Drugs of dependence

McLean, Pamela; Casey, Patricia

doi:10.1016/b978-0-407-00212-8.50017-4

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 83 publications

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“…Abuse of cyclizine in conjunction with opiate drugs seems to be a recent phenomenon. McLean & Casey (1982) discussing dependence upon Diconal noted that the cyclizine appeared to enhance the effects of the opiate. They also reported that opiate dependents were known to be taking large quantities of cyclizine, usually by injection, in addition to prescribed methadone, in order to achieve subjective effects similar to those of Diconal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cyclizine Abuse among a Group of Opiate Dependents Receiving Methadone

Ruben¹,

McLean²,

Melville³

1989

British Journal of Addiction

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Twenty opiate dependents receiving long-term prescriptions of oral methadone, were identified as being habitual abusers of the anti-emetic drug cyclizine. A semi-structured interview elicited the dosage of cyclizine used, its effects, the reasons for starting and persisting with abuse of cyclizine and the attitudes of the patients to it. Cyclizine was taken in large doses intravenously with methadone. The effects initially were of intense stimulation, often with hallucinations, sometimes with aggressive behaviour, and occasionally with epileptic fits. Subsequent depressive mood changes occurred often accompanied by a craving for cyclizine. Tolerance to the drug occurred but no clear cut withdrawal syndrome is apparent. It seems that dependence upon cyclizine occurs. The significance of these findings for doctors, pharmacists and for drug treatment units is discussed. The paucity of information on the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics is noted.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%