Part B: 20 Questions and Answers Regarding Methadone Maintenance Treatment Research

Question 18: What is the role of L-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM)?

Answer: L-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM), a potent opioid with a longer duration of action than methadone, can suppress opioid withdrawal for up to 72 hours. Research on both LAAM and methadone maintenance treatment provides comparable results regarding patients' reported clinic attendance, opioid withdrawal symptoms, illicit drug use, employment status, and criminal activity. Both treatments are similar regarding overall effectiveness.

Due to concerns over reports of QT interval prolongation and episodes of Torsades de Point, LAAM was removed from the European markets and subsequently had limited use in the United States.

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