Can the Chronic Administration of the Combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone Block Dopaminergic Activity Causing Anti-reward and Relapse Potential?

We describe a mechanism whereby
chronic blockade of opiate receptors, in spite of only partial opiate agonist action, may ultimately block dopaminergic activity
causing anti-reward and relapse potential. While the direct comparison is not as yet available, toxicity to buprenorphine
can be found in the scientific literature. In considering our cautionary note in this commentary, we are cognizant that, to
date, this is what we have available, and until such a time when the real magic bullet is discovered, we will have to endure.
However, more than anything else this commentary should at least encourage the development of thoughtful new strategies to
target the specific brain regions responsible for relapse prevention.

Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-19DOI 10.1007/s12035-011-82…

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