The administration of atomoxetine during alcohol deprivation induces a time-limited increase in alcohol consumption after relapse. (15th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alén, Francisco; Serrano, Antonia; Gorriti, Miguel Ángel; Pavón, Francisco Javier; Orio, Laura; de Heras, Raquel Gómez; Ramírez-López, María Teresa; Antón, María; Pozo, Miguel Ángel; Rodríguez de Fonseca, Fernando
• Is Part Of: International journal of neuropsychopharmacology. Volume 17:Number 11(2014)
• Page Start: 1905
• Page End: 1910
• Publication Date: 2014-07-15
• Subjects: Alcoholism, -- antidepressants, -- atomoxetine, -- rat, -- relapse; Neuropsychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1017/S146114571400087X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-1457

Abstract

Abstract: The administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) typically used as antidepressants increases alcohol consumption after an alcohol deprivation period in rats. However, the appearance of this effect after the treatment with selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) has not been studied. In the present work we examined the effects of a 15-d treatment with the SNRI atomoxetine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) in male rats trained to drink alcohol solutions in a 4-bottle choice test. The treatment with atomoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during an alcohol deprivation period increased alcohol consumption after relapse. This effect only lasted one week, disappearing thereafter. Treatment with atomoxetine did not cause a behavioral sensitized response to a challenge dose of amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.), indicating the absence of a supersensitive dopaminergic transmission. This effect is markedly different from that of SSRI antidepressants that produced both long-lasting increases in alcohol consumption and behavioral sensitization. Clinical implications are discussed.