Opiate drugs are powerful pain relievers, but their use must be carefully monitored as they can cause dependence. The text, "Opium" explains that opium is the crude extract from the seed pod of the flower Papaver somniferum. It contains morphine, codeine and other substances. Heroin is an illicit drug that is synthesized from morphine. The text, "Drug and Alcohol Abuse" explains that pharmacological treatment for opium addiction and dependence on other opiate drugs aims to relieve discomfort and dampen drug cravings.
Methadone
The text, "Drug and Alcohol Abuse" cites methadone as the drug of choice used by most clinicians treating opium/opiate addicted individuals. Methadone is a long-acting opiate that acts in a manner that is physiologically similar to the actions of heroin, morphine and other short-lived opiates. Importantly, methadone relieves symptoms of drug withdrawal without imparting opium's reinforcing euphoric effects.
Clonidine
According to the text, "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology," Clonidine is a drug that is typically used to treat high-blood pressure. However, it is also useful in treating the opiate withdrawal symptoms that are attributable to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. These symptoms include racing heart, excessive sweating and increased blood pressure.
Buprenorphine
According to the text, "The Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs," buprenorphine is a highly effective and relatively new drug for the treatment of opiate withdrawal. It is available either by itself or in combination with another drug called naloxone. Treatment with buprenorphine is best delayed until after withdrawal symptoms are evident in order to avoid complicated side effects.
LAAM
Levomethadyl acetate, or LAAM, is a drug similar to methadone in its pharmacological properties and actions. However, according to the "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology," LAAM must have time to adequately build up in the body and thus may not provide relief from withdrawal symptoms immediately. Some patients choose therapy with LAAM because it is the treatment with the least frequent dosing schedule; it only needs to be taken three times per week.
References
- "Opium"; James Barter; 2004
- "Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (Sixth Edition)"; Marc A. Schuckit; 2006
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
- "The Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs"; Jeffrey A. Lieberman and Allan Tasman; 2006
