A therapeutic use of the methadone fluvoxamine drug interaction.

Background: Methadone has been effectively used in the treatment of opiate dependence. Adequate dose and blood level have correlated with success in treatment. A number of factors including the regular use of alcohol, medications, and urinary pH can influence blood level and thereby effectiveness. Fluvoxamine has been shown to increase methadone blood levels.

Methods: Single case report.

Results: A patient unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level despite a dose of 200 mg per day was administered fluvoxamine with subsequent increase in her methadone blood level and reduction of opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusions: In patients unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level throughout the dosing interval, fluvoxamine can help increase the methadone blood level and alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.