Symptomatic relief in opiate withdrawal

Below are some of the symptoms commonly experienced during opiate withdrawal and prescribing suggestions (see BNF for further information).

 

Nausea and vomiting Metoclopramide

ORAL or IM injection: 10mg, 8 hourly, up to a maximum of 30mg in 24 hours.

See BNF for dosing advice if body weight <60kg

Pain Ibuprofen ORAL: 400mg, 4 - 6 hourly, up to a maximum of 2.4g in 24 hours
Diarrhoea Loperamide ORAL: 2mg as required, up to a maximum of 16mg in 24 hours
Stomach cramps Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan®) ORAL: 20mg as required, 6-8 hourly, up to a maximum of 80mg in 24 hours
Sleep difficulties Consider zopiclone for short term use rather than a benzodiazepine ORAL: 3.75mg - 7.5mg once daily at night

Editorial Information

Author(s): Linda Smith, Rakhee Vasishta, Joanna Renée.

Approved By: NHS Lothian Drugs and Therapeutics Committee

Reviewer name(s): Linda Smith, Rakhee Vasishta, Joanna Renée.