Double blind placebo controlled trial of Homoeopathic medicines in the management of withdrawal symptoms in Opium addicts and its alkaloid derivatives-dependents

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the efficacy of Homoeopathic medicines in the management of withdrawal symptoms in Opium addicts & its alkaloid derivatives-dependents. Methods: 169 patients addicted primarily to opium, its alkaloid derivatives either natural or synthetic (Morphine, Codeine, Heroine, Pethidine and other Narcotic etc.) were enrolled for the study between September 2002 to August 2005. Only male patients within 15 - 50 yrs of age coming to the O.P.D. were admitted and included in the study. The study was conducted at Navjyoti Drug Demand Reduction Training Institute, New Delhi. Indicated homoeopathic medicines ( on the basis of characteristic symptoms of each medicine) out of the selected six useful medicine was prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms experienced by the enrolled patients. The medicines and placebo were coded. Approximately half of the patients were given medicines & other half received placebo. Assessment of progress made in each individual symptom was recorded for both the groups. Results: Action of medicines & placebo in relieving the withdrawal symptomatology of Opium Drug Dependents was recorded from 3rd day onward after starting the treatment. The action of each individual Homoeopathic Medicine in relieving symptoms is significantly better than that of placebo in each group in this study. Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines have acted better in relieving the acute withdrawal symptoms than the placebo in each group. Symptoms like lachrymation, sneezing, yawning, abdominal pain, constipation, anxiety & irritability have particularly responded better to the medicine than placebo.