Trial of Naltrexone and Dextromethorphan for Gulf War Illness

Gulf war veterans' illnesses comprise distinct clusters of symptom-defined illnesses for which there are neither diagnostic tests nor effective treatments. Gulf war veterans had variable exposures to a number of chemicals, including organophosphate insecticides, pyrethrum-related insecticides, DEET, Pyridostigmine bromide, smoke from oil well fires, and Sarin gas. Gulf war veterans' illnesses may reflect an inflammatory cycle involving the brain which may be a common mechanism of many neurological conditions, whether initiated by toxic exposures, infection, or trauma. In this theory, central nervous system inflammation initiated by toxic exposures and sometimes exacerbated by subsequent exposures is a component of illness hypothesized to explain the neurological manifestations. Substance P release at sensory nerve endings is an explanation for the peripheral pain manifestations of illness.

This theory suggests that novel anti-inflammatory drugs may be of benefit in symptom-defined illnesses related to a cycle of inflammation. Dr. J. S. Hong's laboratory at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has demonstrated that Morphine-related analogs, including Naltrexone and Dextromethorphan, have great potency in anti-inflammation and neuroprotective effects. Naltrexone is a safe and readily available generic medication. Dextromethorphan is also a safe and readily available generic medication that is available without a prescription as a cough medication. Results from several clinical trials showed that Naltrexone is effective in several inflammation-related diseases, such as neurogenic pain, movement disorders, etc. In addition, there were no obvious side effects in patients taking this drug for six months. This project will conduct randomized double-blinded studies for treating ill Gulf war veterans with Naltrexone and Dextromethorphan. Laboratory tests for markers of inflammation including neurogenic inflammation will be performed pre- and post-treatment, to see if these markers are elevated and if so, to see if treatment modulates these markers.

Ill Gulf veterans will be recruited through the media, veterans groups, and individual veteran activists. A screening telephone interview will be performed to determine if the veterans meet a modified Kansas case definition for inclusion. Those veterans who meet study criteria will be invited to participate. Eligible veterans will be invited for an initial visit that will consist of obtaining written informed consent, a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Institutional review board approval of the study will be in place. The pharmacy staff at the institution will prepare the medications and placebo in identical capsules.