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Drug Withdrawal

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Drug Withdrawal, Substance Withdrawal, Chemical Withdrawal, Medication Withdrawal

  1. Agitation
  2. Anxiety
  3. Diaphoresis
  4. Tachycardia
  5. Tremor
  6. Malaise
  7. Nausea and Vomiting
  8. Diarrhea
  9. Dysphoria or depressed mood
  10. Insomnia
  • Signs
  • Specific per agent
  1. Alcohol Withdrawal signs
    1. Symptoms mild for first 24 hours and severe by 72 hours (overall lasting 1-2 weeks)
    2. Hallucinations
    3. Tremors
    4. Seizures
  2. Opioid Withdrawal signs
    1. Symptoms peak in 72-96 hours and last 2 weeks for Methadone
    2. Symptoms peak in 36-72 hours and last 7-10 days for Heroin
    3. Diarrhea
    4. Mydriasis
    5. Cramps
  3. Benzodiazepines or Barbiturate withdrawal signs
    1. Symptoms peak in 5-9 days (overall lasting 10-14 days); Variable based on specific agent
    2. Seizures
    3. Agitation
  4. Stimulant withdrawal
    1. Symptoms peak in 2-4 days (and depressed mood symptoms may persist for weeks)
    2. Depressed mood
  5. Antihypertensive withdrawal signs
    1. Hypertension
    2. Tachycardia
  • References
  1. Mishler and Lovecchio (2017) Crit Dec Emerg Med 31(11): 15-20