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Effects of heroin and methadone on plasma cortisol and testosterone.

Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsPublished 1 November 1975
J H Mendelson, Ruben Meyer, James Ellingboe, Steven M. Mirin, M McDougle
Citations122
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.11
SNIP0.83

TL;DR

Plasma testosterone levels decreased signifcantly when heroin dosage was between 45 and 65 mg/day contrasted to predrug base-line levels and plasma cortisol levels were observed during both heroin acquisition and methadone withdrawal.

Abstract

Narcotic addicts self-administered heroin intravenously for 10 days under controlled research ward conditions and were subsequently detoxified with methadone for 7 days. Plasma testosterone levels decreased signifcantly when heroin dosage was between 45 and 65 mg/day contrasted to predrug base-line levels. Testosterone levels remained depressed during methadone withdrawal. No statistically significant changes in a.m. plasma cortisol levels were observed during both heroin acquisition and methadone withdrawal.

Keywords

MedicineNeuroscience