Abstract: (67389 Views)
Background: Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) agonists have been effective in
the treatment of withdrawal from benzodiazepines, sedatives and alcohol, and
reducing the craving for cocaine. Valproate is a GABAergic drug effective in the
treatment of neuropathic pain and also in withdrawal from benzodiaepines, sedatives,
and alcohol. The purpose of this double-blind trial was to evaluate the efficiency of
valproate in reducing acute opiates withdrawal symptoms and duration of
detoxification.
Materials and methods: A total of 60 opium addicts, who met the DSM-IV
criteria for opiate dependence were assigned randomly to treat with sodium valproate
or placebo during a 26 day double-blind clinical trial. Both groups received
methadone on an as-needed basis, tapered gradually, and clonidine . The severity of
withdrawal symptoms were measured on days 2, 5, 9, 12, 19 and 26 using the
modified short opioid withdrawal scale (SOWS).The results were compared between
two groups with independent t-test.
Findings: Valproate was not more effective than placebo in reducing physical
symptoms of withdrawal syndrome or the duration of detoxification process.
However, valproate was significantly effective in the management of mental
symptoms.
Conclusions: Sodium valproate may be an effective adjunctive therapy for
management of the mental symptoms of opiates withdrawal. Larger studies are
required to confirm these findings and to assess the efficacy of sodium valproate in
the management of protracted abstinence syndrome and relapse prevention.
Type of Study:
Research |
Received: 2013/01/22 | Accepted: 2021/07/12 | Published: 2006/01/15