NORIBOGAINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PAIN AND DRUG ADDICTION
The present invention is directed to methods of treating patients for pain by administering noribogaine. Noribogaine may also be used to treat patients for the symptoms associated with withdrawal from drug dependency. In the latter case, the noribogaine treatment should be supplemented with the administration of an opioid antagonist such as naloxone.
1 - 9 . (canceled)
10 . A method of treating a patient for drug dependence or abuse during withdrawal therapy which comprises: administering systemically an amount of noribogaine to said patient effective to reduce one or more symptoms of drug withdrawal.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said patient is treated for addiction to a narcotic.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said patient is treated for addiction to a drug selected from the group consisting of: cocaine, heroin, alcohol, methadone, amphetamines and combinations thereof.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said noribogaine is administered at a dose of between 0.1 mg and 100 mg per kg of body weight.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein said noribogaine is administered at a dosage of between 1.0 mg and 30 mg per kg of body weight.
15 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising administering an opioid antagonist to said patient.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein said opioid antagonist is naloxone, administered to said patient at a dose of between 0.05 mg and 0.5 mg per mg of noribogaine administered to said patient.
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein said opioid antagonist is naltrexone administered at a dose of between 0.05 mg and 0.5 mg per mg of noribogaine administered to said patient.
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein said noribogaine and said opioid antagonist are administered transdermally.
19 - 24 . (canceled)