# The Influence of Topiramate on Morphine Dependence in Mice

## TL;DR

This study explores how topiramate affects morphine dependence in mice, finding it reduces tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating topiramate's effectiveness in reducing physical symptoms of morphine dependence in mice.

## Key findings

- Topiramate significantly reduced morphine tolerance in mice.
- It attenuated naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs.
- It had limited effect on morphine sensitization to locomotor activity.

## Abstract

Topiramate evokes pharmacological activity via a blockade of voltage-dependent sodium channels, reduction in glutamate release, inhibition of AMPA receptors and kainate receptors, and potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission. Therefore, it is used not only as an antiseizure drug but is also effective in migraine prophylaxis, cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and alcohol dependence. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topiramate in morphine dependence in mice, particularly in terms of morphine tolerance, morphine withdrawal signs, and morphine sensitization. In these experiments, topiramate was administered both acutely and chronically. Topiramate significantly reduced the morphine tolerance in the hot-plate test and attenuated naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs. Its effect on morphine sensitization to the locomotor activity of mice was poor. The obtained results showed that topiramate might be an effective drug for reducing the physical symptoms of morphine dependence.