The Effect of Valproate on Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Severity
- Registration Number
- NCT00570219
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Helsinki
- Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to determine whether valproate is effective in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms in subjects receiving maintenance treatment for opiate dependence.
- Detailed Description
In Finland, 90% of subjects with opioid dependence are dependent on benzodiazepines too. Concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines has increasingly caused deaths.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment usually comprises gradual drug discontinuation. In one study, valproate was shown to improve benzodiazepine discontinuation success in chronic benzodiazepine users. In the present study, the effectiveness of gradual benzodiazepine discontinuation combined with valproate treatment and carried out in an inpatient setting is compared with gradual discontinuation without pharmacological augmentation.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 30
- Diagnosis of benzodiazepine dependence (DSM IV-R)
- Induction of buprenorphine or methadon maintenance treatment, or need of benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment during ongoing buprenorphine/methadon maintenance
- Pregnancy
- History of convulsions
- Unstable somatic diseases
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description B valproate Gradual benzodiazepine discontinuation and valproate treatment
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method benzodiazepine withdrawal severity 3 weeks
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method attrition from treatment 3 weeks benzodiazepine use 4 weeks after treatment
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Unit for Drug Dependence
🇫🇮Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland