Opioid withdrawal

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Opioid withdrawal
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Anxiety, muscle pain, insomnia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, yawning
Complications	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, relapse
Onset	Within hours to days after last opioid use
Duration	Typically 5 to 10 days
Types	Acute withdrawal, protracted withdrawal
Causes	Cessation of opioid use after dependence
Risks	Long-term opioid use, high-dose opioid use
Diagnosis	Based on clinical presentation and history of opioid use
Differential diagnosis	Other substance withdrawal, anxiety disorders, gastroenteritis
Prevention	Gradual tapering of opioids, medication-assisted treatment
Treatment	Supportive care, medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, clonidine
Medication	Buprenorphine, methadone, clonidine
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment, risk of relapse
Frequency	Common among individuals with opioid use disorder
Deaths	N/A

Opioid withdrawal is a severe physical condition caused by the abrupt cessation or reduction of prolonged use of opioids. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.

Symptoms

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Restlessness
• Lacrimation (tearing) or rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Yawning
• Perspiration or gooseflesh
• Dilated pupils
• Sleep difficulties
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bone or joint aches
• Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety

Causes

Opioid withdrawal is caused by the sudden cessation or reduction of prolonged use of opioids. The body becomes used to having opioids in the system, so when the drugs are no longer present, withdrawal symptoms can start.

Treatment

Treatment for opioid withdrawal includes medications and support. Medications can help to reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Supportive care can help a person to cope with the physical discomfort and intense craving that characterize withdrawal.

Gallery

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  Clonidine pills and patch

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  Butrans 10 mcg

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  Buprenorphine naloxone Tablets Bottle

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  Mesolimbic pathway

See also

• Opioid use disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Drug rehabilitation

References

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