Course of weight change during naltrexone versus methadone maintenance for opioid-dependent patients.

Background: micro-Opiate receptor agonism has been associated with weight gain, whereas micro-antagonists have been associated with weight neutrality, or even weight loss.

Aim: This study examined the course of weight changes in opiate-dependent patients over the first 6 months of treatment in methadone (agonist) versus naltrexone (antagonist) maintenance.

Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 36 opiate-dependent patients maintained on methadone (n=16) or naltrexone (n=20).

The relationship between opioid and sugar intake: review of evidence and clinical applications.

Opioid dependence poses significant public health risks arising from associated morbidity and mortality caused by accidents, infectious diseases, and social ramifications of crime and unemployment, among other complications. Opioid use, acute and chronic, is also associated with weight gain, glycemic dysregulation, and dental pathology. The literature supporting the connection between opiate use and development of preference for sweet tastes is reviewed, and further association with dental pathology, weight gain, and loss of glycemic control are considered.

The association between naltrexone treatment and symptoms of depression in opioid-dependent patients.

Objective: To examine the change in total symptoms, and symptom clusters, of depression in newly abstinent opioid-dependent individuals being treated with depot naltrexone (Depotrex; Biotek, Inc., Wellesley, MA).

Method: In a series of opioid-dependent patients (N = 34) treated with naltrexone maintenance and relapse prevention therapy, mood was assessed with a 17-item Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) Scale and subscale scores at baseline, and after naltrexone induction at 2- and 4-week post-baseline.