NMDA antagonists for Opiate withdrawal (Magnesium and DXM)

[infraredz]

I am about to cold turkey a significant dose of oxycodone and am wondering if an NMDA antagonist would help.

I know that DXM is the go-to for this (other than PCP, Ketamine, etc) but am not willing to take those for reasons not relevant to this discussion.

1. Do NMDA antagonists help with withdrawal (both anecdotal reports and pharmacological and neurobiological input would be helpful)?
2. Does Magnesium actually provide significant NMDA antagonist activity? If so, which salts/preparations?
3. If not, what would be the effect of a LOW (read: non-psychoactive) dose of DXM help?

Thanks.

(if this is an ODD or ADD topic feel free to move as always)

 

[pasha]

Glutamate is implicated in addiction:

Glutamatergic neurons from the prefrontal cortex and amygdala project onto the mesolimbic reward pathway, from which reciprocal dopaminergic projections arise (Louk et al, 2000). There is evidence that the glutamatergic projection from the prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens plays a role in the reinstatement of stimulant-seeking behaviour.

The NMDA receptor has been implicated in nicotine, ethanol, benzodiazepine and cannabinoid addiction (Wolf, 1998). For example, NMDA antagonists inhibit sensitisation (i.e. enhanced responses) to stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamine and the development of opioid dependence.

http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/182/2/97.full

In regards to magnesium, it's a potent calcium-channel-blocker which inhibit glutmainergic transmission much like gabapentin, but only at the correct dosage. In some cases were it was used as such, hypermagnesemia was induced, a potentially fatal magnesium intoxication.

Personally I'm not quite sure about using DXM as an NMDA antagonist because I'm uncertain of it's potency in that regard. There is however an interesting thread regarding ketamine for opioid cessation.

Using Ketamine for Opioid Cessation:

http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/649590-Using-Ketamine-for-Opiate-Cessation

 

[Swimmingdancer]

In my experience magnesium definitely does help, but don't expect any miracles. The best kind is a chelated magnesium. They have much better absorption and shouldn't worsen your diarrhea like regular magnesium - mag citrate, mag oxide - can.

Unlike DXM magnesium doesn't really have any side effects (aside from the aforementioned diarrhea with the more commonly available forms) and according to multiple doctors I asked you can take quite a lot without risk of hypermagnesia. Probably especially if you're in opioid withdrawal. I have other supplements I highly recommend for withdrawal if you're interested. They certainly don't make you magically feel fine but anything that helps is a blessing right?

The problem with DXM in my experience is that while it did help temporarily with the tickly throat I get during WD and falling asleep, I would end up feeling even worse afterwards. Plus I am super sensitive to DXM and it makes me feel weird even at very low doses.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Chelated magnesium is great to take during the day and a higher dose at night. It helps with the muscle tension and is a sedative at higher doses. I suggest you get your hands on some immodium (lopermide) too as that is real saviour when it comes down to the diarreah and actual it does remove some of the wds as it is an opiate however it cannot pass the BBB. Acetyl-l-carnitine, vitamin b6 and l-tyrosine will also really help you feel better as well.

I wouldn't opt for DXM as it has a whole array of side effects that are nasty.

 

[dextroflicks]

never been addicted to opiates but dxm did help significantly with my midazolam / clonazepam addiction before ... also helps with manic / depressive cycles
i am very experienced with dxm and am very comfortable with its side effects which for me are manifested with euphoria, creativity and motivation to start doing things. I am not shore it would work for people that are uncomfortable with dxm but for me 100 mg when i woke up + 100 mg 5 hours before going to bed were a life saver and helped me quit benzos cold turkey twice in the past.