Naltrexone in the treatment of heroin dependence: relationship with depression and risk of overdose.

Objective: This article examines the use of naltrexone in the treatment of heroin dependence. The relationship between naltrexone and depression as well as risk of overdose is examined. Method: The existing literature is reviewed along with recent interim data from clinical trials underway in Victor...

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Publicado en:Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 224 - 229
Autor principal: Ritter AJ
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. Apr2002
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2002
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      pub: Sage Publications Inc.
      place: Thousand Oaks, California
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        atl: Naltrexone in the treatment of heroin dependence: relationship with depression and risk of overdose.
      aug:
        au: Ritter AJ
      sug:
        subj:
          Depression Complications
          Naltrexone Adverse Effects
          Naltrexone Therapeutic Use
          Narcotic Antagonists Adverse Effects
          Narcotic Antagonists Therapeutic Use
          Overdose Etiology
          Substance Use Disorders Drug Therapy
          Risk Factors
          Substance Use Disorders Complications
      ab: Objective: This article examines the use of naltrexone in the treatment of heroin dependence. The relationship between naltrexone and depression as well as risk of overdose is examined. Method: The existing literature is reviewed along with recent interim data from clinical trials underway in Victoria. Results: Naltrexone is a recent addition to treatment for heroin dependence in Australia. The relationship between depression and naltrexone has been examined in previous literature. Underlying rates of depression in heroin users are high and treatment may resolve or exacerbate depression. Research to date demonstrates that the addition of naltrexone does not necessarily increase depression in patients. The risk of non-fatal heroin overdose is significantly elevated after naltrexone treatment as a result of reduced tolerance. Data from clinical trials underway in Victoria demonstrate a significantly elevated rate of non-fatal overdose in naltrexone patients compared to those in substitution maintenance treatment. The mortality rate subsequent to naltrexone treatment appears to be equivalent to or greater than that for untreated heroin users. Further research is required. Conclusions: Clinicians need to carefully monitor depression in patients, and warn patients of the risks of reduced tolerance to opiates following naltrexone treatment. Agonist treatments such as methadone, LAAM and buprenorphine carry much less risk of overdose.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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