Depade

Depade is a medication that is used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. In its generic form, Depade is hydrochloride salt, or naltrexone hydrochloride that is marketed under the trade names Revia, Depade and Vivitrol. Vivitrol is an injectable extended-release formulation of Depade that has given Federal Drug Administration approval to treat addiction in the U.S.

Addiction to opioids is a major cause of overdose deaths. Both synthetic opioids or those derived from the resin of the opium poppy plant impact receptors in the brain that interact with chemicals that help to diminish or regulate pain. While these drugs are very effective in alleviating pain, when abused, they can cause drug dependency and addiction. Although Depade is also a synthetic opioid that works through the same receptors, it is safer because it blocks the receptors and interfere with the pleasure or reward effects of addictive opioids.

Depade (Rivia) has received a category C classification from the FDA due to its potential risk to interfere with fetal development. Although tests are not conclusive, this drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

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How Depade is Used

Under its different generic names Depade is available as tablets, liquid or injection. This medication is used to treat opiate addiction and alcoholism. It works by blocking the effects of these chemical substances and therefore lessening the cravings or desire to indulge in substance abuse. According to clinical studies, 50 mg of Depade (Revia) can block the effects of 25 mg of injected heroin for up to 24 hours. Research also shows that incremental increases of Depade also expands the number of hours heroin effects can be blocked.

Depade has been shown to be most effective for addicts with a prognosis for opioid addiction when it is taken in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. However, the resulting effects of Depade on self-administered treatment for alcoholism and addiction has been poor. An indication researchers believe, that the drugs therapeutic effects are only achieved under strict medication compliance along with external conditions that enhance the treatment process such as:

Behavioral Changes
Lifestyle Changes
Psychological counseling,
Medication monitoring

Effects of Depade Treatment

Alcoholism – Patients being treated for alcoholism with Depade experienced support in their efforts to abstain from drinking which dramatically decreased the potential for relapse. In two concurrent Clinical studies of alcohol dependents patients who are free of any mental disorders who were treated with Depade (Revia) were shown to have less alcohol cravings, fewer drinking days, and lower relapse rates. The study conditions included the administration of 50 mg of Depade (Revia) for 12 weeks with reinforced patient compliance.

The results were the same in a study of 854 alcoholic patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions, polysubstance abuse (the use of three or more substances over a period of 12 months) and HIV disease as it was in the preceding studies. The efficacy of Depade as a treatment for alcoholism shows moderate improvement over treatment with only conventional methods.

Opioid Addiction In the opioid addiction population, treatment with Depade (REVIA) has been successful in some instances in completely blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. Again, this result was achieved when administration of medication occurred under enforced medication compliance. Depade success however, has not been extended to cocaine or other non-opioid substances of abuse.

Adverse Effects of Depade

Heightened sensitivity to opioid may occur following treatment with this drug. This increased sensitivity put opioid addicts who relapse at significant risk of overdose. Even using lower doses than was used prior to detoxification and treatment with Depade can still pose a serious threat during a relapse event. Those who try to halt drug use on their own by using high doses of Depade can create a life-threatening situation due to opioid intoxification or a fatal overdose.

Spontaneous opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough to require hospitalization when Depade is administered without medical supervision. Patients who take Depade as an aid in addiction management can experience symptoms of withdrawal within five minutes after ingesting the drug. These symptoms can last up to 48 hours. The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to life threatening and include:

Confusion,
Drowsiness or the inability to stay awake
Visual hallucinations
Significant fluid loss
Dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea

Hospital records show that self-administered Depade treatment for addiction that has triggered withdrawal symptoms were severe enough to require hospital admission and intensive care treatment in some cases. To prevent occurrence of spontaneous withdrawals, patients should be opioid-free for a minimum of 7 to 10 days prior before starting this treatment process.

Although rare, this drug is known to have cause serious allergic reactions. Seek medical help right away symptoms of an allergic occur including: