Comparative study of verapamil and thioridazine in acute opioid abstinence syndrome

ABSTRACT

To determine the effectiveness of verapamil and thioridazine in the treatment of acute opioid withdrawal syndrome in patients with chronic dependence on opioids. The study was conducted at Psychological Medicine Ward, Civil Hospital Karachi and Arshi Hospital, Naseerabad, F.B. area Karachi. A total of forty [40] patients were admitted for ten [10] days in hospital. No treatment was given during the first two days of admission after abrupt termination of opioid to observe the acute opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Each group comprising of 20 opiate addicts. One group was given verapamil orally in a 40mg dose thrice daily and the other group was given thioridazine orally in a 10mg dose thrice daily from day 3 to day 9 of admission. The intensity of sign and symptoms were recorded by using subjective and objective opiate withdrawal questionnaire. Urine analysis for opioids was done on day 1, 5 and 10 of admission. Verapamil in comparison to thioridazine significantly decreased admission. Urine analyses for opioids were positive on day 01 while zero on day 10. Verapamil in comparison to Thioridazine was found to be safe and effective for the treatment of signs and symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal in in-door patients without any significant side effect