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Narcotic Withdrawal Syndrome Caused by Naltrexone
Abstract
Three persons who were regularly taking methadone, heroin, or both, ingested 50 to 188 mg of naltrexone, a potent narcotic antagonist. Each experienced an acute narcotic withdrawal syndrome beginning within 5 minutes of ingestion and lasting up to 48 hours. Mental status changes including confusion and somnolence were noted in two patients, one of whom also experienced visual hallucinations. Significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, which required intravenous fluid replacement, occurred in the same two patients. Illicit dissemination of naltrexone poses another hazard for opiate addicts.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Department of Medicine, Harlem Hospital Center and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Vincent Tornabene, M.D., Department of Medicine, Harlem Hospital Center, 135th and Lenox Ave., New York, NY 10037.
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- Received May 15, 1974.
- Accepted August 29, 1974.
