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Clonidine blocks acute opiate-withdrawal symptoms
Lancet (London, England)
|September 16, 1978
Summary
Clonidine effectively reduced opiate withdrawal symptoms in a clinical trial. The medication aided patients in achieving longer-term opiate abstinence, with most participants doing well post-discharge.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Opiate withdrawal is characterized by significant objective signs and subjective symptoms.
- Neuronal hyperactivity in areas like the locus coeruleus, regulated by alpha-2 adrenergic and opiate receptors, is implicated in withdrawal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of clonidine in alleviating acute opiate withdrawal symptoms.
- To assess the potential of clonidine in promoting longer-term opiate abstinence.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted.
- An open pilot study followed to assess longer-term effects.
- Eleven opioid-dependent patients participated in the hospital setting.
Main Results:
- Clonidine eliminated objective and subjective opiate withdrawal signs for 4-6 hours.
- Patients taking clonidine for one week in an open study showed good outcomes.
- Post-discharge, seven out of eleven patients were abstinent from all opiates, with others on reduced medication or antidepressants.
Conclusions:
- Clonidine demonstrates significant efficacy in managing acute opiate withdrawal.
- The findings suggest clonidine's utility in supporting sustained opiate abstinence.
- The results support the hypothesis that opiate withdrawal involves increased neuronal activity in alpha-2 adrenergic-regulated brain regions.