Reversal of general anesthesia by administration of methylphenidate, amphetamine, modafinil, amantadine, and/or caffeine

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising anesthesia-reversing agents which facilitate or increase the time of awakening or reverse the effects of general anesthesia-induced unconsciousness. In some embodiments, the anesthesia reversing agent can be selected from any or a combination of methylphenidate (MPH), amphetamine, modafinil, amantadine, caffeine, or analogues or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, compositions comprising at least one or more anesthesia-reversing agents can be used to facilitate awakening from anesthesia without or decreasing occurrence of delirium, and can be used in methods to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with emergence delirium, as well as treat a subject oversedated with general an esthesia. The invention also relates to methods for administering these compositions comprising anesthesia-reversing agents to subjects and for use.

1 . A method of facilitating emergence from general anesthesia in a subject treated with a general anesthetic agent comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one anesthesia-reversing agent, wherein the anesthesia-reversing agent facilitates emergence of the subject from the general anesthesia. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anesthesia-reversing agent is selected from any or a combination of methylphenidate (MPH), amphetamine, modafinil, amantadine, or caffeine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the methylphenidate is dextro-methylphenidate (D-MPH) or levo-methylphenidate (L-MPH) or a combination thereof, or an analogue or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the methylphenidate is racemic methylphenidate. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the amphetamine is L-amphetamine. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein emergence of the subject from general anesthesia comprises restoration of mobility or consciousness in the subject. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anesthesia-reversing agent reduces or eliminates the effects of delirium on emergence of the subject from the general anesthesia. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the general anesthetic agent is inhalation anesthesia. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the general anesthetic agent is selected from any or a combination of isoflurane, propofol, halogenate gasses, ketamine, sevoflurane, desflurane, sodium pentothal, or etomidate. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anesthesia-reversing agent is administered by intravenous dose. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least one additional therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the composition comprises a pain-reducing agent or general analgesic. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is a perioperative anesthetized patient. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is no longer being administered an anesthesia agent. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is administered the composition comprising the anesthesia-reversing agent immediately prior to, or immediately subsequent to, cessation of the administration an anesthesia agent. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is administered a higher dose of methylphenidate than the dose used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a dose of methylphenidate is between about 10 mg/kg and about 5 mg/kg. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a dose of methylphenidate is between about 7 mg/kg and about 0.1 mg/kg. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein a dose of methylphenidate is between about 5 mg/kg and about 0.5 mg/kg. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administration of a composition comprising an anesthesia-reversing agent is via at least one of continuous administration or pulse administration. 
     
     
         22 - 28 . (canceled)