In regards to the role of calmodulin and mu receptor phosphorylation that Mr Blonde raised questions on; I trust MurphyClox's concise explanation adequately explained the role of CaMKII and up regulation of calcium ions/calmodulin from opioids (certainly better put than I could have done). I'd hoped someone would mention Tardive dyskinesia associated with phenothiazines - trust Murph to leave no stone unturned - however I'd like to add something to this.
As I've mentioned previously, I grew up in a town where the greater percentage of working people worked in 1 of 4 main areas. There was farming - mostly dairy, the large prison - which also housed juvenile offenders, a very large dairy company (2nd biggest in the southern hemisphere), and a psychiatric hospital - a large villa style institute covering many acres which, at one stage, housed over 1000 patients. My friend's dad was medical superintendent and his mum a pioneer in psychodrama.
Over the years many seemingly ok locals spent time at that hospital. Most of the cases involving moderate-severe psychosis were treated with Haloperidol or Largactil (aka Chlorpromazine, thorazine etc) or other phenothiazines. The number of people who suffered ongoing extrapyramidal symptoms was incredible, and without doubt, for most uneducated people in the town, involuntary movements and unusual facial expressions were synonymous with mental illness. In short, during the late 60s-early 70s, these effects were commonly seen in those who'd stayed in the hospital for any length of time. I have many individual stories, including 2 mates who ended up in the same boat.
Now I told you that to also say [remind] that trifluoperazine is one of the worst compounds in this class for producing extrapyramidal effects.
So while it's probably expected from me, I'll say it anyway. You need to think long and hard whether attempting to restore your sensitivity to opioids via this means is worthwhile in the long run. Needless to say the risks of OD may become significantly greater as sensitivity returns. And while codeine is not selective for, or a potent agonist at kappa receptors, it is nevertheless an agonist. In
this paper, it is shown that neuroleptics in combination with kappa agonists result in poikilothermia. I'd imagine that may further exacerbate the hypothermia caused by codeine use-withdrawal.
Just to echo the wise words of one of our most valued BL assets;
MurphyClox said:
I would be really careful with experiments involving phenothiazines. Some of the malign side-effects, namely akathisia and tardive dyskinesia, can occur years after the drug was applied.
I admit, this is more probable when taking these drugs in the long-term, but you should trade off the risks against the insight that such an experiment can bring with maximum care!!!
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")