title: Tramadol versus methadone for treatment of opiate withdrawal: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tramadol versus methadone for treatment of opiate withdrawal. Seventy patients randomly were assigned in two groups to receive either prescribed methadone (60 mg/day) or tramadol (600 mg/day). The withdrawal syndrome of patients was evaluated before and after rapid opiate detoxification using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS). No significant differences existed in overall OOWS scores between two groups (P = 0.11). Dropout rates were similar in both groups. Side effects in the tramadol group were as or less common than in the methadone group, with the exception of perspiration. Tramadol may be as effective as methadone in the control of withdrawal and could be considered as a potential substitute for methadone to manage opioids withdrawal.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Mazandaran, University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Sari, Iran.
authors.forename: Mehran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zarghami
authors.forename: Babak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Masoum
authors.forename: Mohammad-Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Shiran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014147:Tramadol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014147:Tramadol; D008691:Methadone