It is not yet known why some people develop a dependency on opioids. Typically, opioid use produces pain relief and, for some people, a sense of heightened well-being called euphoria.
Experiencing euphoria after using opioids may be a warning sign of vulnerability to opioid addiction. This euphoria can also occur in people using opioids for a long time as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
During the use of Opioid Withdrawal Medicines or while getting used to this medication, people may take an opioid drug because of its relaxing power and its pleasurable effects. The pleasant sensations diminish over time. A person may take opioids at higher doses to restore the effects of euphoria or, as the condition progresses, to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid withdrawal can be a tough and challenging experience, but the right medications can make the process safer and more manageable. Withdrawal symptoms occur, such as anxiety, nausea, and muscle pain, when the body adjusts to functioning without opioids. Fortunately, several medications are available to help ease these symptoms and support recovery.
Opioid Withdrawal Medicines occurs when someone dependent on opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, stops or reduces use. Dependence develops as the body adapts to the drug’s presence, and withdrawal begins when the drug is absent. While not usually life-threatening, withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable.
In this blog, we’ll explore and discuss the top opioid withdrawal medicines that can be safely used by a person suffering from opioid dependency, addiction, or Opioid use disorder (OUD).
Methadone
Methadone is one of the most used and well-known opioid withdrawal medications for managing opioid withdrawal. It relieves the withdrawal symptoms and helps in detox. This medication is also used as a long-term maintenance medicine for opioid dependence.
It works by activating the brain receptors, the same as opioids, but it does not produce the same euphoric effects as they do. Methadone helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urge of taking Opioid withdrawal medicines, making it easier for individuals to focus on recovery.
- How it works – It is a long-acting opioid agonist that stabilizes brain chemistry.
- Benefits: It helps in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while preventing misuse of other opioids.
- Usage: Administered through licensed clinics, usually as a daily dose.
While methadone treatment requires a doctor’s supervision to avoid overuse or dependency. It’s best suited for people committed to a structured recovery program.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is another effective opioid withdrawal medicine used for Opioid withdrawal medicines. It’s an opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors but less than methadone. This reduces withdrawal symptoms while lowering the risk of dependence and overdose.
- How it works – It binds to opioid receptors, relieving withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Benefits: It has a “ceiling effect,” meaning it’s less likely to cause respiratory depression or overdose.
- Usage: Available as tablets, films, or implants and can be prescribed in outpatient settings.
Suboxone (a combination medication of buprenorphine and naloxone) is commonly used to reduce misuse risks. Buprenorphine is popular because it provides flexibility for patients who cannot regularly visit clinics.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-opioid medication often used to manage the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal. While it doesn’t treat cravings, it can reduce discomfort during the withdrawal process.
- How it works – Clonidine reduces the activity of the nervous system, calming symptoms like sweating, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
- Benefits – Effective for physical symptoms without the risk of opioid dependency.
- Usage – Typically taken orally or through patches during the acute withdrawal phase.
Clonidine is one of the most effective medicines when combined with other medications or therapies, offering additional relief without introducing addictive substances.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is used to prevent relapse after withdrawal by blocking the opioid effects on the brain. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone is not an opioid withdrawal medicine and does not reduce withdrawal symptoms directly. However, it is effective in supporting the long-term recovery of opioid withdrawal medicines.
- How it works: Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing a high if used.
- Benefits: Helps maintain sobriety and reduces the temptation to relapse.
- Usage: Available as a daily pill or a monthly injection (Vivitrol).
Naltrexone is usually started after detox is complete, as taking it while opioids are still in the system can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
For individuals experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms or looking for additional relief, several over-the-counter (OTC) and supportive medications can help reduce the effects of withdrawals.
- Anti-nausea medications – Drugs like ondansetron or promethazine can ease nausea and vomiting.
- Pain relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen helps in managing pain and muscle aches.
- Anti-anxiety medications – Short-term use of benzodiazepines (under medical supervision) reduces anxiety.
- Sleep aids – Mild sleep aids like melatonin help to improve sleep during withdrawal.
These medications help to make the withdrawal experience easy and comfortable. You must consult a doctor before combining or using these medicines with the prescribed medications.
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal medicines occurs when a person develops dependency, gets used to using opioids, or significantly reduces or stops taking them. It can result in a range of physical and psychological symptoms due to the body’s adjustment to the absence of the drug.
Symptoms often vary in intensity depending on the level and duration of opioid use but are generally categorized into early and late stages.
Early Symptoms (6–12 hours after the last dose for short-acting opioids and 30 hours for long-acting opioids)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
Late Symptoms (Peak intensity 72 hours after the last dose; can last for up to a week or longer)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mood changes
- Abdominal cramps
- Opioid cravings
- chills
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
Opioid withdrawal medicines can sometimes be life-threatening, and it can be extremely uncomfortable, leading some individuals to relapse. Immediate medical supervision can help manage symptoms through opioid withdrawal medicines like methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine.
To safely use opioids, take these opioid withdrawal medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Avoid exceeding or increasing the dose, taking them more frequently, or using them on a forward basis for a longer period of time recommended by your doctor.
Use of this medication supervision, supportive care, hydration, and psychological counseling are also critical for navigating the withdrawal process safely and effectively.
Never mix opioids with alcohol, sedatives, or other medications without medical approval. Store them securely to prevent misuse by others and keep them out of children’s reach.
Use opioids only for their intended purpose, and do not share these medications with others. Dispose of unused medication properly. Seek medical advice if side effects or dependency concerns arise.
Final Words
The journey to recovery and wellness from opioid dependency or opioid use disorder (OUD) is unique for every individual, but finding the right medication can make all the difference. Methadone, buprenorphine, clonidine, and naltrexone each offer specific benefits depending on a person’s needs and stage of recovery. Combining these medications with behavioral therapy, counseling, and a strong support system is key to achieving long-term success.
If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid withdrawal, you must consult a healthcare provider to get a personalized treatment plan with the right tools and support. Recovery is possible. You can quickly get opioid withdrawal medications from USPS pharmacies at an affordable and reasonable price range.