Opioid withdrawal

Definition

Opioid withdrawal is a series of symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing the intake of opioid drugs following dependence. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and impact both physical and psychological health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and sweating.
2. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within 6-12 hours for short-acting opioids and within 30 hours for long-acting opioids.
3. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
4. The severity of withdrawal can depend on factors such as the duration of opioid use, the dosage taken, and the specific type of opioid used.
5. Untreated opioid withdrawal can lead to complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Review Questions

• What are common symptoms experienced during opioid withdrawal?
• Which medications are often used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms?
• What factors influence the severity of opioid withdrawal?

Related terms

Methadone:

A synthetic opioid used for pain management and in treatment programs for opioid dependence.

Buprenorphine:

A partial opioid agonist used in medication-assisted treatment to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone:

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.