Guanabenz acetate: a new, long-acting alpha-two adrenergic agonist for opioid withdrawal

Guanabenz Acetate (GA) is a new long-lasting alpha-two agonist. We found that it effectively suppressed opioid withdrawal in the majority of 47 opioid-dependent subjects. GA was usually given in twice per day dosages and did not appear to have as many side effects as clonidine. It may have greater acceptance among heroin addicts than clonidine.