Dextropropoxyphene Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment
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Dextropropoxyphene (DPX) is mainly utilized to alleviate minor to moderate discomfort. It is usually given to individuals who are having surgery. The medication is also used for relieving coughs (antitussive) and is recognized for its local anesthetic properties.
Dextropropoxyphene, a methadone analog, was initially launched in 1957 under the brand name Darvon. Under this brand name, dextropropoxyphene was extensively utilized in the 1970s to manage symptoms of opiate withdrawal. However, in 1980, the Drug Enforcement Administration banned the use of dextropropoxyphene for treating opiate dependence due to its potential for addiction and abuse.
Because of the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, addiction, and overdose, dextropropoxyphene was withdrawn from the market in the United States and Europe [1]. However, people craving the drug still attempt to obtain it via illegal means.
This blog will highlight the symptoms of dextropropoxyphene withdrawal and provide dextropropoxyphene detox treatment options for those struggling with addiction and abuse.
Dextropropoxyphene (DPX) falls in the category of medications referred to as opioids. It is derived from methadone, a synthetic drug whose action mechanism is similar to that of morphine [2].
As with all opioids, dextropropoxyphene mimics the role of endorphins, natural substances produced by the body that alleviate pain. This is achieved by interacting with the opioid receptors in the brain, digestive tract, and nervous system, consequently preventing the transmission of pain signals. So, while the source of pain remains, the actual pain is significantly reduced.
While numerous doctors prescribe the drug for managing a variety of mild to moderate pain symptoms and diarrhea, others oppose this approach due to concerns over its high potential for addiction and limited effectiveness. Dextropropoxyphene is obtainable through a prescription and is available in both its pure form and as combined variants.
In its original form, dextropropoxyphene was typically given to alleviate withdrawal symptoms faced by those addicted to opioids. Due to its relatively low strength compared to other frequently misused opioids, dextropropoxyphene served only as a partial substitute. While the medication had little effect on mental urges, it was quite effective in alleviating physical withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle spasms.
Regular and prolonged use of dextropropoxyphene can lead to a tolerance for the drug. This indicates that those who abuse this substance must consume progressively greater amounts to achieve the same result.
Continued use can result in physiological addiction and dependence, as the body has adapted to the drug’s presence and now requires more of it to achieve the desired effects. When the dosage is suddenly decreased or halted, withdrawal occurs along with uncomfortable symptoms [3].
The most common symptoms of withdrawals from Dextropropoxyphene consist of:
Withdrawal from dextropropoxyphene is comparatively less severe than that of heroin and morphine. Side effects of stopping dextropropoxyphene, or withdrawal symptoms, usually begin 8 to 24 hours after stopping Dextropropoxyphene and last for about 4 to 10 days, gradually lessening in severity.
Several alternatives exist for addressing addiction to dextropropoxyphene. The majority of these therapeutic approaches are derived from experiences related to treating heroin addiction. The two typical treatment choices are drugs and therapy.
In many instances, detoxification is viewed as a crucial step before long-term treatment for dextropropoxyphene addiction. The primary goal of detox is to manage withdrawal symptoms and assist patients in adapting to a drug-free state.
An effective recovery plan includes detox and extended treatment that requires either total abstinence from drugs or the inclusion of medication. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a popular approach that uses medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
This method has proven to increase the likelihood of achieving successful long-term recovery. Additionally, throughout medically-assisted treatment, the physician can quickly address any complications or extra symptoms that may emerge from alternative medications or therapies. This also includes addressing any concurrent mental health disorders or medical problems that also need attention.
One example of a drug used in MAT is methadone, a synthetic opioid that halts the effects of heroin and other opioids, alleviates withdrawal symptoms, and reduces drug cravings. Methadone boasts over 30 years of proven success in treating opioid addiction, which encompasses dextropropoxyphene.
An alternative treatment to methadone is levacetylmethadol (LAAM), another synthetic opioid with a similar structure to methadone. LAAM blocks opioid effects for as long as 72 hours.
Naltrexone is another medication used for addressing dextropropoxyphene addiction. It acts as an opioid blocker and demonstrates effective recovery outcomes for those committed to overcoming dextropropoxyphene addiction.
Clonidine is also one of the most frequently prescribed medications for withdrawal and helps alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and high blood pressure.
Physicians may also administer certain over-the-counter drugs for managing typical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Along with physical detoxification, psychological therapy plays a crucial role in addiction treatment. Individual and group therapy sessions can help people understand the root causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies to avoid relapse. This journey may be long and challenging, but it can be accomplished with determination and expert support.
The treatment for dextropropoxyphene addiction is similar to that for opioids. Detox is generally the initial step in the journey to recovery. Nonetheless, detox alone is not the answer. This is because the chances of a relapse are very high if recovering addicts lack additional assistance and prolonged support and guidance.
While not life-threatening, detoxing from dextropropoxyphene results in some very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like with any opioid withdrawal. The severity of these symptoms will vary based on the dosage and frequency of drug use.
Care and recovery should extend beyond the initial stages of treatment. Additionally, treatment programs emphasizing a strong aftercare system can deliver the support and resources essential for enduring recovery and relapse prevention.
Treatment after dextropropoxyphene detox should include ongoing support of family and loved ones, outpatient therapy, and sober living situations. These practices reinforce the skills learned during treatment and provide a support network as individuals transition back into their daily routines.
Detox from relatively low-strength opioids like dextropropoxyphene generally takes three to ten days. However, a more severe addiction can extend the duration of detoxification by many weeks or even months.
Dextropropoxyphene withdrawal can persist anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Possible symptoms are nausea or vomiting, sweating, shaking, and feelings of anxiety. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is influenced by the duration of a person’s drug use and the daily quantity consumed.
Common symptoms of Dextropropoxyphene withdrawal include:
At Gratitude Lodge, we recognize that effective recovery from drug addiction involves tackling the distinct challenges encountered by our clients.
At the time of admission, our skilled team performs a comprehensive evaluation to grasp your requirements. From there, we create a customized treatment strategy grounded in evidence-based methods. Our detox program offers a comfortable, medically supervised setting that addresses the physical problems of addiction and offers psychological counseling as well.
If you or someone dear to you is facing challenges with opioid addiction and is prepared to start the path to recovery, call our team today at 844-576-0144.
[1] https://doi.org/10.1515/sjpain-2018-0103
[2] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00647
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/opiate-withdrawal#treatment
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
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