Opiate withdrawal is
rarely fatal but is
extremely uncomfortable and typically is accompanied by
strong cravings.
Withdrawal signs and symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, rhinorrhea, thermoderegulation, insomnia, anxiety, dysphoria, gooseflesh, yawning, and pupil dilation.
Treatment can be symptomatic, as with the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist
clonidine, or can involve receptor agonist or antagonist activity.
Methadone can be used with short- or long-taper protocols.
Buprenorphine, a partial opiate agonist can similarly be used.
Naltrexone + clonidine has been used effectively in both inpatient and outpatient settings (Ries et al., 2009).
Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine, 8th ed. Chp. 51 Drug abuse
TABLE 83-5 -- Dose Equivalence of Opioid Drugs
DRUG | Single-Dose Analgesic Equivalence | Maintenance Dose Equivalence (Total Daily Dose) |
Subcutaneous (mg) | Oral (mg) | Subcutaneous (mg) | Oral (mg) |
Morphine | 10 | 60 | 40 | 100 |
Heroin | 4 | — | 16 | — |
Methadone | 10 | 20 | 10 | 20 |
Buprenorphine | 0.3 | 1 (sublingual tablet) | 1 | 2 (sublingual tablets) |
Codeine | 120 | 200 | — | 600 |
Modified from An Overview of Opioids and Treatment Approaches. New South Wales Health Department. North Sydney, Australia, 2001.
Consult 藥師: 美沙東1cc=5mg Morphine PO