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The naloxone test for opiate dependence
Author(s) -
Judson Barbara A,
Himmelberger David U,
Goldstein Avram
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1038/clpt.1980.69
Subject(s) - naltrexone , opiate , (+) naloxone , medicine , antagonist , narcotic antagonists , narcotic antagonist , anesthesia , opioid , pharmacology , receptor
Naloxone tests for opiate dependence were given to 296 applicants for treatment with the surrogate opiate levomethadyl acetate (LAAM, levo‐alpha‐acetylmethadol) and to 103 applicants for treatment with the opiate antagonist naltrexone. Thirty‐five of the 296 LAAM applicants applied first for LAAM, then following detoxification, for naltrexone. There was a dramatic decrease in withdrawal signs and symptoms when the subject went from an opiate‐dependent to a nondependent state. From our experience, we devised a scoring guide and testing procedure based on objective signs. We propose a 2‐step test, with an initial intramuscular dose, then (if necessary) an intravenous dose, to determine an applicant's eligibility for surrogate opiate or narcotic antagonist treatment. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 27, 492–501; doi: 10.1038/clpt.1980.69