Opiates are a category of drugs often employed to relieve pain and reduce anxiety. Regular use of opiates results in a phenomenon known as tolerance in which more of the drug is needed to achieve the same result. If an individual develops tolerance, stopping the drug will cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are generally the opposite of the desired effect of the drug. Most withdrawal symptoms can be relieved by prescription medications and supportive measures in a supervised setting.
Pain
Drugs in the opiate category reduce pain, thus a primary symptom of withdrawal is generalized pain. A 2005 article in the "Journal of Pain" notes that increased pain is experienced especially in muscles and joints. Furthermore, stimuli that do not normally cause pain may be perceived as painful. Heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, supportive treatment and a quiet, calm environment.
Excitability, Anxiety and Agitation
Another main effect of drugs in this category is to reduce anxiety. It follows that withdrawal will have the opposite effects of increased anxiety and agitation. An individual in opiate withdrawal may become easily excitable, distracted and unreasonably agitated. These side effects can be reduced by keeping the individual in a low-stimulus environment. A 1980 article in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Bulletin on Narcotics notes that individuals experiencing severe anxiety or agitation can be managed with a short course of prescription medication such as clonidine.
Insomnia and Fatigue
Drugs in this category are central nervous system depressants. Sudden stoppage of these drugs causes the nervous system to rebound into hyperactivity. Insomnia is one of the symptoms of central nervous system hyperactivity. As noted by the National Institutes of Health, individuals in early withdrawal from opiates commonly experience some degree of insomnia. Fatigue results from consecutive sleepless nights and constant nervous system excitement.
References
- "Journal of Pain"; Trends in Abuse of Oxycontin and Other Opioid Analgesics in the United States; Cicero TJ, Inciardi JA, Munoz A; Oct 2005; 6(10):662-72
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Bulletin on Narcotics; The Use of Clonidine in Detoxification From Opiates; Kleber HD, Gold MS, Riordan CE; 1980;32(2):1-10
- NIH/Medline Plus: Opioid Withdrawal
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