Clinical experiences with naltrexone in 370 detoxified addicts.

Our studies have shown no evidence of toxicity and few side effects from naltrexone. It is a valuable adjunct in treating addicts who wish to be opiate free. Patients who drop out and return to treatment tend to remain longer with each successive readmission. Naltrexone has special potential for persons, such as an opiate-abusing physician for whom methadone maintenance is clearly inappropriate. A double-blind study has suggested that it may have value as a transitional treatment for detoxified methadone maintenance patients. Differences between naltrexone and cyclazocine suggest that a treatment combining these drugs should be explored.