A Therapeutic Use of the Methadone Fluvoxamine Drug Interaction

Abstract

Methadone has been effectively used in the treatment of opiate dependence. Adequate dose and blood level have correlated with success in treatment. A number of factors including the regular use of alcohol, medications, and urinary pH can influence blood level and thereby effectiveness. Fluvoxamine has been shown to increase methadone blood levels. Single case report. A patient unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level despite a dose of 200 mg per day was administered fluvoxamine with subsequent increase in her methadone blood level and reduction of opiate withdrawal symptoms. In patients unable to maintain an effective methadone blood level throughout the dosing interval, fluvoxamine can help increase the methadone blood level and alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.