Li-Tzy Wu

Publications [#157968] of Li-Tzy Wu

Journal Articles

  1. P Mannelli, AA Patkar, K Peindl, DA Gorelick, LT Wu, E Gottheil, Very low dose naltrexone addition in opioid detoxification: a randomized, controlled trial., Addiction biology, vol. 14 no. 2 (April, 2009), pp. 204-13, ISSN 1369-1600 [doi]
    (last updated on 2013/06/01)

    Abstract:
    Although current treatments for opioid detoxification are not always effective, medical detoxification remains a required step before long-term interventions. The use of opioid antagonist medications to improve detoxification has produced inconsistent results. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) was recently found to reduce opioid tolerance and dependence in animal and clinical studies. We decided to evaluate safety and efficacy of VLNTX adjunct to methadone in reducing withdrawal during detoxification. In a multi-center, double-blind, randomized study at community treatment programs, where most detoxifications are performed, 174 opioid-dependent subjects received NTX 0.125 mg, 0.250 mg or placebo daily for 6 days, together with methadone in tapering doses. VLNTX-treated individuals reported attenuated withdrawal symptoms [F = 7.24 (2,170); P = 0.001] and reduced craving [F = 3.73 (2,107); P = 0.03]. Treatment effects were more pronounced at discharge and were not accompanied by a significantly higher retention rate. There were no group differences in use of adjuvant medications and no treatment-related adverse events. Further studies should explore the use of VLNTX, combined with full and partial opioid agonist medications, in detoxification and long-term treatment of opioid dependence.

    Keywords:
    Adult • Analgesics, Opioid • Community Mental Health Services • Double-Blind Method • Drug Administration Schedule • Female • Humans • Impulse Control Disorders • Male • Metabolic Detoxication, Drug* • Methadone • Naltrexone • Narcotic Antagonists • Opioid-Related Disorders • Program Development • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome • administration & dosage • adverse effects* • drug therapy* • etiology* • prevention & control • rehabilitation* • therapeutic use • therapeutic use* • utilization*