The aim of this study is to determine whether valproate is effective in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms in subjects receiving maintenance treatment for opiate dependence.
In Finland, 90% of subjects with opioid dependence are dependent on benzodiazepines too. Concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines has increasingly caused deaths. Benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment usually comprises gradual drug discontinuation. In one study, valproate was shown to improve benzodiazepine discontinuation success in chronic benzodiazepine users. In the present study, the effectiveness of gradual benzodiazepine discontinuation combined with valproate treatment and carried out in an inpatient setting is compared with gradual discontinuation without pharmacological augmentation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Valproate 20 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks, reduction during week 3. Conversion of benzodiazepines to an equivalent dose of diazepam (maximum 80 mg per day). Dosage reduced 10 mg daily until 40 mg per day. Reduction then continued 5 mg daily.
Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Unit for Drug Dependence
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
benzodiazepine withdrawal severity
Time frame: 3 weeks
benzodiazepine use
Time frame: 4 weeks after treatment
attrition from treatment
Time frame: 3 weeks
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