Opioid withdrawal during risperidone treatment

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1999 Jun;19(3):265-7. doi: 10.1097/00004714-199906000-00010.

Abstract

A small but significant percentage of opioid-dependent patients will require neuroleptic treatment. Several classes of drugs have been shown to affect opioid metabolism. Two patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of opioid dependence received concomitant treatment with opioids and risperidone. After receiving risperidone for several days, both patients exhibited symptoms of opioid withdrawal despite having no change in their opioid doses. These withdrawal symptoms resolved soon after risperidone was discontinued. This finding suggests the possibility that risperidone may precipitate opioid withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Risperidone / adverse effects*
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Risperidone