Overdose, suicide attempts and death among a cohort of naltrexone-treated opioid addicts

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1997 Apr 14;45(1-2):131-4. doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(97)01348-3.

Abstract

In a study evaluating naltrexone with either an intensive psychosocial protocol or standard community treatment for opioid dependence, 13 of 81 subjects overdosed within a 12-month period of study participation. There were four fatalities, one of which was a suicide. Among the nine nonfatal overdoses, there were four suicide attempts. Characteristics of subjects and naltrexone-taking are described.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naltrexone / adverse effects
  • Naltrexone / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Narcotics / poisoning*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / mortality*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotherapy
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Narcotics
  • Naltrexone