Opioid antagonists under heavy sedation or anaesthesia for opioid withdrawal
Abstract Background Withdrawal (detoxification) is necessary prior to drug-free treatment or as the end point of long-term substitution treatment. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of opioid antagonists to induce opioid withdrawal with concomitant heavy sedation or anaesthesia, in terms of withdrawal signs and symptoms, completion of treatment and adverse effects. Search methods We searched the […]
Methadone maintenance therapy versus no opioid replacement therapy for opioid dependence
Abstract Background Methadone maintenance was the first widely used opioid replacement therapy to treat heroin dependence, and it remains the best-researched treatment for this problem. Despite the widespread use of methadone in maintenance treatment for opioid dependence in many countries, it is a controversial treatment whose effectiveness has been disputed. Objectives To evaluate the effects […]
Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal
Abstract Background Few studies examined treatments for amphetamine withdrawal, although it is a common problem among amphetamine users. Its symptoms, in particular intense craving, may be a critical factor leading to relapse to amphetamine use. In clinical practice, medications for cocaine withdrawal are commonly used to manage amphetamine withdrawal although the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties […]
Treatment for amphetamine dependence and abuse
Abstract Background Few studies examined treatments for amphetamine withdrawal, although it is a common problem among amphetamine users. Its symptoms, in particular intense craving, may be a critical factor leading to relapse to amphetamine use. In clinical practice, medications for cocaine withdrawal are commonly used to manage amphetamine withdrawal although the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties […]
Treatment for amphetamine psychosis
Abstract Background Chronic amphetamine users may have experience of paranoia and hallucination. It has long been believed that dopamine antagonists, such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thioridazine, are effective for the treatment of amphetamine psychosis. Objectives To evaluate risks, benefits, costs of treatments for amphetamine psychosis. Search methods MEDLINE (1966-2007), EMBASE (1980-2007), CINAHL (1982-2007), PsychINFO (1806-2007), […]
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 […]
Psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide for alcoholic withdrawal states
Abstract Background Alcoholism is a global problem with 5-10% of the world’s population demonstrating alcohol-related diseases. One of the most severe consequences of alcohol dependence is the withdrawal syndrome, for which benzodiazepines are the most popular current treatment. An alternative method to benzodiazepine employs psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide (PAN). Objectives To assess the effects of […]
S-adenosyl-L-methionine for alcoholic liver diseases
Abstract Background Alcohol is a major cause of liver disease and disrupts methionine and oxidative balances. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) acts as a methyl donor for methylation reactions and participates in the synthesis of glutathione, the main cellular antioxidant. Randomised clinical trials have addressed the question whether SAMe may benefit patients with alcoholic liver diseases. […]
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 […]