P A DeMaria1, R D Serota. 1. Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Methadone has been effectively used in the treatment of opiate dependence. Adequate dose and blood level have correlated with success in treatment. A number of factors including the regular use of alcohol, medications, and urinary pH can influence blood level and thereby effectiveness. Fluvoxamine has been shown to increase methadone blood levels. METHODS: Single case report. RESULTS: A patient unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level despite a dose of 200 mg per day was administered fluvoxamine with subsequent increase in her methadone blood level and reduction of opiate withdrawal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In patients unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level throughout the dosing interval, fluvoxamine can help increase the methadone blood level and alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.
BACKGROUND:Methadone has been effectively used in the treatment of opiate dependence. Adequate dose and blood level have correlated with success in treatment. A number of factors including the regular use of alcohol, medications, and urinary pH can influence blood level and thereby effectiveness. Fluvoxamine has been shown to increase methadone blood levels. METHODS: Single case report. RESULTS: A patient unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level despite a dose of 200 mg per day was administered fluvoxamine with subsequent increase in her methadone blood level and reduction of opiate withdrawal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In patients unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level throughout the dosing interval, fluvoxamine can help increase the methadone blood level and alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Authors: Hendree E Jones; Peter R Martin; Sarah H Heil; Karol Kaltenbach; Peter Selby; Mara G Coyle; Susan M Stine; Kevin E O'Grady; Amelia M Arria; Gabriele Fischer Journal: J Subst Abuse Treat Date: 2008-01-14