Sustained-Release Naltrexone For Opioid Dependence
Abstract Background Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist which effectively blocks heroin effects. Since opioid dependence treatment with naltrexone tablets suffers from high dropout rates, several depot injections and implants are under investigation. Sustained-release formulations are claimed to be effective, but a systematic review of the literature is lacking. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of sustained-release […]
Treatment for Methaqualone dependence in adults
Abstract Background Methaqualone is a potent quinazoline, a class of sedative-hypnotics, that has a high potential for abuse. While the oral use of methaqualone (Quaalude, Mandrax) has waned in western countries since the mid-late 1980’s, the practice of smoking methaqualone is a serious public health problem in South Africa, other parts of Africa and India. […]
Methadone maintenance at different dosages for opioid dependence
Abstract Background Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a long term opiod replacement therapy, effective in the management of opiod dependence. Even if MMT at high dosage is recommended for reducing illicit opioid use and promoting longer retention in treatment, at present day “the organisation and regulation of the methadone maintenance treatment varies widely”. Objectives To […]
LAAM maintenance vs methadone maintenance for heroin dependence
Abstract Background LAAM and methadone are both opiate agonists and have been shown to reduce dependence on heroin when given continuously under supervised dosing conditions. LAAM has a long duration of action requiring dosing every two/three days compared to methadone which requires daily dosing. LAAM is not as widely available internationally as methadone, and may […]