Narcotic Withdrawal
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.
Withdrawal is a response to a sudden lack of narcotics in your body. Withdrawal happens when you suddenly decrease or stop taking a narcotic you are dependent on. Dependence means you feel you need the narcotic to function mentally or physically. This happens after you have used the narcotic regularly for a long time. Withdrawal can happen with an illegal narcotic such as heroin, or a prescription narcotic such as oxycodone or fentanyl.
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Medicines:
- Methadone or buprenorphine may be given to help decrease symptoms of withdrawal.
- NSAIDs decrease pain and fever.
- Blood pressure medicine decreases symptoms of withdrawal, such as nausea, vomiting, muscle tension, and anxiety.
- Antianxiety medicine decreases anxiety and helps you feel calm and relaxed.
- Antinausea medicine helps calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
Treatment:
- Detoxification is the process of slowly decreasing your dose of narcotics. You will also be given medicine to decrease your withdrawal symptoms.
- Maintenance therapy means your healthcare provider prescribes another type of narcotic than you are dependent on.
- Psychological counseling and support may be needed if you have narcotic use disorder. This is a condition that makes you crave the narcotic and not be able to stop using it.
RISKS:
Narcotic withdrawal may be uncomfortable, but it is not life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2023 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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