Opiate Withdrawal Remedies

Remedies for opium withdrawal

Opium withdrawal remedies are as unique has the users addiction.

There are many different medications and treatment options that have been proven to help with opium withdrawal but finding the right opium withdrawal remedies for your individual situation can prove to be a challenging process. What works for one user may not work for the next user which is why it’s so important to talk with a doctor, counselor or treatment professional about your individual situation and the symptoms that you are having prior to attempting any particular type of treatment or home remedy for opium withdrawal.

Symptoms of opium withdrawal typically last anywhere from about 7-14 days but can persist for a few weeks or more in patients who have abused opiates for an extensive period of time. Most of the time, opium withdrawal will peak around the 7-10th day and will then dissipate gradually allowing the user to feel comfort after about two weeks. For mild to moderate instances of opium withdrawal, remedies often include rest, relaxation and plenty of fluids.

Over the Counter Remedies

While you should seek professional treatment if you are experiencing any dangerous side effects associated with opium withdrawal, many over the counter options are available to help ease your discomfort. Although these opium withdrawal remedies are not necessarily made for this use, certain over the counter medications can be used to effectively ease your discomfort, reduce the severity of the withdrawal and help you to work through the worst of the symptoms on your own.

Analgesics, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can be used to help manage body aches and pains that you may have during opium withdrawal. Unfortunately, if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting then it could be difficult to keep a pain reliever in your system for long so you may be best coping with aches and pains by resting and doing the best that you can to get plenty of fluids in to prevent dehydration.

Anti-diarrheal medications such as Immodium AD can work well in helping to reduce the diarrhea that comes during opium withdrawal. Any medication that contains loperamide hydrochloride can reduce the intestinal spasms that result during opium withdrawal effectively reducing the severity of diarrhea and similar bowel symptoms during the worst days of withdrawal. Only take this medication if you have symptoms of diarrhea and when you do take it, double up the dose to ensure that it is effective.

Antihistamines can also be used during opium withdrawal to help you get through the most difficult days of this process. Opium withdrawal remedies, such as the use of over the counter antihistamines, can help you to relax and sleep off the symptoms. Take an antihistamine such as Benadryl or Dramamine to help sedate yourself this way you can sleep through much of the withdrawal process, reduce your nausea and hopefully wake up feeling a little bit better.

Prescription Opium Withdrawal Remedies

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription medications for the treatment of opium withdrawal. Many different options are available to help you overcome the withdrawal symptoms and can make the process go a bit more smoothly. Some of the medications that may be available to you by prescription include:

  • Clonidine
  • Suoxone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Diazepam
  • Clonazepam

Talk with your doctor about these remedies for opium withdrawal and whether or not there are other treatment options available to assist you.