Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms After Ceasing Opioid Use?

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 a lot 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?

Based on your answers, you may be displaying uncomfortable symptoms after ceasing opioid use. 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. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Many people become dependent on opioids to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, they mistake withdrawal symptoms for symptoms of the flu or something else. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to find effective ways to stop using opioids.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying several uncomfortable symptoms after ceasing heavy and/or prolonged opioid use. Symptoms can be very painful and unpleasant, but they usually start to improve within three days. Withdrawal symptoms depend on the frequency of use, as well as the severity of the addiction and overall health. It may be of importance to seek medical support. Your doctor will typically start with a physical examination, and he will also ask you questions about your symptoms. Besides, he will ask you about your medical history and past drug use. It is very important to answer your doctor’s questions with honesty, only then he can help you to get better.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid withdrawal. Some people try to manage symptoms on their own, but medical treatment can make you feel more at ease and will lead to a greater chance of success. 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. Besides, the chance of relapse will be reduced, as well as other complications related to opioid addiction.