Methadone mixture DTF (1mg in 1ml) is a safe non-injectable alternative to methadone tablets (5mg). It also allows for a more gradual detoxification from opiate dependence. For these reasons it was decided to 'rationalise' our prescribing so that methadone in mixture form only would be dispensed. At the beginning of 1989, 66 opiate-dependent patients were receiving methadone tablets, 61 the methadone mixture. We report the consequences of instituting a policy change which was clearly very unpopular with patients. Of the 66 patients receiving methadone tablets prior to the change to mixture, 53 were represcribed tablets by the end of the 3-month follow-up period. In many cases this was because of an intense resistance to the change over, physical complications of methadone mixture occurred in very few. We were able to observe a decline in social stability and an increased use of non-prescribed drugs in some patients who changed to methadone mixture. More far-reaching consequences of the change included an increase in chemist break-ins, an increase in the street value of methadone tablets and greater hostility and threatening behaviour towards staff. These changes reflect psychological rather than pharmacological or pharmacokinetic effects.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.