Pharmacological Intervention in Opioid Withdrawal Syndromes among Opioid Abusers

Abstract

Opioid withdrawal syndrome appears after abrupt discontinuation of opioids characterized by watery eyes, runny nose, muscle pain, anxiety, yawning, gooseflesh, mydriasis, gastrointestinal discomfort, and rapid heartbeat. Globally, opioid abuse remains a significant problem, necessitating adequate treatment of drug syndrome in opioid addicts, particularly pharmaceutical therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to identify, evaluate, and analyze pharmacological management in opioid abusers. The articles used were retrieved based on specific limitations using the main keywords "opioid withdrawal syndrome treatment" and additional keywords "heroin, fentanyl, morphine" that were published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. From the 21 articles included, heroin abuse was the most prevalent. The primary treatment for opioid abuse is substitution therapy of opioid or non-opioid such as lofexidine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, dronabinol, methadone, pregabalin, oxytocin, antagonist corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1), tramadol, clonidine, and pioglitazone. Additionally, the patient received symptomatic therapy based on the condition. The drugs used for treatment and willingness to obtain therapy are the factors for the withdrawal completion rate. The results were evaluated using opioid withdrawal assessment, either from a subjective, objective, or clinical perspective.