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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has still yet to discover medications that can be approved to treat the withdrawal symptoms of Gabapentin. Despite this, a lot of experts say that the best withdrawal treatment plan can be designed by both the patient and the physician to really ensure that any progress made is designed to suit the patient’s needs.

The outcomes of withdrawal for every person are different and nobody can really foretell that serious complications may arise unless the patient is constantly assessed by medical experts and any signs of complication are spotted early on. By then, proper medical care can mitigate these severe conditions, ensuring the safety of the patient during the detox process.

Understanding the Nature of Gabapentin

It is important to understand that despite the multiple uses of the drug in treating several illnesses, it contains an addictive potential that can pose withdrawal symptoms once the cessation of the drug takes place. This nature must be highly considered even before prescribing Gabapentin for a certain illness.

Gabapentin has been so widely prescribed in the country that its number has even surpassed the prescriptions of opioid painkillers. This has been tapped as the reason why the cases of Gabapentin abuse and misuse have rapidly increased over time. This is a cause for concern and something that calls out to take extra caution when taking Gabapentin.

Managing Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

While it is a known fact that withdrawal from any addictive substances can pose multiple health risks that can even be fatal if done without medical supervision, experts note that some individuals only resort to medical care when they experience severe conditions during withdrawal to Gabapentin. This makes knowledge of its nature quite limited to understand.

While inpatient treatment can be prescribed to withdraw from the substance, this is not always the case. Some patients undergo withdrawal at home, however, they remain guided by their physicians. Any symptoms and progress are communicated to their doctors and with this, proper intervention can continue to effectively help them cope with withdrawal.

The most effective method of easing the withdrawal symptoms of Gabapentin is to gradually taper off a patient’s dose. By doing this, the brain is given more time to cope with the reduction of the drug in one’s system. Natural brain chemicals are given enough time to reactivate after being disabled when the drug was still present in the body.

This mechanism helps limit the surge of withdrawal symptoms and even prevent occasions of relapse. Typically, doses are reduced weekly while some experts recommend a four-day interval of a daily maximum reduction of 300 mg. Significant outcomes have been observed among patients who follow a slower taper schedule.

Despite the positive results of following a taper schedule during withdrawal, this may not work alone among individuals who have misused and abused the drug. Even those who engaged with any substance addiction in the past are not recommended to simply taper off their Gabapentin dosage. Therapies are most likely added to their treatment plan.

Addiction is another factor that requires treatment during withdrawal. People who have been into substance abuse are highly prescribed to take psychological treatment on top of medical prescriptions. Withdrawal at home is also highly discouraged for this case because withdrawal to Gabapentin can really trigger complex conditions when substance addiction is involved.

Treatment for Gabapentin Withdrawal

If there are no FDA-approved drugs that can be prescribed for treating the withdrawal symptoms of Gabapentin, what could be done when certain symptoms start to kick in?

Certain drugs can be prescribed to treat specific withdrawal symptoms of Gabapentin, however; it must also be kept in mind which ones may cause dangerous interactions with the drug. The following can shed light as to what prescriptions are acceptable during withdrawal to the substance.

Safe Medications for Withdrawal

Over-the-counter medicines can be safely taken to treat common pain such as headache and gastrointestinal pain. It is also safe to take paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin in case one experiences fever. However, before attempting to take one, make sure to consult one’s physician first. This is to ensure safety above anything else.

When a person who is under withdrawal treatment for Gabapentin experiences allergy, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty in breathing, it is necessary to seek medical help right away. The same thing applies when there are manifestations of psychosis or multiple seizures that often occur.

Dangerous Drug Interactions with Gabapentin

Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant which means that it affects brain processes by slowing down rapid activities. This often results in calmness and even sedation. Any substance whose nature contrasts with the function of Gabapentin can lead to dangerous outcomes.

For instance, while anxiety is a common withdrawal symptom of Gabapentin, it is not advisable to treat the condition with the use of antidepressants. Antidepressants aim to increase brain activity, totally in contrast to what the presence of Gabapentin does. This interaction may lead to difficulty in breathing as well as a rapid heartbeat.

Patients are also highly advised never to take alcohol while on a withdrawal treatment to Gabapentin. The interaction may cause nausea as well as drowsiness to the person. This is also the same effect when one takes sleeping aids in response to having trouble sleeping. It is best to avoid these, specifically such as melatonin to respond to insomnia.

Apart from making one feel dizzy and drowsy, these interactions may also impact the brain’s cognition. Disorientation and confusion may amplify when these drugs are taken during withdrawal. The best option for these cases would be to increase nutrition by keeping a balanced diet and staying hydrated all the time.

Antacids may also be likely prescribed to treat heartburn however, they may lower the potency of Gabapentin in the body. This might trigger a tougher withdrawal if that is the case. Despite this, antacids can still be safely taken as long as there is a two-hour gap given between taking Gabapentin.

Klonopin withdrawal could be worse than withdrawal from alcohol or opioid substances due to the serious health risks it can give to its users. As a drug mostly preferred to couple with other addictive substances to increase the strength of a euphoric experience, it is very likely to cause physical dependence that can be too difficult to treat during withdrawal.

Although there are a lot of factors that affect the severity of withdrawal every person can uniquely experience, the one with a huge impact would be the degree and duration of substance abuse involved.

How Can Withdrawal Cause Death

There are two things to note to determine the potential severity of the withdrawal that one can experience as soon as detox begins. These cases can be so serious that they can lead to life-threatening conditions. When the drug is flushed out from the bloodstream, the brain may fail to function normally, or worse, shut down and cause death.

Extreme Substance Abuse

With extreme substance abuse comes a strong tolerance even to high doses. When a person is prone to tolerating high doses, cessation of using the drug can be overwhelming for the body to endure. Likewise, brain function changes drastically and becomes more dependent on the presence of the substance.

When withdrawal begins, the blockage of certain brain chemicals controlled by Klonopin to manage panic attacks and seizures is opened, resulting in the surge of physical and psychological symptoms. As there is already a strong physical dependence due to extreme substance use, the brain loses its natural capability to control these extreme brain activities.

When poly-substance abuse is experienced in the first place, withdrawal can also be extremely difficult. There is a need for specialized treatment for this case and it must be medically supervised. When withdrawal to Klonopin takes place, the presence of other substances in the body may react differently causing a new set of discomfort to occur.

Quitting Cold Turkey

Withdrawal by quitting cold turkey is a very dangerous option to take. For a potent substance such as Klonopin, the safest way to detox is to taper one’s dosage. By gradually reducing the amount of Klonopin in the body, there is much time for it to adapt to the slight changes and eventually heal the physical dependence until the treatment plan is completed.

When a person quits cold turkey, there is a huge tendency to experience a painful withdrawal. This is the effect when the brain is not given enough time to cope with the chemical changes brought by sudden cessation. Relapse is very likely to happen and the chances of overdose can be extremely fatal.

Experts suggest that a slow taper schedule is more likely to achieve recovery. Other benefits include tolerable withdrawal symptoms and reduced cravings for the drug. However, some taper schedules can reach up to a year of treatment. It is quite a long process and perhaps costly too but worth it in the long run.

What Are The Fatal Withdrawal Outcomes of Klonopin

Unlike opioid substances, withdrawal from Klonopin poses more withdrawal outcomes that can either be extremely painful or can cause untimely death. It is very important to seek medical help when planning to detox from Klonopin to limit or at least prevent the dangers that it can likely bring.

Grand mal seizures

Grand mal seizures are caused by immensely chaotic brain activity. It is characterized by the lack of consciousness or coma due to the extremely violent muscular contractions that take place in the brain. A lot of people say that this incident rarely happens, but conditions can still lead to death so caution must always be practiced.

Overdose

The strong urge to use the substance to reduce the pain of withdrawal can be very difficult to resist. However, when the withdrawal has begun, changes occur in the body, making it less likely to tolerate usual doses of Klonopin. Patients suffer from a fatal overdose when they take their usual dose without a doctor’s approval.

Suicide

Suicidal ideations are very common when it comes to withdrawal. As a sedating drug, Klonopin controls anxiety disorder by releasing chemicals that help relax the mind. When withdrawal begins, the brain loses the calming factor that Klonopin brings and that is when mental health problems are triggered.

Relapse

If a person is taking Klonopin to manage seizures or panic attacks, this can most likely recur as soon as the drug is removed from the bloodstream. The worst thing about it is that the intensity magnifies compared to the previous state. The same thing happens to conditions such as anxiety disorder as well as insomnia.

Loss of reality

A serious case of losing touch with reality is a common psychological symptom of withdrawal to Klonopin. Hallucinations, both visual and auditory, can lead to violent behaviors which can be harmful to others as well as to oneself. It is important to constantly watch over patients who manifest delirium and delusion as they might hurt themselves in some cases.

How To Prevent Fatal Conditions of Klonopin Withdrawal

The safest way to prevent life-threatening conditions of withdrawal is to work with a treatment plan that is highly monitored by professional experts. Physicians are the best people who are capable of thoroughly evaluating one’s medical history and designing a treatment plan that works suitably with one’s needs.

Multiple risks come by attempting to withdraw from Klonopin without medical care. The likelihood to reach optimum health could be hazy since the hurdles of withdrawal are totally challenging when done alone. On top of that, failed withdrawal attempts can only cause more problems in future treatments.

If a person is determined to take control of one’s life and get past Klonopin addiction, it is best to begin withdrawal with a team of medical experts to back one up. This has been a guaranteed safe and effective treatment over some time. There are many options available to limit the cost. At the end of the day, all the pain will be worth it in time.

Using cocaine is illegal and poses a lot of health issues. Most people abuse it for recreational purposes. Once they are addicted, they find it hard to stop since their body is used to it. Fortunately, there is still a chance for you to bring back your normal life, and that’s through rehab treatment.

Detox will be your first step to any rehab treatment. This is a critical phase since withdrawal symptoms can either make or break your treatment. The level of discomfort you will feel for these symptoms depends on how long you are using cocaine. Let us help you manage these side effects so that you will have a safer recovery process.

What Medications Can Help Treat Cocaine Addiction and Withdrawal

Going for inpatient treatment will give you a higher chance of recovery. Your detox process will also be safe for inpatients. That’s because you get 24 hours medical supervision in case there are life-threatening side effects. The doctor and nurse assigned to you can immediately give medical assistance when you feel intense pain due to withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, here are some medicines prescribed by many doctors in treating cocaine addiction and withdrawal.

Modafinil

One evident withdrawal symptom of cocaine is sleepiness. This can disrupt your sleeping pattern and work habits. To solve this, you can take modafinil since it helps you stay up, just enough you get tired at night to sleep well.

You take this once in the morning and it helps counter narcolepsy and drowsiness. Always obey your doctor’s prescription to avoid getting an overdose.

Baclofen

This drug helps you reduce your cravings for cocaine. This is essential when you are tapering off from it. Also, it helps in the secretion of GABA hormones that help you calm down and relax.

Vigabatrin

Getting seizures or epilepsy is one serious withdrawal symptom when you cut back from cocaine. This uncontrolled muscle movement and stiffening can be life-threatening, so you can use vigabatrin to counter that. This is an anticonvulsant that is given to a patient when they are cutting back from cocaine.

Topiramate

Experiencing seizures and behavioral disorders are two crucial withdrawal effects when you taper off from cocaine. To reduce that risk, this anticonvulsant can help you. It helps prevent your body from getting seizures.

Just like baclofen and vigabatrin, it helps stimulate the production of GABA hormones that helps your brain relax.

Gabapentin

Most patients are restless when they slowly cut back from using cocaine. To help ease that problem during your detox, your doctor can prescribe you this drug. It helps promote GABA inside your brain, which helps you relax and get a good sleep.

Are There Side Effects To These Drugs?

There are side effects of using these medicines to ease your substance withdrawal symptoms. However, by using them based on prescription, you are reducing the risk of getting intense side effects.

There is no all-in-one medication for this concern, so you have to strictly abide by your prescription to avoid another overdose. The common side effects of using any of these drugs are the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Slight headache

Will You Need Therapy and Counseling?

The use of medicine is one aspect of treating cocaine addiction and withdrawal. To further enhance the chance of your recovery, you need to undergo behavioral therapy since it’s also about fixing your bad habits.

By doing this, you are reprogramming your mind to avoid any triggers, and to respond positively when you encounter one. This is an excellent reinforcement without any side effects like medicines. Also, it helps remind the patient to finish one’s treatment so that they can be healthy again.

Here are some therapies that can help ease your withdrawal symptoms:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Mutual support
• Family intervention
• Motivational interviewing
• 12-step program

Tips for Relieving Withdrawal

Besides the medicines and therapies, some activities can help you positively handle these withdrawal effects.

• Doing a regular exercise
• Ensuring you are eating a balanced meal
• Drink plenty of water as it also helps flush out toxins
• Getting enough sleeping hours
• Joining support groups
• Never do self-medication
• Always look at the importance and beauty of your recovery goals
• Develop a positive attitude towards triggers

Timeline for Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal

Tapering from cocaine or any illicit substance is a process. The treatment period differs on every individual since the addiction level and physique matters. To give you an insight, here are the basic stages for this process:

Stage1: Crash

This first stage starts the moment you stop using the drug. You will start feeling it about an hour after your last intake. The average time you will be in this stage is for three days. This phase is critical since if you can’t handle your cravings, there’s a great chance of relapse.

Stage2: Intense Withdrawal Symptoms

During this phase, you will experience the intense withdrawal effects from cutting back from cocaine. It’s a combined physical and mental health consequence that can test your limits. This usually takes around one to two months.

During this time, your doctor will give you medicines and enroll you in therapies that will help you survive the withdrawal effects.

Stage3: Extinction

Even when you’re done with treatment, there will still be slight withdrawal effects you will be feeling. If your treatment does not have a strong foundation to hold you sober, you might be tempted to use cocaine again if you experience cravings. That being said, you need to schedule periodic sessions with your doctor for check-ups and counseling.

How To Manage Your Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Detoxification, medicine, and therapy help you manage your withdrawal syndrome. There is no straightforward answer to that, but your doctor can customize your rehab plan based on their assessment of your condition.

That means, your first step is to consult a doctor about your situation. They will perform examinations that will help them assess the level of your cocaine addiction. Once they know it, they can create a personal rehab program for you.

Finally, find a reliable rehab center where you will have your cocaine addiction treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask about their services and facilities. This helps you gauge which one is the best fit for your needs.

The emotional support done by a loved one’s visitation is helpful for the success of inpatient addiction treatment. Although there are certain restrictions that rehab facilities set in terms of visitation, it is not prohibited at all.

The policies of visitation vary among different inpatient centers and as a close companion, it is important to understand these policies before barging in at the doors of the treatment facility. Keep in mind that patients follow a daily routine inside the rehab and it is vital for visits to be set ahead because inpatient care must strictly be uninterrupted.

What Are The Visitation Rules In An Inpatient Rehab

Each inpatient addiction treatment facility has its own set of visitation guidelines following the existing community protocols relating to COVID-19. It is important to contact the facility first before planning to visit a friend to avoid certain mishaps. Meanwhile, the following are the most common rules when it comes to visiting a friend in a rehab facility.

Visits must be scheduled and approved by the therapist.

Generally, it is the rehab center that schedules the first three dates of visitation. This applies to most inpatient addiction treatment facilities. This is to allow the patients to adjust to their new environment and refocus themselves from their usual day to day responsibilities at home to their new treatment plan. Visitors are also not allowed while the patient is in the detox phase which can usually last up to 14 days.

In some cases, a patient is only allowed to accept visitors as soon as they exhibit a more positive disposition at the rehab center. This is also the reason why visits must be set ahead and approved by the patient’s therapist. It is important to consider whether the condition of the patient is capable of handling visitors or not.

Bringing in alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited.

Friends who are known to have an existing substance use disorder are usually not permitted to visit the patient. This is to avoid occasions of persuasion to substance use. As rehab facilities aim to establish a drug-free environment, there is really a strong provision about prohibiting alcohol and drugs in the rehab center.

All kinds of medicines – even over-the-counter drugs – are not allowed to be given by visitors to patients. Even in the facility, all drugs are kept in a secure place inaccessible to them. It is only with the supervision of medical staff that they are allowed to take certain medicines.  This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients themselves.

Stay only in the designated area for visitors.

Rehab facilities are open to visitors at varying hours. Some are open from 2 pm to 9 pm only while others are open for up to 24 hours. Peak visits usually happen from 10 am to 8 pm. In line with this, there are occasions when visitors are allowed to dine with the patients. However, they are totally restricted from going inside the rooms of the patients in the rehab center.

Visitors have designated areas where they can talk and spend some time together. With the existing COVID-19 restrictions, some visits are limited to two people only and sometimes children may or may not be allowed to come as well. It all depends on the guidelines created by each rehab center.

What Can Visitors Do In The Inpatient Rehab

As you enter the rehab facility, expect that you will be thoroughly inspected for sharp objects, weapons, and illicit substances as this is essentially part of the security protocol. Bringing in pornographic materials, or exposing the patient to movies or digital resources are strictly controlled as this might trigger an emotional disturbance that affects their treatment.

The following are a few of the things that visitors can offer to patients to help them ease their longingness for home life as well as boost their motivation to continue thriving for their treatment. The value of moral support is really essential to keep them inspired and determined to focus on their recovery.

Listen more and be supportive.

They could take advantage of the time to express their struggles inside the rehab facility. It is best to listen to them more often and show them that they are understood, that their feelings are valid, and that they are important and valued. This kind of emotional support can surely help them unload the burden they have been carrying inside.

Avoid occasions that trigger negative feelings.

As they are still in the process of healing, they might not be capable enough to carry stress. This might trigger their addictive behavior and cause further struggle once they get back to their daily routine in rehab. It is best to talk about topics that lighten up the mood and simply enjoy the time of being together.

Provide something they can look forward to.

You can prepare something they can look forward to in each of your visits. It can be a letter you could leave them, a precious gift, or a wonderful meal you took the time to prepare. These small gestures of kindness can make them feel that they are valued and that they are not alone in this journey. They are always thought of even though they are away.

Be present as often as possible.

As long as there are no significant reasons for someone to miss their visits, go and be present in the facility as often as possible. When patients have been inside the rehab for quite some time already, it would surely do them well to have regular visitors.

But what if you cannot visit them? Luckily, some rehab centers let the patient do a video or phone call to their loved ones. Whether you are a friend or a family member, the constant presence you share with patients inside the rehab facility allows them to feel that they are not alone in this uneasy path to recovering from addiction.

When they also hear from their loved ones how they are appreciated and valued despite their condition, it strengthens them to keep going.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that manifests in either of these two episodes: a depressed or a manic state. A depressed state is when a person feels extreme sadness that disables them from doing what they normally do. The manic state is when a person is elated, filled with high energy, and at some point, disregards potential danger in their actions.

Bipolar disorder, which usually begins in early childhood or adolescence, has already affected more than two million of the population in the United States. Although diagnosing one with bipolar could be complex, treatment comes with an 80% success rate, and once done earlier, the worst long-term effects could be prevented.

Bipolar Depression

Suicide is the main cause of premature death among people who suffer from bipolar disorder, and usually, this attempt occurs during a depressed state. The only difference between bipolar depression and depressive disorder alone is the presence of manic symptoms. A person with full energy at a point in a week may break down anytime in the same week.

The feelings of a person with bipolar come in extremes and it would be difficult to deal with the sudden shift if one is unaware of their condition. Sometimes, the shift may occur within the day and can last for a week or more. Sometimes, feelings of despair and high energy happen at a time. In severe levels of depression, hallucinations or delusions may even exist.

There is no distinct pattern that shows when depression may occur; however, a person can spot what triggers the symptoms or identify the red flags that depression is likely to set in. This is the reason why an accurate diagnosis is necessary to increase awareness of the conditions in the body and avoid a major depressive disorder.

Treatment for Bipolar Depression

Bipolar disorder is a life-long illness whose symptoms can be manageable once given the right kind of treatment. It is best to always work closely with a trusted psychiatrist to ensure safety at all times. Similar to a depressive disorder, bipolar can be treated through medication, therapy, and a healthy lifestyle.

Medication

The crucial thing about taking prescribed medicines as part of the treatment is that there is no guarantee that these will relieve symptoms. The effectiveness of medications depends on how the body responds to them and it requires about four weeks to determine whether they fit the patient or not. This is the main reason why working closely with a physician is a must.

Medications could be changed once determined that they have not alleviated the symptoms. It is a trial and error process that could be costly but worth the sacrifice. Sometimes, when symptoms change through time, medications could also be changed. It is important to be flexible and open to changes once going through a medication treatment.

The following are the options used as medications for patients with bipolar disorder:

Mood Stabilizers

This is the standard medication given to patients as they regulate mood swings which prevent episodes of mania and depression. It may take several weeks to sense its full effect so antipsychotics are paired up to treat acute mania. The exact dosage must also be consumed to avoid side effects and to determine this, frequent blood tests are required.

Antipsychotics

This is used to treat hallucinations among patients with bipolar. At the same time, it can be prescribed alone to substitute the prescribed mood stabilizer in case it does not work for the patient. It acts quickly on the body which makes it an effective pair to mood stabilizers to treat mania. It can also be used “off-label” to treat anxiety and insomnia among patients.

Antidepressants

This is usually prescribed to patients with depression; however, this is not recommended as a sole treatment for bipolar depression because it tends to ignite manic episodes. A new class of antidepressants at present can now work effectively as a pair with mood stabilizers as they boost nerve cells in the brain which improves one’s ability to function.

CNS Depressants

Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders among bipolar patients. Benzodiazepines are the most popular class of CNS depressants and they must be taken short-term as they have an addictive potential which can also cause withdrawal symptoms once intake is suddenly stopped.

ECT

A new form of medication involving advanced technology is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) which is given to patients who failed to respond to other treatments. This sends electrical signals to the brain to make it function normally. The presence of professional healthcare providers is required in this treatment as this involves the use of anesthesia.

All these medications must be carefully supervised by a physician to avoid side effects and other complications. It is also necessary to follow the exact prescription and to never miss intake to ensure safety and effectiveness during treatment.

Therapy

Talk therapy works extremely well to boost patients’ ability to combat episodes of depression by understanding behavior and identifying triggers of symptoms. This can also be the means to understand bipolar disorder and be able to establish connections and support from family and friends to help the patient cope with the illness, avoid relapse, and stick to treatment.

Lifestyle

Bipolar disorder is treatable and it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking medications and/or engaging in therapy. Keeping a healthy diet paired with daily physical and meditation exercises helps a lot in developing wellness in mind and body. It is important to avoid alcohol and get enough sleep to avoid stress.

Try to also explore new hobbies that can increase motivation in life and make sure to avoid instances of isolation. Build stronger relationships and never hesitate to seek support when necessary. Bipolar disorder is a life-long journey of taking control of one’s life and it is possible by being committed to treatment and taking good care of oneself.

If you or anyone you know is struggling from symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek professional help now!

Prescription painkillers are one of the most abused substances in the U.S., wherein there are more than 92,000 individuals who died from substance abuse in 2020. This is 30 percent higher than the cases in 2019.

In terms of OUD, there are 2.5 million Americans diagnosed with it, and around 28,000 of them died. This is an alarming situation that requires more comprehensive action from the state and other medical institutions.

If you or any of your family members are having an OUD, the best recovery program for him is medication assisted treatment (MAT). Let’s find out more about it and the proven medications used for treating OUD.

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

This treatment process entails the use of prescribed medicines accompanied by psychological therapies and counseling. Self-medication is one of the main reasons why people get an overdose on drugs like prescription narcotics. Also, this program is proven to decrease the cases of OUD, helping patients achieve a sustainable recovery status.

Despite its effectiveness, there is still a stigma when it comes to the medications and therapies involved in a rehab treatment program. Consequently, that means that the government and medical professionals must break that stigma so that more will be willing to avail of MAT.

Is MAT Effective in Treating OUD?

Combining medications with counseling and therapies greatly reduced OUD-related deaths by 37 percent. The two latter factors significantly helped motivate the patient to continue with their treatment and religiously take their medicines.

Also, MAT effectively improves the social function of a patient, so he can safely communicate and interact with others.

What are the FDA-approved drugs for OUD Treatment?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three drugs for treating OUD: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. All these medicines are safe and effective in helping patients reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Also, these medications must be provided by a trained nurse, doctor, or medical personnel.

Buprenorphine

This medication is used as an antagonist for the addictive effects and withdrawal symptoms of OUD. At the same time, it helps reduce one’s craving for the drug.

Additionally, here are some of the FDA-approved buprenorphine drugs for OUD treatment:

• Zubsolv
• Subutex
• Bunavil
• Cassipa
• Suboxone
• Probuphine
• Sublocade

Methadone

This is another medicine for OUD treatment, and it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The patient won’t feel any “high” sensation upon using this drug for treatment. Only a few rehab centers are using this medicine.

For methadone medicines, the available FDA-approved ones are Dolophine and Methadose.

Naltrexone

It is a narcotic antagonist that prevents the patient from feeling any euphoric sensation upon abusing the substance or pain killer. It is available in either pill or injectable form. If the patient needs extended-release injectable naltrexone, then Vivitrol must be prescribed.

Most rehab centers provide access to these three medications for patients who want to avail of MAT for treating narcotic addiction. The doctor will carefully observe the patient’s recovery status in response to the medicine being taken. In doing so, doctors can find the best combination of drugs and therapies for the patient’s recovery.

Will these OUD Medications Make You High?

Fortunately, these prescribed medicines for MAT for OUD will never give you a euphoric feeling, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) can attest to that. The doctor or nurse will give you the right dose suitable for your condition in taking any of the three drugs.

Take note, each patient will have a varying dosage at different intervals since treatment is tailored-fit for every individual. Also, OUD treatment programs have different components, which will be looked into by the doctor for every patient to be treated.

• Giving FDA-approved drugs
• Holistic care for addiction and other co-occurring behavioral disorders
• Tailored-fit MAT
• Outpatient counseling and treatment
• Behavioral therapies
• Community and family support services

Is Naloxone Used for Treating OUD?

This is an antagonist to painkillers and narcotics, yet it is never medically recognized as a medicine for OUD treatment. Doctors will prescribe this one to counter the effects of narcotics, that is, depressing the respiratory system.

Naloxone is completely safe and does not provide an addictive “high” feeling during medication. Also, it is considered a good antagonist for narcotic overdose.

Are These Medications Effective for Treating OUD?

Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are medically recognized to help treat OUD without giving any addictive side effects. The use of buprenorphine and methadone for treating narcotic addiction has shown strong evidence of reducing overdose-related deaths by 50 percent. Also, naltrexone is effective in decreasing drug cravings since it blocks any euphoric sensation.

Why Is It Important To Stay on Treatment?

Relapse is inevitable and it can happen to any patient, yet when you stay on treatment, you will never die from a narcotic overdose. Also, the counseling and behavioral therapies will significantly straighten your unhealthy habits and thinking. This greatly contributes to the success of your OUD treatment.

MAT Is Not Offered To All Rehab Centers

Despite the effectiveness of a medication assisted treatment (MAT) for treating OUD, less than 50 percent of rehab centers in the US are offering it. Also, only one-third of patients with OUD receive MAT from clinics that can provide it. Overall, this is an alarming issue since it defeats the purpose of providing a safe and effective OUD treatment for people.

This concern can be due to financial constraints and the available resources necessary for conducting MAT to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Consult a Professional in Getting Medications for OUD

Every dose of medication and therapy is specific for one patient, so professional help is necessary when you are undertaking a medication assisted treatment program for OUD. Your doctor will examine your conditions first before they will prescribe the three medications for narcotic abuse.

This is also a must to prevent self-medication and overdose with the medicines. Also, these medical professionals can provide coordinated care for your addiction and behavioral problems.

Therefore, always seek medical help in getting the right medicines and dose for your OUD medication.

Drinking one or two glasses of wine or beer can somehow give you that relaxing effect you need for a tiring day at the office. These are the notable short-term impacts of alcohol, yet if you continue to uncontrollably consume it, then you’re at risk of its long-term adverse effects.

This depressant is known to impact your mental health where it is frequently associated with depression and memory loss. Before you drown yourself in alcohol, think twice about the detrimental effects it can bring to your brain and body.

Can Alcohol Lead To Mental Health Problems?

When you heavily drink alcohol, it has a strong tendency to disrupt your brain chemicals, thereby, leading to signs of psychiatric disorders. This substance is known to alter mood and behavior, and one evidence is alcohol-induced depression. Therefore, it’s no longer surprising to see patients with alcoholism also diagnosed with mental disorders.

If a person has acute intoxication with alcohol, he will feel its euphoric effect. However, if he heavily drinks, that intensely changes his mood making him feel more irritable and nervous. Also, this substance has the property to inhibit sound judgment, which pushes someone to be more aggressive and unreasonable.

How To Determine Brain Damage Due To Alcohol?

If you have low alcohol tolerance, then you can quickly see its adverse brain effects after one to three drinks. Some of these noticeable signs are slurred speech, slow body coordination, memory loss, and slower responses to stimuli.

Long-term side effects are more evident for people who excessively drink for a longer time. This worsens when that person takes in huge volumes of alcohol. Here are some of the serious brain damages brought about by alcoholism:

Blackouts and Memory Loss

When you consume drinks quickly or on an empty stomach, you are likely to suffer a blackout. This scenario usually happens to social drinkers where they binge on weekends. Around 51 percent of these drinkers experience a blackout once in their life, while 40 percent of them have it every year.

The danger of blackout is when you suddenly fall and your head bumps to a hard surface. This can cause serious head trauma, or worse is internal bleeding. Also, sexual abuse is common among individuals who lose consciousness during their drinking sessions.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

This disease is caused by the depletion of thiamine in the brain due to excess alcohol consumption. There are two types of this condition: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis.

• Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a short-term brain disorder where a person experiences confusion, loss of body coordination, and inability to move your eyes. Not all three symptoms will be felt by the patient, but he will be having a difficult time finding his way out of the room due to confusion.
• Korsakoff’s psychosis is the worst long-term brain dysfunction caused by alcoholism. Around 80-90 percent of people having Wernicke’s encephalopathy develop this condition where the prominent sign is memory loss and inability to properly walk. Also, that person will experience a learning disability.

Damaged Cerebellum

These two brain disorders are rooted in a damaged cerebellum due to excess alcohol in the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for the control of your muscle movement and coordination. At the same time, learning ability is also found in the cerebellum, that’s why a person experiences a slow learning pattern when he is a heavy drinker.

What Other Brain Parts Are Affected By Alcohol?

Besides the cerebellum, alcohol alters other sections of your brain, which causes an abrupt change in your mood, thinking, and behavior. Here are other brain parts impacted by alcohol:

• Hypothalamus: This part is responsible for the balance in body hormones. Too much alcohol disrupts hormonal balance, which can lead to increased sexual arousal but with the decreased physical ability to do so.
• Cerebral Cortex: This is the central processing unit responsible for our ability to make sound judgments and analyses. Alcohol disrupts this function, thereby causing slowed response and confusion.
• Hippocampus: This part is responsible for your memory function. Alcohol can damage this part and then lead to blackouts and short-term memory loss.
• Medulla: This part is responsible for controlling automatic body functions that are vital for survival. A person who suffers from alcoholism will have depressed breathing and heart rate since their medulla is damaged.

How does Alcohol Induce Anxiety Disorder?

Our body has its natural way of relaxing through brain hormones like serotonin and dopamine. If you want an external way to relax, that’s when you drink alcohol. To some extent, it does help you relax and calm down, however, if you excessively drink, then you’ll build a tolerance to its de-stressing effects.

A heavy drinker becomes more dependent on alcohol to let his brain and body relax, so as soon as the alcohol wears off, anxiety strikes. This is called alcohol-induced anxiety disorder, which is similar to depression problems for drinkers.

If you are suffering from this condition, then it’s best if you have an early alcohol rehab treatment. The more you let this linger, the harder it is to treat.

Can Alcohol Kill Your Brain Cells?

Have you heard about brain shrinkage when you drink too much alcohol? This is true since excess alcohol can cause your hippocampus to shrink, and this leads to decreased memory and reasoning function. However, is it true that alcohol can kill your brain cells?

The answer is no, but it does have long-term detrimental impacts on your brain. Some of these notable impacts are blackouts, confusion, inability to move your eyes, and walking normally.

Seek Early Treatment from Reliable Alcohol Rehab Centers

The cases of alcoholism in the U.S. are rampant since people use it as a means to socialize and get off with stress. Unfortunately, you can never guarantee that you won’t excessively drink, especially when your peers pressure you, or your depressive situation moves you to do so.

The best way to recover from alcohol use disorder is to enroll in an alcohol rehab treatment. You can find many reliable centers online, and you can even ask for a referral from your doctor or addiction specialist.

Take that bold step towards your treatment and embrace the challenge of getting back your healthy life.

If someone you know is thinking about quitting the habit of excessively using this substance, the best advice you could give to that person is to never do it all by themselves. It is highly recommended to seek professional help to fully recover from addiction.

Withdrawal symptoms from opioid abuse can be severe, so you will need a doctor for your detoxification and treatment. Recovering from substance use disorder is never easy, yet you have a higher chance if you avail treatment from a rehab center.

What Happens Upon Withdrawal?

Once a person prolongs the use of the substance or takes it in excessive amounts, the mechanism of the substance penetrates the brain until it stops functioning normally and becomes dependent on the drug.

When a person abruptly ceases in taking the usual dosage, the brain will have difficulty coping with the absence of the substance. In return, it makes the body experience feelings that are totally opposite to what the substance gives.

As the drug offers the body a sense of euphoria, the absence of the substance will trigger mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. When the person feels relieved from the drug, it is likely for the person to feel fatigued and insomnia when the usual dose is missed.

What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal happens either when the usual dose is diminished or when intake is suddenly stopped. The brain’s natural producer of pleasurable feelings fails to function without the usual amount of the substance and in return, exhibits the following withdrawal symptoms.

Initial Symptoms

These symptoms are likely to occur within the first 24 hours after the last dose. It is important to understand that as simple as forgetting to take your scheduled dosage will not exempt you from experiencing withdrawal discomfort. The following can be initially experienced in as fast as 6 hours and up to 12 hours from the last dose.

● Unusual excretion

This can manifest by excessively sweating or tearing up the eyes. Oftentimes, this could also come with a runny rose.

● Fatigue

The body is unable to experience a good rest and becomes usually tired. This could bring body pain and muscular spasms. Most likely, the person will have trouble sleeping and experience excessive yawning.

● Anxiety

A surge of anxiety is also likely to happen. The person will usually feel restless and not at peace.

Chronic Symptoms

Any person can encounter any of the following symptoms for weeks, months, or up to years. Usually, the symptoms will reach their peak at up to 72 hours. When you undergo detoxification without the guidance of medical personnel, you are likely to have a relapse since no one can look after you.

The degree of discomfort brought by the following symptoms may also vary. It will depend on how long a person has been using the substance as well as how much dosage has the person been taking in a period. A person’s history of substance addiction is also a factor.

Here are the chronic symptoms to deal with upon withdrawal from the substance:

● Irregular heart rate and high blood pressure

Check your heart rate and blood pressure from time to time. A rise from the normal line is expected upon withdrawal. This could bring serious complications later on if left unattended.

● Visual problems

This includes dilated pupils and blurry vision. Dizziness and vomiting are likely to accompany these symptoms.

● Abdominal cramps and Diarrhea

Vomiting could accompany these symptoms so it is best to always guard yourself against dehydration.

● Feelings of uneasiness

Goosebumps and chills could commonly occur in the process. Sometimes, night sweats are also likely to happen.

When a person is in the process of substance withdrawal, certain mental disorders are inevitable. Expect mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts to occur. That is why it is highly recommended to never be alone upon withdrawal. Professional help is a must.

Why Is Professional Help Necessary

Professionals can easily tell if you are suffering withdrawal symptoms from abusing opioids. But it is never a good thing to underestimate them as you might regret doing so once the symptoms start to sink in.

There are three things to expect about these symptoms. One, they could be tough and unbearable. Two, they could subside for a while, and then the craving for the drug returns. And three, they could make one suffer long term.

This tells you that you cannot be sure of what will be the severity of your symptoms. For your welfare, it is safe that you enroll in an inpatient detox treatment plan since you will have 24-hour medical assistance in case the symptoms become severe.

What is Hydrocodone Detox

If you want a higher chance of recovery, you need to enroll in an inpatient detox plan. Many available professional treatment providers cater to individuals who aspire to live a more meaningful life and embrace a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact one now!

Additionally, here are two things that are mostly included when you undergo hydrocodone detoxification.

Management of Withdrawal Symptoms

To prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, physicians would usually taper off the dosage given to users. By gradually lowering the dosage, the body is given time to readjust its function until it recovers from dependence. However, this would hardly work for users who are suffering from substance addiction.

By working with professional healthcare treatments, clinicians may provide patients with medicines to help them manage withdrawal symptoms caused by addiction. These medications act on the body by deceiving the brain that it is still taking the same substance. The doses are carefully controlled until the body is completely cleared from the substance.

Rehabilitation

With substance addiction, rehabilitation is necessary. This can be in-patient rehabilitation or out-patient rehabilitation. If your hydrocodone addiction is severe, we recommend that you enroll for a personalized detox and treatment program from a reputable rehab center.

Disregarding rehabilitation which includes behavior modification programs, counseling and therapies will only lead to addiction relapse. Aiming for a full recovery entails enrolling and committing to a minimum of six months of rehabilitation.

If you have been excessively using this drug for recreation, it is most likely that your body could develop physical dependence. Once this happens, you will have a high chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop or lessen your intake.

Physical dependence is when your body only functions normally with the presence of the drug in your system. Many factors could affect the level of withdrawal symptoms that you may experience once you decide to stop relying on the product.

Reading about how to manage the process of Gabapentin withdrawal along with addiction is a good step towards making your life better. Let’s read more about the next big step you could take.

What factors affect the level of Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms?

It’s a prescription drug that must be taken with the close supervision of your physician. It is very important that you divulge all your pre-existing ailments to your healthcare provider so that you will be given the minimum required dosage possible. This could lessen the process of managing your withdrawal later on.

Despite religiously following the prescription of your physician, you may still experience symptoms of withdrawal. However, the level of the symptoms may vary with those who have been excessively using it for recreational purposes.

The following are the factors that affect the level of withdrawal symptoms you may experience as you taper off the use of this medicine:

• How many doses have you been using?

People who have been taking high doses of this drug may have a greater tendency to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

• How long have you been using it?

People who have been chronically using it may be more dependent on the drug and may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

• What medical conditions do you have while taking this medicine?

If you use it to treat seizures, expect a more frequent seizure activity as you gradually stop taking it.

• Are your genes prone to low tolerance towards withdrawal?

If a low tolerance towards withdrawal runs in your genes, then you are to experience a different level of withdrawal symptoms.

• How did you stop taking it?

Slowly tapering off the use of this medicine, instead of abruptly stopping it, may prevent the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Gabapentin withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms are most likely to occur after 12 hours of changing your intake – either you suddenly lessened the dose or you completely stopped taking it.

To avoid complications, it is advisable to seek medical advice once you take the step to withdrawing from using it. The following are signs you can expect to occur as soon as the withdrawal begins:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Changes in appetite
• Crying spells
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Itching
• Muscle pain or spasms
• Abdominal pain
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Suicidal ideation

These symptoms commonly occur not only upon withdrawal but also in withdrawing from other substances such as alcohol. If you experience any of these, there is no need to panic.

However, it is always recommended that you partner with your physician as you take this process to avoid complications. If there are symptoms that bother you, don’t hesitate to let your doctor know.

How Long Can You Take Gabapentin for Nerve Pain?

On average, most patients take this medication for one to two weeks to alleviate their nerve pains. Others take it longer depending on the intensity of the pain, and if there are other complications.

Be sure to abide by your doctor’s advice when medicating with this substance to avoid dependence and any dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Has Anyone Died from Abusing Gabapentin?

Abusing this drug along with other substances, especially alcohol, contributed to 47.1% of fatality cases that led to death. The majority of these death cases found that other substances were used by the person while medicating with this drug.

If you have 1.1 to 134 mg/L of this drug in your body, your life will be at risk and can lead to death if not addressed immediately.

Can Gabapentin Cause Confusion?

This medicine is also used for treating chronic neuropathic pain or burning pain in your head. The pain shoots and goes off in a repeated manner, which is greatly discomforting to the person.

For a 30-day treatment, there were evident signs of confusion and dizziness. There are cases of hospitalization for adults and older people who are using this medication.

It can also cause hallucinations for patients, especially the elderly. This means medical supervision is needed when taking this drug.

How Long Does It Take To Get Off Gabapentin?

Several factors are affecting the duration of feeling the drug’s withdrawal effects. Typically, you will start feeling these symptoms minutes after your last intake, and it usually lasts for 12 hours to 10 days.

Some of these strong withdrawal symptoms are increased heartbeat, anxiety, sweating, and restlessness.

Is it dangerous to withdraw from using Gabapentin?

Multiple case studies have reported that people with a history of psychiatric or substance abuse problems are involved in Gabapentin withdrawal. If you have these risk factors, that is a cause of concern.

In the withdrawal process, symptoms of pre-existing conditions are most likely to recur. People with a history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, and epilepsy are all at risk.

If you have these pre-existing conditions or even a complex substance withdrawal, then you should prepare yourself for withdrawal treatment in the hospital. This is advisable so that doctors could easily attend to you once certain complications arise.

What is the treatment for Gabapentin withdrawal?

Treatment for withdrawal effects must be planned beforehand. There are actually no existing medical protocols designed to manage the process. But it is always best to work hand in hand with your most trusted addiction specialist.

It is also important that you are aware and ready to face the possible symptoms that will occur in the process. Your readiness and willingness as you start your withdrawal are necessary or else, you might get back to taking the usual prescribed dose, and this will eventually prolong your dependence.

Tapering off is the usual thing to do upon withdrawal. Your doctor will slowly lower your dosage until you are capable of weaning from the medication.

Before you get treated for your LSD addiction, you need to fully accept your condition and the need for medical help on your recovery. Once you have a full grasp of that, then you can start reaching out to a doctor or addiction specialist regarding your condition.

There are a few ways to treat your substance use disorder, and that comprises medication, behavioral therapies, detoxification, and support groups. Let’s talk about that further in this read, so you can prepare yourself for your treatment program.

The Basic Four Stages of Treating LSD Addiction

It’s a fact that every individual has their respective recovery program from substance use disorder, yet here are the four basic phases for any treatment plan:

• Consultation
• Detoxification
• Medication
• Behavioral therapies and counseling

Once you have completed your program, you will still undergo certain evaluations and assessments to see if you’re 100% ready to get back to society. If you have further questions, then you can ask that to your rehab treatment center or doctor.

Consultation and Creating A Personalized LSD Treatment Plan

Your doctor or addiction specialist will interview you and let you undergo certain tests to assess your level of LSD addiction. Here, you will undergo a series of examinations on your brain, body, behavior, emotion, and social communication skills.

Once the doctor gets the result, they will formulate a customized recovery program that will fit your needs. Afterward, they are going to discuss that with you in person, and tell you it’s the best fit for your sobriety.

They will also help you find ways on how to fund your treatment plan.

What If You Have A Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder is when you have another behavioral or mental disorder aside from your LSD addiction. This can be pre-existing or induced by the abuse of the substance such as substance-induced depression or anxiety.

If you are diagnosed with this condition, then they will give you a separate treatment to cure that co-occurring disorder. This is challenging but can be resolved well, as long as you religiously follow your treatment plan.

Detoxification Process

Detox simply means removing those toxic residues inside your body due to the abuse of the substance. Alongside, you need to abstain from using the hallucinogen, and that’s usually accompanied by painful withdrawal symptoms.

The pain or discomfort of these withdrawal symptoms greatly depends on how long you have been using this psychedelic drug. Here are some of the common withdrawal symptoms for LSD addiction:

• Feeling severely sad
• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Intense insomnia
• Agitation
• General pain and discomfort in the body

There are times when the doctor will give you a prescription medicine that can ease the discomfort of the detoxification process.

What Is A Medically-Supervised Detox Program?

When the pain level of your withdrawal symptoms is life-threatening, then you will be advised to have a medically supervised detox plan. This means you will be inside the rehab center or hospital, and there will be a medical staff who will look after you around the clock.

They are doing this so that trained personnel can quickly help you when things go out of control, and the risk of these withdrawal signs is severe. For your loved ones, it gives them peace of mind, when you are on this comprehensive program.

Inpatient VS Outpatient LSD Treatment Plan

There are pros and cons to these two treatment care programs, and your doctor will help reach a sound decision. Let’s try to differentiate both and see each plan in a fair view.

For an inpatient rehab treatment, you will be inside the treatment facility with updated equipment and supplies. Luckily, most rehab centers today already adopted a homey ambiance, so you feel comfortable and safe.

In here, medical personnel will attend to your needs 24 hours, and 7 days a week. This means you are in good hands in case you have unexpected discomfort or any life-threatening signs.

The main setback of an inpatient treatment plan is price, and so you need to ask your insurance or healthcare provider if they can cover your treatment.

On the other hand, an outpatient treatment means you can still stay in your original house, but you have to religiously follow your medication and counseling sessions.

This program applies if you only have a mild to moderate level of LSD addiction. It’s also cheaper than inpatient, yet the main setback is that you’re exposed to various risk factors, which can lead to relapse.

Additionally, there’s also the partial hospitalization program (PHP) for LSD addiction. This is like a hybrid of the two since you can go to the hospital for your treatment and counseling, while still having the privilege to live in your original house.

Individual Behavioral Therapy

This is one-on-one counseling between you and your therapist. We understand that each person is unique, and you have specific problems in life, that are also linked to your substance use disorder.

Your therapist aims to help you fine-tune your mindset and behavior so that you can gradually live back on your normal life. Some of the topics discussed are employment, financial issues, marriage or relationship, emotion, and diet.

Oftentimes, the 12-step program is incorporated in this treatment plan so that you will have a systematic means of dealing with various problems.

Group Therapy

In group behavioral counseling, all members are given the chance to speak and share their experiences in life and their LSD addiction. They share their thoughts and experiences on how they slowly recover from this problem so that other members are inspired by them.

Family and Support Group Therapy

Besides getting the right medication and counseling, you will also need moral and emotional support, which you can get from your family and friends. They are your source of genuine love, which motivates you to finish your LSD addiction treatment plan.

When Do You Start Your LSD Addiction Treatment Program?

The best time to start your treatment is today. Ideally, you don’t delay your opportunity of recovering your normal and healthy life back. The more you let your LSD addiction linger, the greater will be its damage to your life and health.

When you see that window of opportunity to avail quality treatment, then grab that today. Ask advice from a doctor or addiction specialist near you.