Citation

Hout MCV, Delargy I, Ryan G, Flanagan S, Gallagher H. Int. J. Ment. Health Addiction 2015; 14(5): 873-883.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11469-015-9618-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Misuse and dependence on prescribed and over the counter (OTC) codeine-combination analgesics is an emerging public health concern. We present a clinical case series of four adult patients dependent on OTC codeine combination analgesics in Ireland. Cases (two males/two females, aged 44-57 years) were consuming between 12 and 72 codeine-containing tablets/day. In three cases, consumption was linked to pain, with on-going misuse reflecting dependence on codeine. Cases were initiated on buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), stabilised on doses of between 4 mg/1 mg and 14 mg/3.5 mg per day and remain on treatment without additional opioid use, as verified by drug screening reports. Although anecdotal, these cases show the potential of effective opioid assisted treatment (OAT) using buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®) to successfully treat this distinct form of opioid dependence disorder. Optimal service provision should recognise unique patient profiles and needs for this form of opioid dependence and incorporate psycho-social supports.

Language: en