Opioid withdrawal occurs if you've used opioids daily for at least 3 weeks. Symptoms often start about 12 hours after the last dose of the opioid. But this varies greatly. It depends on which opioid you were using and how you were taking it (injecting, snorting, or pills). Withdrawal symptoms last from 3 to 5 days. But they can last much longer if you were taking the long-acting opioid methadone. Symptoms may include yawning, sweating, and goose bumps on the skin. They may also include runny nose, restlessness, and stomach cramping. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hot and cold flashes, and trouble sleeping are also withdrawal symptoms.
Home care
Follow these guidelines when caring for yourself at home:
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Stay with someone who can help you and give you emotional support during this time. Don't take more of the drug to stop your symptoms.
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If you have stomach cramps, upset stomach (nausea), or vomiting, take only clear liquids until the symptoms get better. Adults should drink a total of 2 to 3 quarts of liquid daily. It's best to take small frequent drinks rather than a few large ones. You may have liquids in any of these forms: mineral water, apple juice, sports drinks, soft drinks without caffeine, clear broth soups, plain gelatin, and ice pops.
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If you've been prescribed medicines to help manage your withdrawal symptoms, take them exactly as prescribed. Don't change or stop your medicine without talking to your provider.
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Don't use alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco during this time.
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If you were given a clonidine patch, leave this on for 7 days. Contact your provider if you have too much dizziness or drowsiness.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider as advised. After you've gone through withdrawal, enroll in an outpatient treatment program. Getting through withdrawal is the first step in a long journey to living a drug-free life. Having trained professionals support you will make it more likely that you'll succeed.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Shaking chills
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Can't keep liquids down for 8 hours
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Frequent diarrhea
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Signs of infection at the site of I.V. needle use (redness, warmth, pain, or swelling)
Call 911
Call
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Trouble breathing or swallowing.
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Wheezing.
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Severe confusion.
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Extreme drowsiness or trouble waking up.
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Fainting (loss of consciousness).
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Fast heart rate or very slow heart rate.
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Very low or very high blood pressure.
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Vomiting blood, or large amounts of blood in poop.
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A seizure.
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