Memantine and Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Dependence

Inclusion:

• Adult, aged 18-60.
• Meets DSM-IV criteria for current opiate dependence disorder of at least six months duration, supported by a positive urine for opiates and a positive naloxone challenge test if the diagnosis is unclear.
• Able to give informed consent.

Exclusion:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Failure in a sexually active woman to use adequate contraceptive methods
• Active medical illness that might make participation hazardous, such as untreated hypertension, acute hepatitis with SGOT or SGPT levels > 2 times normal, unstable diabetes, or chronic organic mental disorder (e.g., AIDS dementia)
• Active psychiatric disorder that might interfere with participation or make participation hazardous, including DSM-IV schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with mania or psychosis, and depressive disorder with suicide risk or 1 or more suicide attempts within the past year.
• History of allergic reaction to buprenorphine, naloxone, memantine, naltrexone, clonidine, or clonazepam
• Currently prescribed or regularly taking opiates for chronic pain or medical illness
• Current participation in another intensive psychotherapy or substance abuse treatment program or currently prescribed psychotropic medications
• Current participation in a methadone maintenance treatment program and/or regular use of illicit methadone ( > 30 mg per week)
• History of accidental drug overdose in the last 3 years or any other significant history of overdose following detoxification, defined as an episode of opioid-induced unconsciousness or incapacitation, whether or not medical treatment was sought or received