Which medication is known to help restore feelings of well-being by promoting the release of GABA in Cocaine addiction?

Prepare for the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) Test. Study with detailed resources, questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

The medication known to help restore feelings of well-being by promoting the release of GABA in the context of cocaine addiction is baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that has been studied for its potential role in addiction treatment, particularly because it acts as a GABA-B receptor agonist. By enhancing GABA activity, baclofen can lead to anxiolytic effects, which may help alleviate some of the psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal from cocaine.

Gabapentin, while also a GABA analog, primarily works by inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release and is commonly used for neuropathic pain and seizure control, rather than directly addressing cocaine addiction symptoms. Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medication that does not have a direct role in promoting GABA release and is not indicated for treating cocaine addiction. Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is an antidepressant that primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain but does not significantly impact GABA activity. Thus, baclofen is the most appropriate choice due to its mechanism of action that directly aligns with promoting GABA levels and its relevance in the treatment of cocaine addiction.

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