Methadone withdrawal easier with carnitine

Jason Hawrelak, NatMed Research, Natural and Complementary Medicine Research Unit, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University
Stephen P. Myers, Director, NatMed Research, Natural and Complementary Medicine Research Unit, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University

Abstract

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) supplementation on withdrawal symptoms in methadone dependent subjects is conducted by researchers from Catholic University Medical School and the University of Florence. ALC administration during methadone withdrawal significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms, most notably pain, muscular tension and spasm and insomnia and it is highly recommended as an adjunct in the treatment of opiate withdrawal.