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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes RLS And Sleeplessness After Opiate Withdrawal?

I am going on my 4th week of opiate withdrawl (18 30mg oxycodone daily) i am still have RLS and not able to sleep, i wake up angry and cant tell anyone how bad i want an opiate just to sleep one night, i did not think WD would last this long. What can i take to sleep?
Mon, 25 May 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. When opioids are stopped (Oxycodone in your case) the withdrawal occurs in two phases acute and long term withdrawal. Acute withdrawal occurs in severity and symptoms are intolerable. The phases usually last for about a week of stopping the medicine. Long term of protracted withdrawal last longer and some times up to 6 months of stopping the drug. The symptoms like poor sleep, restless legs, anger outbursts, craving etc are most likely due to protracted withdrawal. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can be used for such symptoms. These medicines reduce the symptoms of restless legs and will also help in sleep by reducing the craving. Please visit a doctor for prescription of these drugs.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.A
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What Causes RLS And Sleeplessness After Opiate Withdrawal?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. When opioids are stopped (Oxycodone in your case) the withdrawal occurs in two phases acute and long term withdrawal. Acute withdrawal occurs in severity and symptoms are intolerable. The phases usually last for about a week of stopping the medicine. Long term of protracted withdrawal last longer and some times up to 6 months of stopping the drug. The symptoms like poor sleep, restless legs, anger outbursts, craving etc are most likely due to protracted withdrawal. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can be used for such symptoms. These medicines reduce the symptoms of restless legs and will also help in sleep by reducing the craving. Please visit a doctor for prescription of these drugs. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.A