Opiate detoxification under general anesthesia by large doses of naloxone

For opiate detoxification 6 volunteer opiate addicts were intravenously administered 10 mg naloxone within one hour while under barbiturate anesthesia. During administration of naloxone none of the patients demonstrated significant changes in the hemodynamic parameters of heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, peripheral resistance or in the oxygen saturation. After patients awoke from anesthesia, they experienced no or only minimal withdrawal symptoms. Possible explanations for the suppression of withdrawal symptoms are discussed.     

全麻下纳曲酮快速阿片类脱毒的初步临床经验

目的··：观察全身麻醉下纳曲酮加洛非西定快速阿片类脱毒（ＲＯＤ）的治疗效果。方法··：２３例接受ＲＯＤ的海洛因依赖者与２０例１０ｄ美沙酮替代递减治疗的海洛因依赖者进行比较。接受ＲＯＤ治疗的患者进行气管插管,硫喷妥钠和氯胺酮静脉复合麻醉。麻醉诱导后,给予纳洛酮２ｍｇ,纳曲酮５０ｍｇ。麻醉结束后患者转入戒毒病房旁的监护病房。ＲＯＤ组在麻醉前及麻醉后２４ｈ,对照组在入院时及入院后ｄ５,进行戒断症状评定。结果··：ＲＯＤ组麻醉后２４ｈ的渴求、焦虑和睡眠障碍分显著低于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０１）,腹泻分高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０１）,骨骼肌肉疼痛、恶心呕吐及总分与对照组相当（Ｐ＞０．０５）。ＲＯＤ组麻醉后２４ｈ戒断症状总分与海洛因使用量有相关关系（ｒ＝０．４２１,Ｐ＜０．０１）。ＲＯＤ组有７８．２６％的患者接受纳曲酮维持,而对照组只有１０％的患者接受。结论··：ＲＯＤ是一项可选择的脱毒方法     

Effect of ultra-rapid opiate detoxification on withdrawal syndrome

The aim of study was determine the effect of ultra-rapid opiate detoxification (UROD) on the presence or absence of withdrawal syndrome in a group of patients with opiate dependency. In this study, withdrawal syndrome of 173 patients with opiate addiction was evaluated before and after UROD using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale. Hence, each patient was observed for 5 minutes before UROD and at different hours afterward to observe any withdrawal sign. The most prevalent withdrawal sign before UROD was anxiety. Restlessness was the most prevalent finding at 1, 3, and 6 hours. After 12 hours, yawning was reported as the most prevalent finding in 39 participants. Anxiety was reported as the most prevalent finding in 61 participants after 24 hours. Patients with opioid dependency who underwent UROD showed the highest rate of withdrawal symptoms at one hour after anesthesia. Most of these symptoms subsided after 24 hours. UROD can be applied for detoxification of patients with opioid dependency with safety.     

Effect of Ultra-Rapid Opiate Detoxification on Withdrawal Syndrome

ABSTRACT

The aim of study was determine the effect of ultra-rapid opiate detoxification (UROD) on the presence or absence of withdrawal syndrome in a group of patients with opiate dependency. In this study, withdrawal syndrome of 173 patients with opiate addiction was evaluated before and after UROD using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale. Hence, each patient was observed for 5 minutes before UROD and at different hours afterward to observe any withdrawal sign. The most prevalent withdrawal sign before UROD was anxiety. Restlessness was the most prevalent finding at 1, 3, and 6 hours. After 12 hours, yawning was reported as the most prevalent finding in 39 participants. Anxiety was reported as the most prevalent finding in 61 participants after 24 hours. Patients with opioid dependency who underwent UROD showed the highest rate of withdrawal symptoms at one hour after anesthesia. Most of these symptoms subsided after 24 hours. UROD can be applied for detoxification of patients with opioid dependency with safety.     

Randomised double-blind comparison of lofexidine and clonidine in the out-patient treatment of opiate withdrawal

This study compares the clinical response to lofexidine and clonidine in the out-patient treatment of opiate withdrawal in 50 opiate addicts, using a randomised double-blind study design. Patients were taking 40 mg or less methadone daily, or equivalent amounts of other opiates. Fifty-eight percent of those starting treatment completed detoxification, and were opiate free at 4 weeks: more patients completed withdrawal in the lofexidine group, but the difference was not significant. Clonidine produced more hypotensive effects: more home visits were also required by medical staff. There was no other significant difference in side effects. Both drugs can be used successfully in out-patient detoxification, but lofexidine is more economical in regard to staff time.     

An investigation of withdrawal symptoms shown by opiate addicts during and subsequent to a 21-day in-patient methadone detoxification procedure

Methadone detoxification procedures are widely accepted as a satisfactory way of withdrawing opiate addicts from drugs. There have, however, been comparatively few empirical studies which have examined the development and course of withdrawal symptoms in opiate addicts in response to such detoxification procedures. This study investigates the opiate withdrawal syndrome in a group of 116 opiate addicts during and subsequent to a gradual oral methadone detoxification programme. Withdrawal symptoms peak at the end of the methadone schedule and decline steadily thereafter. Not until 40 days after the beginning of the withdrawal regime have symptom levels returned to normal. It is suggested that this protracted withdrawal response is not entirely satisfactory and alternative clinical and research options are proposed. The results fail to support the accepted view that dose is a major determinant of withdrawal severity. Low dose users did not experience less severe withdrawal symptoms than high dose users. This finding together with those of a previous study suggest that this issue also warrants further research attention.     

丁丙诺啡舌下含片用于海洛因依赖者脱毒治疗临床评价

目的 :评价丁丙诺啡舌下含片对海洛因依赖者脱毒的效果及不良反应。方法 :采用多中心随机双盲双模拟对照试验及无对照开放试验设计。对照试验选择 2 39例中度海洛因依赖者 ,按照 1:1:2的比例随机分入丁丙诺啡10d组、丁丙诺啡 14d组和美沙酮 14d组。另外 4 9例重度海洛因依赖者使用丁丙诺啡进行 10 - 14d脱毒治疗 ,进行开放观察。结果 :丁丙诺啡舌下含片控制戒断症状总分和主要戒断症状评分与美沙酮比较差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。焦虑量表评分丁丙诺啡组与美沙酮组比较差异也无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。用药前 3d丁丙诺啡单次用量最大可达 6mg ,日剂量最大为 18mg。不良反应较少 ,主要为便秘。停药后无明显戒断症状。结论 :足量使用丁丙诺啡舌下含片用于海洛因依赖脱毒治疗安全有效     

Efficacy of buspirone in the treatment of opioid withdrawal

In an attempt to develop a new opiate detoxification approach, the authors assessed the efficacy of buspirone in the treatment of acute heroin withdrawal. Buspirone, a drug interacting with the serotonergic system, was selected because there is evidence that a decrease in serotonergic neurotransmission may be involved in opiate withdrawal symptoms. Twenty-nine hospitalized heroin addicts were randomized to 4 groups: (1) placebo; (2) methadone; (3) buspirone 30 mg daily; (4) buspirone 45 mg daily. The double-blind trial started in all patients with a 5-day methadone stabilization period ending with a 30-mg dose. This was followed from days 6 through 12 by placebo in group 1 and by a methadone taper in group 2. Because of its delayed action, buspirone was started on day 1 in groups 3 and 4 and was continued, after methadone discontinuation, through day 12. On day 13, drugs and placebo were discontinued and patients were observed through day 14. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed with the "Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale" (SOWS) and the "Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale" (OOWS). The SOWS and OOWS scores were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the methadone, buspirone 30 mg, and buspirone 45 mg groups. There were no significant differences in SOWS or OOWS scores when the methadone group was compared with each of the two buspirone groups or when the two buspirone groups were compared with one another. In conclusion, buspirone, a nonopiate drug with no abuse potential, a safe side effect profile and no withdrawal symptoms, at doses of 30 and 45 mg, was as effective as a methadone taper in alleviating the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addicts stabilized for 5 days with, and then withdrawn from, methadone. The use of buspirone could be particularly helpful in outpatient settings where the duration of the methadone taper recommended for detoxification can be lengthy.     

Rapid Narcotic Detoxification in Chronic Pain Patients Treated with Auricular Electroacupuncture and Naloxone

Severe withdrawal signs which accompany the detoxification of narcotic addicts from opiate drugs are also a serious problem for chronic pain patients taking high levels of analgesic medications. A rapid narcotic detoxification procedure utilizing auricular electroacupuncture was applied to 14 chronic pain patients to be withdrawn from their opiate medications. All patients were first switched to oral methadone. They were then given bilateral electrical stimulation to needles inserted in the “lung” and “shen men” acupuncture points on the ear, followed by periodic intravenous injections of low doses of naloxone. Twelve of the patients, 85.7%, were completely withdrawn from narcotic medications within 2-7 days, and they experienced no to minimal side effects. These results are explained by the relationship of electroacupuncture to the release of endorphins.     

Detoxification with phenobarbital of alprazolam-dependent polysubstance abusers

Alprazolam appears to have an abuse liability among opiate addicts, and detoxification can be prolonged. The authors describe experience with five methadone maintenance patients who were polysubstance abusers and were admitted specifically for detoxification from alprazolam dependence. Phenobarbital in tapering doses adequately suppressed withdrawal symptoms and shortened hospitalization.     

Accelerated lofexidine treatment regimen compared with conventional lofexidine and methadone treatment for in-patient opiate detoxification

This open study compares an accelerated 5-day lofexidine regimen with orthodox 10-day lofexidine and methadone regimens in the treatment of opiate withdrawal in 61 polysubstance abusing opiate addicts. Significant differences in levels of withdrawal symptoms were found on days 11, 13–15 and 17–20, symptoms resolving most rapidly in the 5-day lofexidine treatment group, whilst withdrawal responses in the 10-day lofexidine treatment group were intermediate between the 5-day lofexidine and standard methadone treatment conditions. When the two lofexidine regimens were separately compared with methadone the 5-day lofexidine treatment was significantly more effective on day 10, 11 and 13–20, whilst the 10-day lofexidine treatment was not significantly different from methadone. There were no significant differences in rates of completion of detoxification between the three treatments. Both the lofexidine treatment regimens had a similar effect on blood pressure. Five patients experienced side effects which resolved with dose reduction, all remaining in the study. An accelerated 5-day lofexidine regimen may attenuate opiate withdrawal symptoms more rapidly than conventional 10-day lofexidine or methadone treatment schedules without exacerbating hypotensive side effects.     

海洛因依赖者自然戒断后免疫学动态变化

目的 :研究海洛因依赖者自然戒断后 3个月内不同时点的免疫系统及相关激素水平的变化。方法 :2 5例海洛因依赖者在戒断后 4 8h、30d、6 0d、90d测查IL - 1β、IL - 6和sIL - 2R ,IgA、IgG和IgM ,补体C3、C4以及COR和PRL水平的变化 ,并与 15例正常受试者进行比较。结果 :与正常对照组比较 ,海洛因依赖者的IL - 1β在自然戒断后 4 8h较低 ,此后各时点与正常对照组比较无显著性差异 ;IL - 6在自然戒断后各时点均保持在较低水平 ;sIL - 2R则在自然戒断后各时点均保持在较高水平 ;IgA ,IgM在自然戒断后各时点均保持在较低水平 ,补体C3、C4在自然戒断后 4 8h检测值较低 ,90d恢复至正常 ;COR在自然戒断后 6 0d内各时点检测值均较高 ,PRL在戒断 4 8h内检测值较低 ,COR和PRL在戒断 90d后恢复至正常水平。结论 :海洛因依赖者免疫系统及内分泌系统会发生某些改变 ,自然戒断后 ,有些改变会很快恢复正常 ,但有些则会持续超过 3个月。     

Guanabenz therapy for opiate withdrawal

A 29-year-old man used codeine approximately 1000 mg/d for seven years prior to detoxification. He developed dose-related clonidine side effects of dizziness, sedation, and dysphoria during standard clonidine detoxification; however, opiate withdrawal symptoms persisted. Conversion to guanabenz, a clonidine-like alpha 2 agonist, promptly relieved the opiate withdrawal symptoms without side effect recurrence. Guanabenz shows promise as an opiate withdrawal agent.     

Comparison of buprenorphine and methadone in the treatment of opiate withdrawal: possible advantages of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate-benzodiazepine codependent patients?

The study is a preliminary investigation to compare the effectiveness of buprenorphine and methadone as opiate detoxification treatments. The sample comprised 123 drug misusers who were dependent upon opiates only or who were codependent upon opiates and benzodiazepines. Drug misusers dependent upon methadone doses up to 70 mg were eligible for the study. Detoxification took place within a specialist inpatient drug-dependence unit. Withdrawal symptom severity was assessed on a daily basis by means of the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale. Outcome was assessed for reductions in severity of withdrawal symptoms, treatment retention, and treatment completion. Buprenorphine detoxification was associated with less severe opiate withdrawal symptoms than methadone. Opiate/Benzodiazepine codependent patients reported less severe withdrawal symptoms during treatment with buprenorphine than with methadone and were also more likely to complete detoxification when treated with buprenorphine.     

海洛因依赖者脱毒后稽延性戒断症状的调查研究

目的··:观察海洛因依赖者脱毒后的稽延性戒断症状。方法··:采用《海洛因稽延性戒断症状量表》调查829例脱毒d15 -90的患者。结果··:脱毒后d15 -90 ,患者睡眠障碍、焦虑情绪和躯体症状分值略有下降 ,其中焦虑情绪分值波动较明显 ,但无显著性差异(F=1.644 ,P=0.120)。逐步回归分析显示 ,睡眠障碍是最主要的症状 ,其次是焦虑情绪。结论·· :脱毒后睡眠障碍和焦虑情绪未经治疗 ,恢复很慢     

两种电针戒毒仪对治疗急性脱毒期戒断症状的临床比较

目的:以韩氏戒毒仪为参照,验证JY-I型低频戒毒仪(简称:低频戒毒仪)治疗阿片类成瘾戒断综合征的有效性和安全性。方法:筛查合格的受试者以1∶1的比例按入组顺序随机分配到低频戒毒仪或韩氏戒毒仪组,进行10 d的治疗,并分别在基线、治疗d1、2、3、4、5、7、d11进行疗效评价和戒断症状评分,并以治疗d4作为有效评价时间。结果:d4,在符合方案(PP)人群中,低频戒毒仪组和韩氏戒毒仪组治疗总有效率分别为33.34%和25.00%,两组比较差异无显著性(P=0.2898)。在不同时间点戒断症状的评分中,低频戒毒仪组d2、d5、d7治疗前评分较基线有明显下降,与韩氏戒毒仪组相比在PP人群中差异有显著性(P=0.0193、0.0138、0.0140)。两者不良反应发生率组间统计差异无显著性。结论:低频戒毒仪和韩氏戒毒仪一样,都能够明显控制阿片类成瘾者急性脱毒期戒断症状,并具有良好的治疗效果和安全性能。     

1024例阿片类身体依赖者戒断后血压的变化

对１０２４例阿片类依赖者戒断后血压的变化进行分析，发现粗制阿片、海洛因或二氢埃托啡身体依赖者戒断后，中、重度戒断症状者的血压低于正常人血压。阿片、海洛因依赖者戒断后６ｈ内血压无明显变化，戒断后７－１２０ｈ的血压低于正常人血压。阿片、海洛因依赖者戒断后的血压亦低于恢复后的血压。结果表明，阿片类依赖者戒断后血压会有所下降，但下降范围不大，均在正常值范围内。     

Clonidine in Opiate Withdrawal: Review and Appraisal of Clinical Findings

Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that clonidine hydrochloride, an alpha-2-nor-adrenergic agonist, significantly attenuates the opiate withdrawal syndrome. Inpatient and outpatient clinical studies have shown that clonidine is a reasonably safe, specific, and effective agent for detoxifying opiate addicts. Clonidine seems best suited for use as a transitional treatment between opiate dependence and induction onto the opiate antagonist naltrexone. Dosage regimens of clonidine must be individualized according to symptoms and side effects and closely supervised because of varying sensitivity to clonidine's sedative, hypotensive, and withdrawal-suppressing effects. Clonidine is an important new treatment option for selected opiate addicts and may be the treatment of choice when detoxification using methadone is inappropriate, unsuccessful, or unavailable. Lofexidine, a structural analogue of clonidine, may be safer and more effective as an opiate detoxification treatment. It has similar withdrawal-suppressing actions but causes little hypotension and sedation. Although clonidine and lofexidine may be highly effective in helping opiate addicts achieve initial abstinence, a multi-modality aftercare treatment approach including naltrexone and psychotherapy may be necessary to maintain an abstinent state.