Opiates such as methadone, morphine and oxycodone are highly addictive narcotic pain medications that are generally prescribed in preparation for surgeries and following serious accidents, injuries or medical conditions. Withdrawal from opiates can be painful, though it rarely results in death. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that the acute effects of opiate withdrawal last between 48 to 72 hours, and that the remaining symptoms dissipate after about 10 days.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine--brand names Subutex and Suboxone--is a synthetic opioid drug used in the treatment of heroin or methadone addiction. According to the Drug Info Clearinghouse website, buprenorphine is inexpensive--about $5 per daily dose tablet--and prevents the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal. Buprenorphine blocks the effects of heroin and methadone, and decreases risky lifestyle factors attributed to drug-seeking behaviors and administration of street drugs.
Butorphanol
Butorphanol--or Stadol--also works to reduce symptoms of opiate withdrawal while reducing risky lifestyle factors associated with street drugs. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes that this drug is injected, and is used in rehabilitative detoxification by reducing the effects of opiates especially in cases of overdose.
Nalbuphine
DrugLib.com lists nalbuphine--brand name Nubain--as an injected drug that blocks and reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression, a symptom of opiate withdrawal. This drug is also used in rehabilitation settings to detoxify addicts and help in cases of overdose.
