Acute blocking of naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal symptoms by methohexitone

Abstract

In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 18 patients, methohexitone blocked objective signs of opiate withdrawal caused by a bolus injection of naloxone. Furthermore, in continuing the naloxone therapy for 48 hours, no withdrawal signs appeared. Levels of withdrawal distress returned to normal levels within six days. This approach can be regarded as an effective and well tolerated withdrawal therapy with low drop-out rates.