Liknande böcker
Development of Tolerance and Dependence in Barbiturate Use
Bok av Ali Osman Konuray
A mathematical model is constructed to
study the development of tolerance and dependence to
phenobarbital in continuous use. Phenobarbital is a
sedative drug targeting the brain. As a side effect, it
enhances its own metabolism rate. Also in regular use, the
brain adapts to its presence and is rendered less sensitive
to the drug with time. This decrease in drug effectiveness
urges the user to increase the dose. A feedback loop
results as the increased dose affects metabolism and
neuroadaptation dynamics. Because adaptive changes persist
even after drug intake stops, upon abrupt discontinuation
to the drug, the patient experiences unwanted rebound
effects. Using the model, we monitor the drug user as
he/she develops tolerance. In numerous scenario analyses,
we reveal the factors to which the drug user is most
sensitive. Then, we search for dosing regimens that
facilitate gradual withdrawal from the drug so that rebound
effects are avoided. This resarch is a good example of a
mathematical modeling approach to a medical phenomenon as
it highlights causalities and explains the underlying
structures of tolerance and dependence development.