Medications Used in Codeine Detox

Detox from any substance of abuse results in numerous unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms range from mild to severe, and are different in every person. Seeking treatment for codeine addiction allows you to take advantage of medications that can assist in the codeine detox process.

Medications for Severe Addiction

The withdrawal symptoms of detox grow more severe as the addiction goes on longer, and the addicted individual uses increasingly larger doses of codeine. In these cases, specific medications are necessary during the detox and treatment process. For more information on medications for codeine addiction or a treatment center to treat codeine addiction call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) .

Methadone

Methadone is an opioid that is used to replace a drug of abuse, and is then tapered off until the patient is drug free. However, it has potential for dependence and abuse, and is therefore administered only from specialized clinics and under intense supervision.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is similar to methadone, and is used the same way. However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, it is much less likely to be abused because of its chemical makeup, and it can be dispensed in a normal doctor’s office.

Suboxone

Suboxone is a relatively new medication in the treatment of opiate addictions, including codeine addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone. Naltrexone stops opiates from bonding to receptors in the brain, preventing the possibility of overdose.

General Medications for Less Severe Addictions

Anti-emetics prevent vomiting during codeine detox.

Medication management may not be necessary for less severe codeine addictions, but withdrawal still presents unpleasant symptoms that may need to be treated. In these situations, there are aa number of medications available to help.

Anti-nausea

Nausea is a common symptom of codeine detox and withdrawal. Dramamine andscopalomine are typically used to reduce this.

Anti-emetics

Along with nausea, vomiting is also common during detox. Anti-emetics prevent vomiting and allow patients to get the nutrition they need from food and beverages.

Anti-diarrheal

Diarrhea is another common complaint from those detoxing from codeine. Over the counter medications like Immodium are often successful, but there are also prescription anti-diarrheals that can help in more severe cases.

Analgesics

Pain and inflammation may become present during codeine withdrawal, as well. Analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to reduce this pain and inflammation.

Medications for Mental Illnesses Caused by Codeine Addiction

According to the Mayo Clinic, changes in brain chemistry are one of the leading causes of mental illness. Codeine abuse drastically alters brain chemistry, often resulting in depression and anxiety disorders, prompting the use of specific prescription drugs.

Anti-anxiety

Anxiety is a common complaint of people undergoing detox and feeling the effects of withdrawal. Anxiety disorders are also common side effects of prolonged drug abuse. Medications such as Xanax, klonopin, and Ativan are commonly prescribed during and after codeine detox, in order to combat feelings of fear, panic attacks, and paranoia.

Antidepressants

Depression and associated mood disorders are also common during and after codeine detox. This is why many people seeking treatment for codeine abuse are prescribed medications like Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil.

Finding the Help that you Need

The only way to know for sure whether or not these medications may be able to help you with your codeine abuse is to seek treatment for it. If you are suffering from the effects of codeine addiction and in need of help, call us at 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) . We have skilled staff standing by to assist you in finding the right treatment option.

What Codeine Detox Treatment is Really Like