Do I Have Opioid Withdrawal?

Did you cease or reduce opioid use that has been heavy and prolonged (i.e., several weeks or longer) or did you take an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience dysphoric mood within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience nausea or vomiting within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience muscle aches within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience lacrimation (abnormal secretion of tears) or rhinorrhea (runny nose) within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience pupillary dilation, piloerection (the reflex of producing goose bumps) or sweating within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you have diarrhea within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you start yawning within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience fever within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Did you experience insomnia within minutes to several days after ceasing/reducing heavy and prolonged opioid use or after taking an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication or withdrawal from another substance?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have opioid withdrawal.

While it is unlikely that you have opioid withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. Opioids are very effective to treat pain, but they can cause addiction. If you have been using opioids at high doses for a long time and you suddenly stop or decrease the amount of the drug you are taking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to find effective ways to stop using opioids.

While it is unlikely that you have opioid withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be valuable to seek medical support. Symptoms can be very painful and uncomfortable, but they usually start to improve within three days. Your doctor will typically start with a physical examination, and will also ask you questions about your symptoms. Additionally, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and past drug use. Your doctor may decide to order urine and blood tests. It is very important to answer your doctor’s questions with honesty, only then you can get help and get better.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid withdrawal. Seeking medical support is crucial in this case. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan. With professional medical help your quality of life and overall health will improve.