A review of chemical agents in the pharmacotherapy of addiction.
Current medicinal chemistry October 1, 2002 M S Levi, R F Borne 70 citations
Ibogaine, a naturally occurring alkaloid, has been reported to interrupt cravings for alcohol, cocaine, and opiates. Other alkaloids from Tabernanthe iboga, such as ibogamine and tabernanthine, offer insights into structure-activity relationships at receptors involved in addiction. The synthetic congener 18-MC shows potential as an anti-addictive agent without ibogaine's hallucinogenic effects. Acamprosate, BP 897, GBR12909, lofexidine, and memantine have also shown promising results. Currently, no drugs are approved in the U.S. for treating addictions to cocaine, methamphetamine, other stimulants, or PCP.