SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF COMBINATIONS OF NORNICOTINE AND OPIOIDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN

摘要

This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods where S(−)-nornicotine, R(+)-nornicotine, or racemic nornicotine are co-administered with an opioid analgesic in amounts effective to cause or enhance a synergistic analgesic response to treat pain (including acute, chronic, and cancer related pain). Preferably the coadministration of nornicotine with the opioid results in decreased dependence and tolerance potential as well as diminishing side effects, compared to conventional opioid therapy.