Symptoms are from the body adjusting after stopping opioids
Symptoms usually improve over several days
Medications
Take buprenorphine exactly as prescribed if started
Avoid alcohol and sedating drugs while taking new medications
Use ondansetron only as directed for nausea
Use loperamide only as directed for diarrhea
Fluids and food
Sip fluids often
Use oral rehydration solutions if diarrhea or vomiting
Follow up
Addiction treatment follow up within 24 to 72 hours
Primary care follow up within 1 week
Return to emergency
Trouble breathing
Fainting
Chest pain
Persistent vomiting with inability to drink
Confusion
Fever 38.5 or higher
Worsening severe weakness
References
Guidelines and key sources
Evidence base
ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder 2020 focused update
SAMHSA TIP 63 Medications for Opioid Use Disorder 2021 update
WHO Guidelines for the Psychosocially Assisted Pharmacological Treatment of Opioid Dependence 2009
NICE Guideline NG46 Controlled drugs safe use and management 2016 updated
CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain 2022
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.