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Controlled trial of maintenance treatment of intravenous buprenorphine dependence

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Abstract

Background Buprenorphine dependence is a relatively novel addiction.

Aims To compare the treatment outcome in three groups over 12-weeks of treatment.

Methods Two hundred and four intravenous (IV)-buprenorphine-dependent patients were randomised into three groups. Subjects received 50mg oral methadone tablet, or 5mg sublingual buprenorphine tablet, or 50mg oral naltrexone, and a weekly 30-minute clinical counselling session.

Results The majority (80%) had a history of opium or heroin dependency before they were introduced to IV buprenorphine. The main source of buprenorphine for misusers was street sale (91%). The mean duration of buprenorphine dependence was 1.9 years and the mean dose per day was 3.9 ampoules (1 ampoule contains 0.3mg of buprenorphine in 1ml). Overall 59% of the patients completed the 12-week study. Retention in the 50mg methadone group was significantly better than the 5mg dose buprenorphine group (p=0.001) and the 50mg dose naltrexone group (p=0.000). Retention in the 5mg buprenorphine group was significantly better than the 50mg naltrexone dose group (p=0.000).

Conclusions These results support the efficacy and safety of oral methadone and sublingual buprenorphine tablets for injection buprenorphine-dependent patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Hafez Hospital, Shiraz, Iran

    J Ahmadi & K Ahmadi

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  1. J Ahmadi
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  2. K Ahmadi
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Correspondence to J Ahmadi.

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Ahmadi, J., Ahmadi, K. Controlled trial of maintenance treatment of intravenous buprenorphine dependence. Ir J Med Sci 172, 171–173 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02915283

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02915283

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