Palonosetron and Hydroxyzine to Reduce Opioid Withdrawal

Examination of Palonosetron and Hydroxyzine Pre-treatment as a Possible Method to Reduce the Objective Signs of Experimentally-induced Acute Opioid Withdrawal in Humans: a Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Crossover Study

Opioid medications are commonly used for pain relief. When given over time, physical dependence can occur. This results in unpleasant side effects--such as agitation and nausea--if opioid medications are suddenly stopped. We are interested in knowing if a medication named Ondansetron can help ease or prevent symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. We are also interested in knowing if a similar (but more potent FDA-approved drug, palonosetron) can more effectively treat withdrawal symptoms with or without combination with an antihistamine called hydroxyzine (vistaril).

We hope to learn if Palonosetron and/or combination with hydroxyzine can be used to prevent or attenuate the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. If we find that it can help prevent these symptoms, it may become a new treatment that can aid patients suffering from these symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy males
• Ages 18-35
• No allergies to morphine or palonosetron
• No history of addiction or substance abuse

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Younger than 18 or older than 35
• History of substance abuse
• Raynaud's disease or coronary artery disease
• Allergies to morphine or palonosetron