What is the mechanism of action of use of Naltrexone in alchohol addiction in a 45-year-old man?
Inhibits metabolism of alcohol
Blocks opioid receptors
Affects GABA neurotransmitter system
None of the above
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and reduces craving for alcohol and opioids. It also reduces reward in response to drinking. Hence it is useful to prevent relapse in a de-addiction programme. Inhibits metabolism of alcohol: Disulfiran inhibits metabolish of alcohol and leads to accumulation of acetaldehyde. Affects GABA neurotransmitter system: Acamprosate affects GABA and Glutamate neurotransmitter system. Ref: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, By Benjamin J Sadock, M.D., Harold I. Kaplan, Virginia A Sadock, M.D, 10th Edition, Page : 406