title: [Methadone and levomethadone - dosage and side effects].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our survey was to assess the dosage and the frequency of side effects in patients with opioid dependency receiving opioid maintenance therapy (OMT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A region-wide anonymous survey was carried out in the city of Berlin. The dosage, the frequency of side effects, data on the dependence disorder and type of OMT was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of all 5032 patients receiving OMT in Berlin 986 participated in the study. Of all included patients 460 were treated with methadone, 371 with levomethadone. The average dose of levomethadone was significantly higher than the dose of methadone even when adequately adjusting for differential effect sizes. In the total sample, 484 participants reported side effects. The most frequent named ones were sweating and sedation. The incidence of the side effects irritability and gastrointestinal troubles was significantly higher under OMT with levomethadone, although when an adjustment for dosage was performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Levomethadone is dosed significantly higher than methadone. After an adjustment for dosage was performed, some of the specific side effects occurred more often under OMT with levomethadone. The results of our survey support the use of methadone as first line treatment for OMT.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schoofs
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Lena Karoline
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Bald
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heinz
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gallinat
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bermpohl
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gutwinski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone