[Plasma levomethadone level and concomitant use of sedatives in a methadone test program]

Treatment of heroin addicts with levomethadone as an alternative to the clinically performed withdrawal gains in significance more and more. Just for that reason accompanying scientific programs guided along criterions of therapy research are essential. Results of an evaluation which is to be regarded as preliminary showed no correlation between methadone plasma levels and dosage. Additional consumption of opiates, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines was observed to a high degree. The efficiency of methadone treatment is to be valued only under consideration of criterions of admission to the program as for instance a drug abuse of many years or multiple unsuccessful treatments by withdrawal.