Methadone for the treatment of Prescription Opioids Dependence. A retrospective chart review

Authors

  • Pablo Barrio Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Mohamed Ezzeldin Clinical Pharmacology Department, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Pol Bruguera Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Ana Pérez Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Sara Mansilla Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Marina Fàbrega Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Anna Lligoña Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Sílvia Mondón Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona
  • Mercè Balcells Addictions Unit, Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Clinic Hospital, Barcelona

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20882/adicciones.832

Keywords:

Prescription opioids, Methadone, Detoxification, Day Hospital.

Abstract

Prescription opioids (PO) addiction is increasing to an epidemic level. Few studies exist regarding its treatment. Although buprenorphine has been the mainstay so far, other treatment options might be considered, such as methadone. We conducted a retrospective assessment of all patients admitted to a psychiatry ward for PO detoxification using methadone between 2010 and 2013. The assessment and description was carried out during a 3-month follow-up period after their discharge. Although this is a retrospective chart review, our exploration included sociodemographic and treatment variables in addition to the abstinence rates for the whole sample. Eleven patients were included, mostly women (81.8%), with a median age of 50 years. The median duration of dependence was 8 years. Dependence on other substances and psychiatric comorbidities were high. Eight patients were monitored during three months. Of these, 7 (87.5%) were abstinent after that period. The results suggest that methadone deserves further exploration as a potentially efficacious treatment option for PO dependence.  

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Published

2016-06-14

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Originals