Dextromethorphan Addiction Mediated Through the NMDA System: Common Pathways With Alcohol?
Journal of addiction medicine January 1, 2015 A Kenison Roy, Chenen Hsieh, Kathleen Crapanzano
A 45-year-old woman with dextromethorphan use disorder experienced intense cravings that prevented abstinence. Treatment with topiramate, chosen because both drugs act on the NMDA system, eliminated her cravings completely. Genetic testing revealed she carried the GRIK1 rs2832407(C:C) allele, which is linked to increased risk of alcohol use disorder and positive response to topiramate in heavy drinkers. This case illustrates personalized medicine using genetic testing and suggests possible shared genetic susceptibility for dependence across different substances.