Opioid Withdrawal: Clinical Findings and Complications

Note: Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, but is rarely life-threatening (exceptions being to the fetus during pregnancy, if combined with withdrawal of alcohol and/or benzodiazepines or in rapid iatrogenic withdrawal using an opioid antagonist).

The severity and onset of opioid withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the half-life of the ingested opioid. Symptoms can take 6 hours - 4 days after cessation/reduction of opioid intake to appear. The somatic symptoms are more acute and can persist for 5-7 days. The less acute behavioral and affective symptoms can last for weeks to months.

 • Somatic Symptoms

   - Piloerection, pupil dilation, yawning, lacrimation and rhinorrhea

   - Flu-like symptoms (diaphoresis, shivering and myalgias)

   - Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea)

   - Dysphoric mood, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, agitation, and insomnia

 • Behavioral and Affective Symptoms



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