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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Lithium Helpful In Reducing Symptoms Of Opiate Withdrawal?

Would lithium be helpful for reducing withdrawal symptoms from massive doses of opiates for the past 8 years? YYYY@YYYY . Thank you for your help. I need to kick the opiate habit but I cannot afford a detox center or rehab. I have no insurance or money for treatment. I am ready to die if I can t find a way off these pills.
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Lithium is not helpful in reducing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is commonly prescribed in the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder to reduce the frequency and intensity of those episodes.

There is no documented evidence or any clinical study done to show its efficacy in the treatment of opioid withdrawal.

For the management of opioid withdrawal, you have to consult a doctor who is specialized in de-addiction of such cases.

You will be prescribed medications like methadone, clonidine or buprenorphine which are helpful in reducing many of the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal including sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, chills, anxiety, insomnia, and tremors under careful observation.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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Is Lithium Helpful In Reducing Symptoms Of Opiate Withdrawal?

Hi, Lithium is not helpful in reducing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is commonly prescribed in the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder to reduce the frequency and intensity of those episodes. There is no documented evidence or any clinical study done to show its efficacy in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. For the management of opioid withdrawal, you have to consult a doctor who is specialized in de-addiction of such cases. You will be prescribed medications like methadone, clonidine or buprenorphine which are helpful in reducing many of the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal including sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, chills, anxiety, insomnia, and tremors under careful observation. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician