-0073-z
- Author:
Dingyan CHEN
1
;
Yan LIU
;
Wulong HE
;
Hongxing WANG
;
Zengzhen WANG
Author Information
1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. chendyan@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Administration, Oral;
Adult;
Dietary Supplements;
Drug Therapy, Combination;
methods;
Female;
Heroin Dependence;
diagnosis;
therapy;
Humans;
Male;
Neurotransmitter Agents;
administration & dosage;
Placebo Effect;
Single-Blind Method;
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome;
diagnosis;
drug therapy;
therapy;
Treatment Outcome
- From:
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences)
2012;32(3):422-427
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This study examined the effects of combined administration of tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on heroin withdrawal syndromes and mental symptoms in detoxified heroin addicts. In the cluster-randomized placebo-controlled trial, 83 detoxified heroin addicts were recruited from a detoxification treatment center in Wuhan, China. Patients in the intervention group (n=41) were given the combined treatment with tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and 5-HTP and those in the control group (n=42) were administered the placebo. The sleep status and the withdrawal symptoms were observed daily throughout the study, and the mood states were monitored pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that the insomnia and withdrawal scores were significantly improved over time in participants in the intervention group as compared with those in the control group. A greater reduction in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance, and a greater increase in their vigor-activity symptoms were found at day 6 in the intervention group than in the control group (all P<0.05). It was concluded that the neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention is effective in alleviating the withdrawal and mood symptoms and it may become a supplementary method for patients' recovery from heroin addiction.
