Clinical trial evaluates outpatient detoxification in prescription opioid abusers

Patients addicted to prescription opioids (POs) who are taking buprenorphine (a medication used in opioid addiction treatment) may respond better to tapering of the drug over four weeks than over shorter periods when the taper is followed by naltrexone (a medication that blocks opioid strength), according to a clinical trial report by Stacey C. Sigmon, Ph.D., of the University of Vermont, Burlington, and colleagues. Abuse of prescription opioid drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and hydromorphone, are a public health problem, according to the study background...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs Source Type: news