• 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 228  (2) , 293-299
Abstract
Several drugs affecting nerve cell excitability, by opposing ion movements in membranes, were tested in mice rendered tolerant to or dependent on morphine. Whether or not these drugs share the ability to attenuate morphine tolerance and dependence exhibited by tricyclic antidepressants was studied. Tolerance to morphine was decreased by the administration of imipramine, doxepin, promethazine, propranolol, lidocaine and quinidine. Chlorpromazine and carbamazepine were ineffective. The intensity of the abstinence syndrome provoked by naloxone was decreased by chlorpromazine, imipramine, doxepin, lidocaine, quinidine and propranolol. Diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine had no effect. The blockade of ion conductance and their interference with the release of neurotransmitters produced by the drugs assayed were discussed.