SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF NALTREXONE IN 155 HEROIN EX-ADDICTS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 11  (6) , 679-685
Abstract
The narcotic antagonist naltrexone was administered for periods of up to 8 mo. to a total of 155 patients at a dose of 40-200 mg/day. The antagonistic effect of naltrexone was tested by injections of heroin. Naltrexone (80 mg) was effective for 48 h. The antagonistic effect decreased at 72 h after the administration of 120-200 mg of naltrexone. Laboratory tests indicated no signs of toxicity. Naltrexone may elicit an increase in blood pressure and epigastric pain. Neither of these side-effects appears clinically important. No signs of dependence on naltrexone were detected. Naltrexone may be useful for clinical treatment of opiate dependence.

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