A new method for detoxifying opioid-dependent patients.
The purpose of the study was to investigate a new method for detoxifying opioid-dependent patients. Butorphanol is an opiod with mixed agonist-antagonist properties, and is marketed as a nasal spray. Undiluted, it will cause significant physical withdrawal symptoms in a population dependent on opioids. Forty patients dependent on opioids were detoxified using dilute butorphanol spray. The initial concentration was 40% and gradually reduced. This technique was highly successful in keeping this difficult group of patients engaged in the treatment process for a longer period. This time increased the probability of getting these patients involved with postdetoxification services. There was a subset of patients who had chronic pain and were opioid dependent, who had adequate control of pain with butorphanol spray at 10 to 20% concentration. This unique and unusual approach is worthy of open discussion and further scientific studies.