Adjunctive therapy and

symptomatic treatment of

opioid withdrawal

 

Adjunctive drugs are used in the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms, but they should only be used when required at the minimum effective dosage in order to reduce the risk of interactions.

 

The following drugs are used:

• loperamide for diarrhoea

• mebeverine for stomach cramps

• paracetamol/ NSAIDs for muscular pains and headaches

• metoclopramide/ prochlorperazine for nausea and vomiting

• zopiclone/ temazepam for insomnia, but only a short course is given due to the risk of further abuse

• lofexidine, an A2 adrenergic agonist which reduces the adrenergic neurotransmission occurring in withdrawal, thus alleviating some of the physical symptoms