Standardized Treatment for Opiate Dependents During Withdrawal
Author Information
Author(s): Øistein Kristensen, Terje Lølandsmo, Åse Isaksen, John-Kåre Vederhus, Thomas Clausen
Primary Institution: Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
Hypothesis
Will a standardized treatment regimen of Buprenorphine and Valproate result in fewer withdrawal symptoms during detoxification of opiate-polydrug users than the existing treatment regimen?
Conclusion
The combination of Buprenorphine and Valproate appears to be a safe and effective method for treating withdrawal symptoms in polydrug users.
Supporting Evidence
- 67% of patients in the BPN/VPA group completed treatment compared to 50% in the CLN/CBZ group.
- Withdrawal symptoms were reduced in both groups, but only the BPN/VPA group showed improvement from day one.
- The BPN/VPA group had a better adverse effect profile and was well tolerated.
Takeaway
This study tested a new treatment for people who are addicted to multiple drugs, and it found that a combination of two medications helped them feel better during withdrawal.
Methodology
A non-randomised, open-label in-patient detoxification study comparing Buprenorphine/Valproate to Clonidine/Carbamazepine.
Potential Biases
Differences in motivation and characteristics between the treatment and control groups may introduce bias.
Limitations
The small sample size and the use of a historical control group limit the conclusions that can be drawn.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of BPN/VPA group was 28, and the control group was 38; 42% of the BPN/VPA group were male compared to 76% in the control group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.15
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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