Early outcomes following low dose naltrexone enhancement of opioid detoxification.
Although withdrawal severity and treatment completion are the initial focus of opioid detoxification, post-detoxification outcome better defines effective interventions. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) in addition to methadone taper was recently associated with attenuated withdrawal intensity during detoxification. We describe the results of a seven-day follow-up evaluation of 96 subjects who completed inpatient detoxification consisting of the addition of VLNTX (0.125 or 0.250 mg per day) or placebo to methadone taper in a double blind, randomized investigation. Individuals receiving VLNTX during detoxification reported reduced withdrawal and drug use during the first 24 hours after discharge. VLNTX addition was also associated with higher rates of negative drug tests for opioids and cannabis and increased engagement in outpatient treatment after one week. Further studies are needed to test the utility of this approach in easing the transition from detoxification to various follow-up treatment modalities designed to address opioid dependence.
Mannelli
Paolo
P
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. paolo.mannelli@duke.edu
Patkar
Ashwin A
AA
Peindl
Kathleen
K
Gottheil
Edward
E
Wu
Li-Tzy
LT
Gorelick
David A
DA
D000328:Adult; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D010919:Placebos; D009271:Naltrexone; D008691:Methadone