The Use of Propoxyphene Napsylate in the Treatment of Heroin and Methadone Addiction |
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Authors: | Daryl S. Inaba George R. Gay Craig A. Whitehead John A. Newmeyer Dan Bergin |
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Affiliation: | Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinics'' Drug Detoxification, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare Project, San Francisco;Heroin Detoxification Ward, Aquarian Effort, Sacramento |
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Abstract: | The use of methadone in the treatment of heroin addiction continues to be controversial. Propoxyphene napsylate (Darvon N®) is a possible alternative and a pilot study was conducted to test its acceptability, safety and clinical efficacy in treating long term, “multi-relapse” heroin addicts.Findings indicate that propoxyphene napsylate suppresses many of the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal phenomena. It should be viewed as a very promising therapeutic tool to be used in conjunction with psychological counseling and socio-vocational rehabilitation in detoxification and maintenance therapy for heroin or methadone addiction. |
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