Cyclazocine revisited

Recently synthesized compounds which have long-term mu antagonist activity and short-term kappa agonist effects prevent self-administration of cocaine and morphine in rats. Cyclazocine, a compound synthesized in 1962 and studied in animals and man in the 1960's and in the early 1970's is a mu antagonist in rats and man and is a potent kappa agonist in both species. It also prevents self-administration of cocaine and morphine in rats. Although it produces unpleasant side effects in man, subjects become tolerant to these side effects but not to the antagonistic actions of the drug after prolonged administration. Deceased Special issue dedicated to Dr. Eric J. Simon.