People must not take medications without prescriptions. Individuals who consume opioids for instant relief from pain should consult a specialist before using them. Excessive use can affect mental and physical health. Patients suffering from the symptoms of opioid withdrawal should visit a psychiatrist in Lahore. The specialist will provide guidance regarding effective treatment options.
Opioids help provide instant relief from the pain. However, the people taking them without a prescription are more likely to suffer from side effects. Opioid withdrawal causes the person to suffer from physical and mental symptoms that can cause hindrance in their overall functioning. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal are:
- The person remains agitated and cannot function adequately in everyday life.
- The caregivers can notice that the person yawns most of the time.
- The person remains restless as they cannot sleep properly.
- The person suffers from muscle ache affecting the overall movement.
- The patient remains anxious due to pain.
- The caregivers can notice that the patient suffers from excessive sweating and tearing.
- The person has a runny nose that causes extreme discomfort.
- The person in the later stages suffers from diarrhea, nausea, and constant abdominal cramping.
- The person has high blood pressure that can increase anxiety and hinder the functioning of organs.
- The caregivers can notice that the person has dilated pupils and a rapid heartbeat.
The preventive measures include:
People must not take medications without a prescription. Also, the patient should use the medication in moderation as it can affect their mental and physical health.
The people can discuss the alternatives that can help in providing relief from the pain. Also, methadone can help in preventing the impact of opioid withdrawal.
The complications associated with opioid withdrawal include:
- The person is at a higher risk of aspiration due to constant vomiting. Also, it can affect the immune system and increase the chances of pneumonia.
- Diarrhea and vomiting can cause an imbalance in the electrolyte levels. It can affect the functioning of the heart and other vital organs. Therefore, the patient is at a higher risk of having a heart attack due to circulatory problems.
- The patient remains agitated due to constant muscle cramps and joint pain.
The tests that help in diagnosing if the person is suffering from symptoms of opioid withdrawal are:
- Patient History: The specialist will ask the patient about their history with medication. Most people consume medicines for instant pain relief without having knowledge about the side effects. The inquiry will help confirm that the individual was using opiates.
- Opioid Test: The test helps confirm the presence of opiates in the blood and urine. It helps evaluate the severity of the condition and confirm the illness.
The treatment options that are known to be effective for patients with opioid withdrawal include:
- The antihistamines help the patient manage the symptoms of nausea and function adequately.
- NSAIDs are proven effective for patients suffering from mild withdrawal symptoms.
- The antidiarrheal agents help manage diarrhea and help the patient function adequately. It helps balance the electrolyte level, which may lead to further complications.
- The Alpha-agonist hypotensive agent help manages anxiety and muscle pain. The patient at the hospital takes the medication under supervision to avoid further complications.
- The patient has to undergo counseling, as they are at a higher risk of using the opioid again for pain relief. Hence, it is essential to join a support group to understand the effect of substance abuse on mental, physical, and life. The awareness will help the patient become cautious and never opt for unhealthier ways to manage pain.
The caregivers who notice that their close ones are suffering from substance abuse should help them by taking them to a psychiatrist in Karachi. The specialist will help the person understand the impact of their behavior on personal and professional growth. Also, the therapy and medications can help them live a healthier life and have a sense of contentment.
