Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

An Unusual Reaction To Opioid Blockade With Naltrexone In A Case Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Paloma Ibarra, Stephen P. Bruehl, James A. Mccubbin, Charles R. Carlson, John F. Wilson, Jane A. Norton, Thomas B. Montgomery

CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles

An unusual behavioral and cardiovascular reaction was observed during opioid blockade with naltrexone in a 32-year-old male who met DSM III-R criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As part of an ongoing placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of naltrexone on laboratory and ambulatory blood pressure reactivity, this participant reported experiencing feelings of rage, explosive behavior, and other unpleasant symptoms. When compared to all other subjects (N=24), this individual showed significantly greater effects of naltrexone on blood pressure reactivity during the laboratory stressor. His ambulatory blood pressures, when compared to placebo, were significantly increased during the 24-hr period following …