On the antinociceptive effect of fluoxetine,
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
by
Singh VP, Jain NK, Kulkarni SK.
Pharmacology Division,
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Panjab University, 160 014,
Chandigarh, India
Brain Res 2001 Oct 12;915(2):218-26

ABSTRACT

Antidepressant drugs are reported to be used as co-analgesics in clinical management of migraine and neuropathic pain. The mechanism through which they alleviate pain remains unknown. The present study explores the possible mechanism of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine-induced antinociception in animals. Acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail-flick test were used to assess fluoxetine-induced antinociception. Fluoxetine (5-20 mg kg(-1), i.p.) produced a significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive effect against acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Fluoxetine (20 mg kg(-1)) also exhibited antinociceptive effect in tail flick as well as hot plate assays. Further, i.c.v. administration of fluoxetine showed significant antinociception against writhing test in rats. However, fluoxetine (1 &mgr;g/10 &mgr;l/rat, i.c.v.) did not exhibit any antinociceptive effect in serotonin-depleted animals. Further, pindolol (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) enhanced fluoxetine-induced antinociceptive effect. The antinociceptive effect of fluoxetine was sensitive to blockade by naloxone (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and naltrexone (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.). These data suggest that fluoxetine-induced antinociception involves both central opioid and the serotoninergic pathways.

Pain
Morphine
Tramadol
Naloxone
Naltrexone
Endomorphins
Fentanyl and ketamine
Opioids, mood and cognition
Opioids, dopamine and alcohol
Opioids, goldfish and the giant toad
Heroin, cocaine and the squirrel monkey

Refs
HOME
HedWeb
cannabis-marijuana.com
BLTC Research
Designer Drugs
Paradise-Engineering
The Hedonistic Imperative
When Is It Best To Take Crack Cocaine?