Possible abuse potential of the NMDA antagonist MK-801.

Selective antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor such as MK-801 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of ischemic brain injury. However, some drugs (e.g. ketamine and phencyclidine) with potent NMDA antagonist properties are also addictive. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) is facilitated by drugs of abuse such as cocaine and amphetamine and thus is useful for screening compounds with potential abuse liability. Low doses of the NMDA antagonist, MK-801 were also found to facilitate ICSS, suggesting that this compound may possess abuse potential.