|
ORLAAM (lee-voe-METH-a-dil) belongs to the group of medicines known as narcotic analgesics (nar-KOT-ik an-al-GEE-zicks) . It is used as a substitute for illegal narcotics in addiction treatment programs. ORLAAM is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings, and other treatment recommended by your doctor. ORLAAM helps prevent the withdrawal symptoms that may occur when an addict stops using other narcotics. In detoxification programs, the amount of ORLAAM used is slowly decreased until an addict becomes drug-free. In maintenance programs, it is used on a long-term basis to help narcotic addicts stay away from street drugs. With long-term use, ORLAAM may decrease an addict's craving for other narcotics. Another narcotic, methadone, is also used in detoxification and maintenance programs. Methadone begins to work faster than ORLAAM does when treatment is started, but it has to be taken every day. ORLAAM starts to work slowly, but it does not have to be taken every day. Therefore, some people may start treatment with methadone and then change over to ORLAAM after several weeks. Other people may receive only one medicine or the other during the entire time of treatment. Your doctor and your counselor at the clinic will decide on the best treatment plan for you. In the U.S. , ORLAAM is available only in government-approved treatment clinics, in the following dosage form: Oral Oral solution (U.S.) ORLAAM is used in treatment programs for people addicted to narcotics. ORLAAM comes as a liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 2 or 3 days. You must go to an approved clinic to obtain and take ORLAAM. Your doctor will tell you about the proper procedures for enrolling in this kind of treatment program. |