TREATMENT FOR METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION AND REDUCTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE USE USING SEROTONIN ANTAGONISTS

摘要

Methods for screening specific biological endpoints that can be utilized to identify potential therapeutic agents for METH addiction. In one aspect of the invention, the methods involve reversal of behavioral sensitization and/or conditioned place preference in an animal previously treated with METH in the presence of a known amount of a 5-HT_2A/2C antagonist or a selective 5-HT_2C antagonist, and reversal of the electrophysiological endpoints in a METH-treated animal in the presence of a known amount of the 5-HT_2A/2C antagonist or the selective 5-HT_2C antagonist. Therapeutic treatment methods for reversing the set of biological endpoints that change in the METH drug addict using mirtazapine, SDZ SER 082, and related serotonin antagonists are also provided. The methods of the invention may be utilized in the identification of potential new therapies for multiple drugs of abuse.