Journal of addictive diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Tramadol versus methadone for treatment of opiate withdrawal: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tramadol versus methadone for treatment of opiate withdrawal. Seventy patients randomly were assigned in two groups to receive either prescribed methadone (60 mg/day) or tramadol (600 mg/day). The withdrawal syndrome of patients was evaluated before and after rapid opiate detoxification using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS). ⋯ Dropout rates were similar in both groups. Side effects in the tramadol group were as or less common than in the methadone group, with the exception of perspiration. Tramadol may be as effective as methadone in the control of withdrawal and could be considered as a potential substitute for methadone to manage opioids withdrawal.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effect of nicotine patch therapy on depression in nonsmokers: a preliminary study.
Prior uncontrolled studies of nonsmokers with major depressive disorder (MDD) indicate rapid reduction in depressive symptoms with nicotine patch therapy. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study examined the effect of nicotine patch therapy on depressive symptoms in non-medicated nonsmokers with current MDD. Due to recruitment difficulties, only 7 were enrolled and of these 6 (5 females, 1 male) completed the study. ⋯ Similar decreases in HRSD scores were observed for placebo and active patch groups. Among the placebo participants, the mean HRSD score decreased (p = 0.038) by Day 2. The study needs replication with a larger sample and utilizing novel recruitment strategies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Physician substance abuse impairment: anesthesiologists vs. other specialties.
This is a retrospective case control study comparing relapse and recovery rates between addicted anesthesiologists and other physicians. Thirty-two anesthesiologists were compared with thirty-six randomized physician controls; all were followed for an average of 7.5 years over a 12-year period by the Medical Society of New Jersey's Physician Health Program. The relapse rate among anesthesiologists was 13 (40%) and for controls were 16 (44%). ⋯ These groups were stratified for residents vs. attendings and for those who changed their primary specialty during treatment and again, no statistical significance was noted between the two groups. The only significant difference in the groups noted was a higher opiate abuse rate for anesthesiologists (78%) vs. other physicians (42%) (p = 0.002). These findings suggest that with aggressive follow up and monitoring, clinicians can expect similar relapse and recovery rates for anesthesiologists as others.