[The use of neuroleptics in treating opiate dependence]

The aim of the study was to determine indications and contraindications for prescription of neuroleptics in opium addiction and to study their influence on the state of the patients at different stages of the treatment. 197 patients were treated: 185 men aged 15-62 years and 12 women aged 16-35 years. The duration of the addiction was from 6 months to 18 years. It was found that therapy with neuroleptics is a necessary component of a combined treatment in the acute phase of the withdrawal syndrome and at the first stages of the following therapy. At the late stages the necessity of their administration decreased. An administration of sulpiride, alimemazine, periciazine, and thioridazine was more preferable; withdrawal psychoses were relieved with droperidol and haloperidol most effectively. In a period of antirelapse maintenance therapy administration of sulpiride, periciazine and thioridazine is indicated. Application of the preparations of prolonged action in contraindicated because of the possibility of neurolepsy development. It is emphasized that neuroleptics fail to stop a drive to narcotics and are not suitable to correct sleep.