Complaints of heroin-maintained patients: A survey of symptoms ascribed to diacetylmorphine.
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Complaints of heroin-maintained patients: A survey of symptoms ascribed to diacetylmorphine. / Dürsteler-MacFarland, Kenneth M; Stohler, Rudolf; Moldovanyi, Andreas; Rey, Simone; Basdekis-Josza, Raphaela; Gschwend, Patrick; Eschmann, Susanne; Rehm, Jürgen.
In: DRUG ALCOHOL DEPEN, Vol. 81, No. 3, 3, 2006, p. 231-239.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Complaints of heroin-maintained patients: A survey of symptoms ascribed to diacetylmorphine.
AU - Dürsteler-MacFarland, Kenneth M
AU - Stohler, Rudolf
AU - Moldovanyi, Andreas
AU - Rey, Simone
AU - Basdekis-Josza, Raphaela
AU - Gschwend, Patrick
AU - Eschmann, Susanne
AU - Rehm, Jürgen
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - Prescribing of injectable diacetylmorphine (DAM) for heroin dependence has raised concerns about its safety. In light of various reports by heroin-maintained patients of DAM-related adverse events, and previously established unwanted effects of opioids in pain management, we undertook a survey in February 2001 of a random sample of 132 (127 participated) of 1061 patients prescribed DAM in Switzerland at that time. The purpose was to document the prevalence rates of a list of unintended symptoms experienced and attributed to DAM by patients. To assess symptom complaints and other data, staff administered a six-page self-report questionnaire. The patients ascribed numerous symptoms to DAM, with the best-known being the most frequently reported (e.g. skin itching, sweating, constipation). Among potentially more problematic complaints ranged irregular menses, cognitive deficits, muscle twitches, labored breathing, pains in the cardiac region, and temporary paralysis of limbs. In the absence of a control group, however, these may also be due to other factors, such as expectation, co-medication, concomitant substance use or co-morbidity. This pilot study emphasizes the necessity of rigorous assessment of the true rates, types, severity and preventability of such complications, especially given the current efforts to establish heroin maintenance as an optional treatment for heroin dependence.
AB - Prescribing of injectable diacetylmorphine (DAM) for heroin dependence has raised concerns about its safety. In light of various reports by heroin-maintained patients of DAM-related adverse events, and previously established unwanted effects of opioids in pain management, we undertook a survey in February 2001 of a random sample of 132 (127 participated) of 1061 patients prescribed DAM in Switzerland at that time. The purpose was to document the prevalence rates of a list of unintended symptoms experienced and attributed to DAM by patients. To assess symptom complaints and other data, staff administered a six-page self-report questionnaire. The patients ascribed numerous symptoms to DAM, with the best-known being the most frequently reported (e.g. skin itching, sweating, constipation). Among potentially more problematic complaints ranged irregular menses, cognitive deficits, muscle twitches, labored breathing, pains in the cardiac region, and temporary paralysis of limbs. In the absence of a control group, however, these may also be due to other factors, such as expectation, co-medication, concomitant substance use or co-morbidity. This pilot study emphasizes the necessity of rigorous assessment of the true rates, types, severity and preventability of such complications, especially given the current efforts to establish heroin maintenance as an optional treatment for heroin dependence.
M3 - SCORING: Zeitschriftenaufsatz
VL - 81
SP - 231
EP - 239
JO - DRUG ALCOHOL DEPEN
JF - DRUG ALCOHOL DEPEN
SN - 0376-8716
IS - 3
M1 - 3
ER -
