Withdrawal from the Opiods

The cessation of chronic, moderate, or heavy use of an opiod, or a reduction in the amount used, or the administration of an opiod antagonist will produce acute withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms depends up many factors such as the amount used, the length of addiction and how abruptly the drug is withdrawn; among other factors. The following table of withdrawal is a guide to the withdrawal symptoms you might expect.

Table of Opiod Withdrawal Symptoms
(adapted from Frances & Miller)

Stage I--begins within hours of last dose and peaks at 36-72 hours

• craving for the drug
• tearing (lacrimation)
• rhinorrhea (running nose)
• yawning
• diaphoresis (excessive sweating)

Stage II--begins at 12 hours and peaks at 72 hours

• mild to moderate sleep disturbance
• mydriasis (dilated pupils)
• anorexia (loss of appetite)
• piloerection (goose flesh, goose bumps)
• irritability
• tremors

Stage III--begins at 24-36 hours and peaks at 72 hours

• severe insomnia
• violent yawning
• weakness
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• chills, fever
• muscle spasms (may be severe)
• flushing
• spontaneous ejaculation
• abdominal pain

Always remember that persons using opiods for short periods of time and for medical purposes, will probably have few and mild withdrawal symptoms. These may include slight restlessness or temporary insomnia. Those who have been "recreationally" addicted to high doses of opiods for long periods of time, may have severe withdrawal symptoms. These may include fever, chills, severe abdominal pain, seizures, coma, and even death. Deaths are rare today from withdrawal due to modern medical management of withdrawal.

Neonatal withdrawal:

Neonatal acute withdrawal symptoms include high-pitched crying, fever, sleep disturbances, frantic fist sucking, yawning, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, increased respirations, tremors, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms may not be seen until several days to several weeks after birth, since drugs are retained longer in neonates. A protracted withdrawal of up to eighteen months is characterized by increased susceptibility to colds, flu, ear infections, viruses, and other conditions related to a deficient immune system.

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