Orlaam is the trade name for the drug levacetylmethadol. It’s an opioid created exclusively through synthetic means. Its most closely associated with methadone, but it has a longer duration due to the sheer number of active metabolites within the formula. This is why it was used extensively within clinical environments in treating opioid dependence as a second-line treatment.
Roxane Laboratories, who manufactured the drug, pulled it from the European markets after many cases of ventricular rhythm disorders in the people who ingested the substance. In 2003, the US followed suit. It is difficult to find this drug now since nobody is manufacturing it these days. Shipments from before it was banned still exist, and this is why it is still a threat to people.
Side Effects
Most users experienced very uncomfortable side effects. Amongst these problems were infrequent bowel movements, pain in the joints, sweating, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Often, it made users feel terrible, and this is what compromised its position as a drug for managing opioid dependence.
Dangerous ventricular rhythms were the original cause of its removal from the market. This essentially meant that the heart was not working properly, which affected all the major organs of the body. Shockingly, some patients even found themselves dealing with hepatitis because of using this drug.
Orlaam Addiction Treatment
As already mentioned, orlaam addictions are quite rare these days. However, when they do arise drug rehabilitation centres immediately check patients to make sure they are not suffering from any life-threatening side effects. If this is the case, they will look to check them into a hospital and counter them with other medications.
Stable patients move on to counselling where trained therapists work with them to move through the issues leading them on the path of addiction. This is the hardest part of rehabilitation, but it is also the most rewarding as it eventually leads to getting clean and living a life free of drugs.
