CHOREOATHETOID MOVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH RAPID ADJUSTMENT TO METHADONE

Choreatiform hyperkinesias are known to be occasional movement abnorma lities during intoxications with cocaine but not opiates. This is a ca se report of euphoria and choreoathetoid movements both transiently in duced by rapid adjustment to the selective mu-opioid receptor agonist methadone in an inpatient previously abusing heroine and cocaine. In a ddition, minor EEG abnormalities occurred. Possible underlying neurobi ological phenomena are discussed.