Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

When Fabrizio Benedetti of the University of Turin in Italy carried out the above experiment, he added a final twist by adding naloxone, a drug that blocks the effects of morphine, to the saline. The shocking result? The pain-relieving power of saline solution disappeared.

When I read this, I said, out loud, "What the flying farkmipple?"

So does naloxone block placebo effects in general, or only placebo morphine? Inquiring minds want to know.




The placebo opiate link is widely known. Naloxone blocks opiate receptors which blocks placebo effect. Also, children aren't susceptible to a placebo effect.

Check out a good lecture on pain at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQS0tdIbJ0w for more context.


Thank you, kind sir or madam!


http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v306/n5940/abs/306264a0...

Naloxone blocks placebo analgesia in general. I can dig up the referenced papers if you don't have access.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: