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Pharmacopsychiatry 2005; 38(2): 100-102
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837812
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Naltrexone Treatment of Combined Alcohol and Opioid Dependence: Deterioration of Co-morbid Major Depression

A Case ReportM. Schürks1 , M. Overlack2 , U. Bonnet2
  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
  • 2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 18.2.2004 Revised: 26.4.2004

Accepted: 26.7.2004

Publication Date:
02 March 2005 (online)

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Naltrexone is frequently used for the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence. However, the reports on its potential to worsen affective disorders are contradicting. Here we report on a patient with combined alcohol and opioid dependence whose co-morbid major depression deteriorated reversibly and repeatedly under naltrexone. By exchanging buprenorphine for naltrexone, his depression and craving for alcohol and opioids disappeared. This underlines the close interaction between depression, substance dependence and the opioid system.

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Markus Schürks, MD

Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie

Universitätsklinikum Essen

Hufelandstraße 55

45122 Essen

Phone: +49 201 723 2362

Fax: +49 201 723 5901

Email: schuerks@hotmail.com