The Medications for Opioid Overdose, Withdrawal, and Addiction

In 2014, over 2.5 million Americans suffered from opioid addiction which led to more than 28,000 deaths in that year alone. In the following years, this number has been on the increase, prompting more awareness and research into how to prevent and treat opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction.

What are Opioids?       

Opioids are a group of drugs that are derived from the opium plant though some are synthetically made. These drugs include heroin as well as legally available painkillers such as codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine, tramadol, hydrocodone (Vicodin), and fentanyl, among others.

Legally available, opioids are analgesics and sedatives and are therefore used for pain management. They are safe for short-term use as long as you take them strictly as prescribed. However, because they interact with the opioid receptors in the brain’s nerve cells, they often induce euphoria along with pain relief. This is what leads to misuse and eventual dependence and addiction.

Opioid misuse can not only lead to overdose and addiction but also neonatal abstinence syndrome if abused by expectant women.

Opioid Overdose

Prescription opioid overdose has resulted in the deaths of thousands across the country. An overdose may be intentional (in cases of attempted suicide) or unintentional when an individual mistakes the dose they’re supposed to take.

An opioid overdose can quickly lead to death because these drugs act on and suppress the part of the brain that controls breathing. The 3 most common signs of an opioid overdose include:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Pinpoint Pupils
  • Respiratory Depression

To save someone who has overdosed on opioids, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible. Opioid overdose is reversible using the drug Naloxone.

The Medications for Opioid Overdose, Withdrawal, and Addiction

Naloxone (Brand name: Narcan and Kloxxado)

Naloxone has been authorized for use in reversing the effects of an opioid overdose as long as it’s given right away and the person receives basic life support before being taken to the hospital as soon as possible. This medication is an opioid antagonist and works by preventing central nervous system or respiratory depression i.e. when an individual’s breathing slows down and almost stops. Naloxone is very effective in countering the negative effects of opioid overdose and should not be used to try and treat opioid addiction.

Naloxone is available as a single-use, single-dose nasal spray and as a single-use auto-injector. The latter is injected into a muscle or a vein and takes effect in minutes.

Some of the common side effects of Naloxone include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, nausea, or chills.

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal happens when an individual stops using opioids. For some, the withdrawal process can be difficult and painful and this keeps many of those addicted to opioids from seeking help. For those who seek help, the withdrawal symptoms may be severe enough that treatment fails and relapse occurs. Some of these withdrawal symptoms include muscle twitching and spasms, muscular tension, yawning, aches and pains, stomach cramps, insomnia, and runny eyes, among others

However, with the use of medication, one can safely undergo opioid withdrawal. The main medication used here is Lofexidine.

Lofexidine (Brand name: Lucemyra)

This is an oral tablet that has been approved to manage the symptoms experienced during opioid withdrawal.  It works by blocking the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that mimics adrenaline and that causes the characteristic opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Lofexidine is effective in managing or reducing these symptoms even if the use of opioids is suddenly stopped. However, it does not treat opioid addiction.

It is important to take this medication as prescribed. It may cause several side effects, especially on the heat and blood vessels. This includes severe dizziness, a slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, and feeling faint.

Opioid Addiction

The Medications for Opioid Overdose, Withdrawal, and Addiction

The greatest danger of opioid misuse is that it can lead to opioid addiction. Once an individual is addicted to opioids, they may experience a strong desire to take them, coupled with an impaired ability to control their opioid use. Additionally, they may continue using the drugs despite experiencing negative effects. Opioid addiction treatment should only be done under medical supervision or at a drug addiction treatment program.

There are 3 main medications authorized for use in treating opioid addiction. These include:

  • Buprenorphine (Brand name: Sublocade)

This is available as a monthly injection or a daily tablet. The medication works by acting as an opioid in the brain to reduce the desire and cravings for actual opioids. The first dose of Buprenorphine is best taken when an individual starts experiencing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine and Naloxone can also be combined (Brand names: Suboxone and Zubsolv). This medication is available as a tablet or as a film that is taken daily by dissolving under the tongue. These two are combined to prevent possible misuse.

  • Methadone (Brand name: Dolophine or Methadose)

This medication is available as a daily liquid or tablets that are taken once a day. Generics are also available. It acts as an opioid in the brain reducing the cravings and desire for opioids. However, it does not induce a high, and those who take it feel normal, allowing them to function. Methadone can be safely used at the beginning of withdrawal.

  • Naltrexone (Brand name: Vivitrol)

This is available as a monthly injection and works by blocking opioids from acting on the brain, thereby preventing opioid addicts from getting high. It is a strong medication and it’s recommended that those taking it should have successfully undergone medically supervised detox to ensure that they don’t have any opioids in the body. Otherwise, they are at risk of strong withdrawal symptoms when taking this medication. Naltrexone is also a good option for preventing relapse.

We Can Help You

Beating opioid addiction may be difficult, but it is possible with the right help. Here at Findlay Recovery Center in Ohio, we offer affordable drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs to ensure we reach as many people as possible. We have qualified and experienced staff who have assisted people dealing with opioid addiction, so you’ll be in safe hands. Get in touch with us today and let us work together to rebuild your life free from addiction.

Understanding Tachyphylaxis and the Effects on Drug Efficacy in Rehab

The battle against addiction and chronic pain is fierce. But what happens when the very medications meant to provide relief start losing their effectiveness? This phenomenon, known as tachyphylaxis, can complicate treatment plans and affect patient outcomes. Here we...

Partial Hospitalization Programs: Effective Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

The continuum of care in addiction treatment means that individuals can transition from one stage to another as they progress through treatment. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are a step down from residential treatment. These programs are particularly...

Individual Psychotherapy For Addiction Treatment in Ohio

There are many addiction treatment methods being used in treatment centers around the country. One of the most effective ones is individual psychotherapy. This is a cornerstone of addiction treatment as it’s easily integrated into different treatment programs,...

Key Facts and Figures: Heroin Abuse Statistics

Heroin abuse continues to be a pressing issue worldwide, affecting countless individuals and their families. This post sheds light on the critical facts and figures surrounding heroin abuse, providing a comprehensive overview that underscores the magnitude of the...

Understanding the Role of Relapse Prevention Therapy at Findlay Recovery Center

If you're on a path toward recovery, you know it's as much about staying sober as it is about getting clean. Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT) can be the key to maintaining the hard-earned progress you'll make in your recovery. At Findlay Recovery Center, we prioritize...

Get In Touch With Us Today

Pick up the phone, fill out a form or chat with us below to get started on your free consultation and treatment assessment.

Complete Pre-Assessment

Once you reach a Findlay Recovery Center treatment coordinator, we will do a simple pre-assessment to make sure we’re a good fit for you.

Plan Travel & Admit

Our caring treatment advisors will help plan travel & anything else you need before you enter our drug rehab program in Ohio!

GETTING HELP FOR ADDICTION HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY

Get Help Now

Call Now Button