Zofran and alcoholism – a potential new treatment The effects of ondansetron on alcohol consumption have been extensively researched in the last two decades. This drug has been, in fact, found to be helpful in stopping cravings, reducing the urge to consume alcohol in alcohol-dependent individuals.
Full Answer
What is Zofran (ondansetron)?
Medically reviewed on Nov 5, 2018. Zofran (ondansetron) blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.
Does ondansetron work for alcohol and drug cravings?
By using ondansetron to block these serotonin receptors, serotonin function is stabilized. As a result, alcohol and drug cravings are reduced. Current research is being performed by Adial Pharmaceuticals on a low-dose variation of Ondansetron, currently known as AD04. Will AD04 work for all people addicted to alcohol and other drugs?
When should I take Zofran for nausea?
When used to prevent nausea associated with radiotherapy, Zofran is usually taken one-to-two hours before radiotherapy. When used to prevent nausea associated with surgery, Zofran is usually taken one hour before anesthesia. The dose of Zofran orally disintegrating tablets is the same as Zofran solution.
How does ondansetron treat nausea and vomiting?
Ondansetron treats and prevents nausea and vomiting by an unknown mechanism, possibly by a direct effect on the CTZ (the area of the brain associated with vomiting), the vagus nerve or both. The neurotransmitter, serotonin, appears to play a role in ondansetron's effect.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Zofran if: 1. you are also using apomorphine (Apokyn); or 2. you are allergic to ondansetron or similar medicines (dolasetron, g...
How Should I Take Zofran?
Take Zofran exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include sudden loss of vision, severe constip...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Zofran?
Zofran may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Zofran?
Zofran can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart r...
What is the name of the drug that helps with nausea?
Ondansetron is an anti-emetic, available as the brand-name drug, Zofran. It is a medication that helps with nausea that can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and gastroenteritis. It has also been used to treat nausea associated with pregnancy.
Who studied naltrexone?
Dr. John David Sinclair spent many years in Finland, studying the effectiveness of naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder. He was able to discover the pharmacological extinction effect of giving naltrexone to patients before they consumed alcohol.
What are the drugs that help with anxiety?
These include medications such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro.
What are the best drugs for depression?
These include medications such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro. Unfortunately, while these drugs can be highly effective in treating depression and anxiety, they have not been helpful in addressing addiction to drugs and alcohol. Addiction is believed to be a complex condition, involving a blend of environmental, psychosocial, ...
Is addiction a neurobiology?
Addiction is described by experts as a chronic neurobiologic disease . The signs and symptoms that best describe addiction are ongoing drug use, in spite of harm to self and others, drug cravings, compulsive drug use, and a difficulty in controlling the use of drugs. Addiction is considered to be a chronic disease.
Is naltrexone a generic drug?
The Sinclair Method (TSM) has been understood for many years, and naltrexone has long been available as an affordable generic drug for doctors to prescribe.
Is buprenorphine effective for addiction?
There has been some success in using drugs to treat specific types of drug addiction. Buprenorphine is highly effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD).
What is Ondansetron used for?
The tablet is most commonly administered to patients to prevent nausea and vomiting. For the most part, ondansetron is used for nausea and vomiting relating to medical treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
What are the side effects of Ondansetron?
One of the most serious side effects of ondansetron is serotonin syndrome, which is a medical emergency. Serotonin syndrome is exceedingly rare and only occurs in combination with multiple other medications that increase serotonin levels.
How long does it take for opiate withdrawal to end?
While most of the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal end within a week, some can linger for weeks or months.
How long does it take for the body to adjust to the presence of drugs?
The body has adapted to the presence of drugs after a point, which can be as short as a few weeks. When the substance is taken away, the body has to readjust. Opiate withdrawal symptoms vary from mild to severe. The severity and length of symptoms depend on factors like how long someone used opioids and how heavily.
What are the symptoms of withdrawal from opiates?
Along with drug cravings, other symptoms can include fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Withdrawal symptoms continue as the body goes through the process of cleansing itself from opiates.
Can Ondansetron cause diarrhea?
Ondansetron for Opiate Withdrawal. While opiate withdrawal isn’t life-threatening in most cases, nausea and vomiting can lead to complications. Aspiration is possible, which occurs when vomiting and then inhaling stomach contents causes lung infection. Vomiting and diarrhea can also cause dehydration.
Is heroin a psychoactive drug?
Heroin is also an opioid. These drugs are not only psychologically addictive but also lead to physical dependence. When someone is physically dependent on opioids or opiates and they stop taking the drugs, they can experience withdrawal symptoms.
What is Zofran used for?
Zofran is a brand (trade) name for ondansetron which may be used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting. Experts aren't sure exactly how Zofran (ondansetron) works and if its antiemetic action is mediated by a direct effect on the CTZ (the area of the brain associated with vomiting), the vagus nerve, or both.
When to take Zofran before surgery?
When used to prevent nausea associated with surgery, Zofran is usually taken one hour before anesthesia. The dose of Zofran orally disintegrating tablets is the same as Zofran solution. When taking the orally disintegrating tablets, peel back the foil (do not attempt to push the tablet through the foil).
How long after chemo do you give 8mg?
For moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, an 8mg dose administered 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy with a subsequent 8mg dose administered 8 hours after the first dose. Then administer twice a day for 1 to 2 days after completion of the chemotherapy. May be given to children aged 4 and older.
What to do if Zofran makes you dizzy?
If Zofran makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery while affected and avoid alcohol. Tell your doctor or other health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What medications affect serotonin?
other medications that affect serotonin, such as amphetamines, fentanyl, tramadol, triptans ( eg, almotriptan, eletriptan, or sumatriptan), or St. John's Wort . Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Zofran.
Is Zofran an oral solution?
Zofran is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and an oral solution. Tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are available in 4mg and 8mg strengths. Zofran oral solution is 4mg/5mL with a strawberry odor.
Is Zofran a dopamine receptor antagonist?
Zofran is not a dopamine‑receptor antagonist. Zofran belongs to the class of medicines known as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. 2. Upsides. Effective for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, including highly emetogenic (a high probability of causing vomiting) chemotherapy.