In this review, we have looked at treatment with slow release oral morphine and levomethadone. These treatments are compared to the three medications used in Norway: buprenorphine with naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone.

Opioid maintenance treatment can help people with opioid dependence to improve their lives. The treatment is effective, but people often experience side effects. Sometimes it may help to change the medication used in treatment.

In this review, we have looked at treatment with slow release oral morphine and levomethadone. These treatments are compared to the three medications used in Norway: buprenorphine with naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone.

We found six relevant studies -- three for slow release oral morphine and three for levomethadone. All compared these treatments with methadone. Almost all studies examined effect on use of illicit drugs and at least some possible adverse effects. Some studies reported if people stayed in treatment or how satisfied they were. No studies examined effect on crime.

When treatment with either slow release oral morphine or levomethadone was compared to treatment with methadone for opioid maintenance treatment, the researchers did not find evidence that these have different effects. However, the evidence is too limited and uncertain to conclude whether the treatments are equivalent.