A new method for detoxifying opioid-dependent patients.
The purpose of the study was to investigate a new method for detoxifying opioid-dependent patients. Butorphanol is an opiod with mixed agonist-antagonist properties, and is marketed as a nasal spray. Undiluted, it will cause significant physical withdrawal symptoms in a population dependent on opioids. Forty patients dependent on opioids were detoxified using dilute butorphanol spray. The initial concentration was 40% and gradually reduced. This technique was highly successful in keeping this difficult group of patients engaged in the treatment process for a longer period. This time increased the probability of getting these patients involved with postdetoxification services. There was a subset of patients who had chronic pain and were opioid dependent, who had adequate control of pain with butorphanol spray at 10 to 20% concentration. This unique and unusual approach is worthy of open discussion and further scientific studies.
Glatt
W
W
Chemical Dependency Services, Mills Peninsula Medical Center, Burlingame, CA, USA. fbgtrain@aol.com
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002077:Butorphanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D002077:Butorphanol