A randomized, double-blind evaluation of buprenorphine taper duration in primary prescription opioid abusers.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Although abuse of prescription opioids (POs) is a significant public health problem, few experimental studies have investigated the treatment needs of this growing population.

Objective

To evaluate, following brief stabilization with a combination of buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate, the relative efficacy of 1-, 2-, and 4-week buprenorphine tapering regimens and subsequent naltrexone hydrochloride therapy in PO-dependent outpatients.

Design, setting, and participants

A double-blind, 12-week randomized clinical trial was conducted in an outpatient research clinic. Following a brief period of buprenorphine stabilization, 70 PO-dependent adults were randomized to receive 1-, 2-, or 4-week tapers followed by naltrexone therapy.

SUBMITTER: Sigmon SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4131728 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature