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Substance Withdrawal

What Is Substance Withdrawal?

Substance withdrawal is a set of various symptoms brought on by the removal of an addictive substance from the body of an addicted person. These symptoms can range from nuisance to life threatening, depending on the substance involved and how long the addict has been using the substance. It is also sometimes seen in newborn babies born to addicted mothers.

What Are the Symptoms of Substance Withdrawal?

The exact symptoms suffered by a recovering addict will vary based on length of drug use and type of substance the person has been addicted to. The symptoms may include both physical and psychological problems.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Hyperactivity
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart palpitations
  • Intense itchiness that is not resolved by scratching

What Are the Causes of Substance Withdrawal Symptoms?

These symptoms are caused by the lack of the addictive substance in the body. Only a person who is addicted to something can suffer from substance withdrawal.

Can Any Complications Arise If Left Untreated?

In many cases, over time the body's dependence on the addictive substance will wane and the symptoms will abate. In the case of some narcotics and illicit drugs, withdrawal symptoms may be life threatening if it is not done under medical supervision. The risks of withdrawal heavily outweigh the dangers associated with continuing to use the addictive substance.

What Medications Treat Substance Withdrawal?

The exact medications needed to help a person through substance withdrawal depend on the type of substance they are trying to break free from and their general health. The earlier in the addiction the person can stop, the fewer the withdrawal symptoms and the better the chances of long-term success. Here are a few medications used to treat various substance withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine patches

Methadone

Suboxone

Sedatives

IV Fluids

Anti-Psychotics

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/

Common medications may include

Agents for Opioid Withdrawal, Opioid-Type
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Antianxiety Agent - Antihistamine Type
Antianxiety Agent - Benzodiazepines
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Antianxiety Agent - Dicarbamate Type
Antianxiety Agent - Non-Benzodiazepine
Anticonvulsant - AMPA-Type Glutamate Receptor Antagonists
Anticonvulsant - Barbiturates and Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Benzodiazepines
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Anticonvulsant - Cannabinoid Type
Anticonvulsant - Carbamates
Anticonvulsant - Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Functionalized Amino Acid
Anticonvulsant - GABA Analogs
Anticonvulsant - GABA Modulators
Anticonvulsant - Hydantoins
Anticonvulsant - Iminostilbene Derivatives
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Anticonvulsant - Monosaccharide Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Phenyltriazine Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Pyrrolidine Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Succinimides
Anticonvulsant - Sulfonamide Derivatives
Anticonvulsant - Triazole Derivatives
Anticonvulsant Others
Antidepressant - Alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists (NaSSA)
Antidepressant - Monamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors
Antidepressant - Neuroactive Steroid GABA-A Receptor Modulator
Antidepressant - Norepinephrine & Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
Antidepressant - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
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Antidepressant - Serotonin-2 Antagonist-Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs)
Antidepressant - Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
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Antidepressant - SSRI and 5HT1A Partial Agonist
Antidepressant - SSRI and Serotonin (5-HT) Receptor Modulator
Antidepressant - Tricyclics & Related (Non-Select Reuptake Inhibitors)
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Antidepressant-Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
Antiemetic - Selective Serotonin 5-HT3 Antagonists
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Antipsychotic - Dopamine-Serotonin Antagonists
Beta Blockers Cardiac Selective, All
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Bipolar Therapy Agents - Anticonvulsant Type