title: Early clinical studies of levo-alpha acetylmethadol (LAAM): an opiate for use in the medical treatment of chronic heroin dependence.
abstract: Opiate maintenance with methadone has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment modality for many chronic heroin-dependent individuals. However, the many clinical and societal advantages of a longer-lasting medication prompted the development of LAAM, which could be administered three days a week rather than daily. Early Phase II clinical trials of LAAM in about 750 patients have been reviewed and have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this drug and confirmed its usefulness for treatment of this chronic disease.
mesh_terms: D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008692:Methadyl Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008692:Methadyl Acetate; D008691:Methadone