[Methadone and levomethadone - dosage and side effects].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our survey was to assess the dosage and the frequency of side effects in patients with opioid dependency receiving opioid maintenance therapy (OMT).

METHODS

A region-wide anonymous survey was carried out in the city of Berlin. The dosage, the frequency of side effects, data on the dependence disorder and type of OMT was assessed.

RESULTS

Out of all 5032 patients receiving OMT in Berlin 986 participated in the study. Of all included patients 460 were treated with methadone, 371 with levomethadone. The average dose of levomethadone was significantly higher than the dose of methadone even when adequately adjusting for differential effect sizes. In the total sample, 484 participants reported side effects. The most frequent named ones were sweating and sedation. The incidence of the side effects irritability and gastrointestinal troubles was significantly higher under OMT with levomethadone, although when an adjustment for dosage was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Levomethadone is dosed significantly higher than methadone. After an adjustment for dosage was performed, some of the specific side effects occurred more often under OMT with levomethadone. The results of our survey support the use of methadone as first line treatment for OMT.