Restless Legs During Opiate Withdrawal

Hi Folks and welcome to my blog about opiate addiction. When one quits opiates by going cold turkey or after a tapering process, they will most likely experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Some are worse than others while others are barely noticeable and simply a minor nuisance. Some of these withdrawals last for a few days while others can be felt for weeks. All and all, withdrawals from opiates can really make quitting opiates and staying clean an extremely difficult (yet possible) task.

If you were to ask me what withdrawal symptom I dread the most, I can say right off the bat and without a doubt that restless legs takes home the prize. Sure, the chills, sweats, aches/pains, stomach problems, and lack of sleep make for one hell of a week(s) but in my opinion, none of these symptoms come remotely close to how bad restless legs can feel. The awful feeling of having to constantly move one's legs while changing positions every 30 seconds is about as close to Hell as I can imagine. To make matters worse, I actually have the condition Restless Leg Syndrome, which makes the common opiate withdrawal symptom of restless legs feel like a million times worse when detoxing. Hell, even if I'm not withdrawing from opiates and am experiencing restless legs I feel so frustrated, defeated, and weak.

Therefore, I would like to use this post as an opportunity to provide you guys with some quick information about restless legs during opiate withdrawal along with some ways to help provide relief for such a nasty withdrawal symptom. While I will talk a little bit about the condition Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), most of this post will concern restless legs as a symptom of opiate withdrawal rather than the actual medical condition of RLS.

 

What are Restless Legs and Why Do We Get Them

 

It is important to first identify and separate the medical condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and the symptom of restless legs that one would experience during opiate withdrawal. While both items carry with them near identical symptoms, RLS is usually a chronic condition meaning it is something one will have for quite some time and possibly for their entire life. On the other hand, restless legs as a symptom of opiate withdrawal is a result of the body undergoing a detoxification process and these symptoms will eventually disappear over time. To provide you guys with an example, pretend an individual takes part in an intensive exercise routine that results in their blood pressure increasing momentary. While this person did experience a bout of high blood pressure, it does not mean that the person suffers from the condition of having high blood pressure. Rather, the increase in blood pressure for this individual was a direct result of the exercise rather than an actual medical condition, illness, or disease. Thus, for this particular post, we will focus on restless legs occurring as a result and symptom of opiate withdrawal.

 

Restless legs can be described as having any of the following symptoms:

 

• Constant or frequent urges to move legs
• Itchy feeling in legs commonly described as "an itch you can't feel or itch"
• Crawling feeling within the legs
• Random jerks or reactions from legs
• Hot or cold flashes in the legs
• Pain or burning sensation in the legs

 

Common Symptoms of Restless Legs

Restless legs can truly be a nuisance and often limit or disturb one's sleep making detoxing off opiates that much harder. The condition also seems to worsen for many at night and/or when they are sitting or laying down. For many, this leads to numerous nights of tossing and turning in bed late at night in hopes of being able to find a comfortable position and achieve some level of sleep. Although less common, some people report having these feelings in their arms, neck, and shoulders as well.

The understanding of Restless Leg Syndrome and restless legs in general is pretty limited as of right now. Fortunately, the topic and area has been getting more attention over the last couple of years as the number of cases of patients experiencing restless legs or related symptoms continues to grow. In years past, many doctors and specialists thought restless legs were a symptom of a condition rather than an actual condition in itself. Today, the condition is actually labeled as an entirely separate beast and not simply as a symptom of something else. Some studies suggest that as many as 1 in every 10 people will develop Restless Leg Syndrome at some point in their lives, with those over 55 appearing most vulnerable.

Now, the restless legs episodes that most of us who are reading this blog experience are most likely a symptom resulting from opiate withdrawal rather than the actual condition of RLS. However, I mention the increase of attention in the condition RLS as it has led to numerous medications and treatments becoming available that can also be used to treat restless legs resulting from opiate withdrawal. Most of these medications are still in the early stages and as a result, there has been mixed reactions as far as how effective these medications are in treating restless legs.

According to the website Help Guide, scientists and doctors believe the cause of restless legs is as follows (in blue font):

"Experts believe that restless legs syndrome is caused by an imbalance of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain. Restless legs syndrome is usually genetic, about 60% of people with restless legs have a family member with the condition. Although anyone can have restless legs syndrome, it is more common in older adults and women. In fact, about 40% of mothers experience temporary restless legs syndrome during pregnancy. Health conditions such as diabetes, iron deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney failure can also trigger restless legs syndrome."

 

Web MD provides the following information (again, in blue font) in describing some of the potential causes or factors contributing to the presence of restless legs:

 

Chronic diseases. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions often gives some relief from restless legs symptoms.

 

Medications. Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing antihistamines may worsen symptoms.

 

Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery.

Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger symptoms or make them worse. Improving sleep or eliminating alcohol use in these cases may relieve symptoms.

 

Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason most of us who are reading this blog experience restless legs is due to withdrawing from opiates. However, some people (myself included) may actually have Restless Leg Syndrome so it is important that one is able to differentiate between the two. You don't want to be experiencing restless legs 3 months after detoxing off opiates thinking that you are getting the restless legs due to no longer using opiates. You may in fact actually have the condition Restless Leg Syndrome so make sure you evaluate your situation and talk openly and honestly with your doctor. A simple physical and possible lab blood test can sometimes determine whether or not you have RLS as well as possibly identifying the cause of it. Having any conditions, problems, or issues taken care of and in control will only make your road to recovery easier in the long run. You don't want to end up one night feeling frustrated and uncomfortable because you can't sleep or that your legs are bothering so much that you end up turning to your drug of choice for relief. I have been there before... more than once unfortunately.

As I previously mentioned, restless legs can be a direct result of something else other than opiate withdrawal. This situation is referred to as Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome and can occur in situations such as pregnancy, disease, nutrient deficiency, or as a side effect from certain medications. Diphenhydramine, the main ingredient in Benadryl, is a perfect example of Secondary RLS. A common side effect of this over the counter medication, especially when taken in higher dosages, is restless legs. I use this medication as an example because I know it is a popular choice as a medication among addicts (as well as non-addicts) to use to provide relief for insomnia. The sedative effect of Diphenhydramine is appealing to many addicts who are struggling to sleep during detoxification. However, the medication can have the exact opposite effect on some leaving them with a sense of restlessness and feeling worse. This was something that I dealt with numerous times until I finally figured out the medication was doing more harm than good. Please not that I am not knocking Benadryl as it can be really effective for some. At the end of the day, know your body and what works and doesn't work. The chart below provides some common factors that can lead to Secondary RLS.

 

Possible Causes for Restless Legs

 

Remedies and Treatments to Help Relieve Restless Legs

 

As I have previously stated, the methods and treatments used for treating restless legs right now are somewhat limited. There are several tips, treatments, and medications out there that claim to help in providing relief for restless legs. Some work well for some people while providing little to no relief for someone else. In other words, these medications and treatments have different degrees of success. At the end of the day, like so many other things in life, everyone is different and their bodies will react differently to different treatments and medications. However, I would like to include some of these medications and treatments in hope that maybe you will find one that works well for you. As always, be sure to talk these items over with your doctor and to know what you are putting into your body. A little research can go a long way.

 

This information was provided by the website Help Guide. You can access this information and learn more about restless legs by clicking HERE.

 

Help Guide's Lifestyle treatments for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

There is a lot you can do to take care of restless legs syndrome yourself. Mild RLS can often be treated with lifestyle changes alone. The following daytime habits can help reduce the frequency and severity of your restless legs symptoms.

• Sleep better by sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Fatigue can worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, so doing what it takes to get enough sleep is crucial. Try hitting the sack at the same time every night, (or try warm baths or reading in bed) allowing plenty of time for winding down.
• Exercise in moderation. Daily activity, including moderate aerobic exercise and lower-body resistance training, can significantly reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Swim, go for a walk, take the stairs, or spend a few minutes doing jumping jacks. Keep in mind that excessive exercise—like training for a marathon—can actually make restless legs syndrome worse.
• Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine often makes the symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse. Try reducing or eliminating your consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and caffeinated foods such as chocolate.
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Many people with restless legs syndrome find that their symptoms improve when they stop drinking and smoking.
• Consider dietary supplements. Check with a doctor or nutritionist to find out if you’re low on iron, vitamin B, folic acid, or magnesium. Deficiencies can bring on RLS.
• Lose weight. If you’re overweight, dropping the extra pounds can often relieve or lessen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
• Try practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Stress can make RLS symptoms worse. Daily stretching and meditation can promote relaxation and alleviate (RLS).

Help Guide's Self-help treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

Living well with restless legs syndrome means knowing how to manage situations where you must be still. The following tips and tricks will help you control RLS so it doesn’t control you.

• Pressure can help relieve the discomfort of restless legs syndrome. Try wearing compression socks or stockings or wrap your legs in bandages (but not so tight you’ll cut off circulation).
• Try sleeping with a pillow between your legs. It may prevent nerves in your legs from compressing.
• Try to find or create a work setting where you can be active. If you work at an office, look into a desk that lets you stand and type.
• Tell friends, family, and coworkers why you have to move more than others. They’ll likely be accommodating and want to help you create a healthy environment.
• Choose an aisle seat at movies and on planes so that you can get up and move.
• Give yourself stretch breaks at work and during long car rides.

Help Guide's Stretches for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

Simple stretching can help stop the symptoms of restless legs syndrome in their tracks. Here’s a handful to help you get started.

• Calf stretch – Stretch out your arms so that your palms are flat against a wall and your elbows are nearly straight. Slightly bend your right knee and step your left leg back a foot or two, positioning its heel and foot flat on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Now bend your left knee while still keeping its heel and foot flat on the floor. For a deeper stretch, move your foot back a bit farther. Switch legs and repeat.
• Front thigh stretch – Standing parallel to a wall for balance, grab and pull one of your ankles toward your buttock while keeping the other leg straight. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
• Hip stretch – Place the back of a chair against the wall for support and stand facing the chair. Raise your left foot up and rest it flat on the chair, with your knee bent. (Or try placing your foot on a stair while holding the railing for balance.) Keeping your spine as neutral as possible, press your pelvis forward gently until you feel a stretch at the top of your right thigh. Your pelvis will move forward only a little. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

Help Guide's Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

If self-help doesn’t relieve your restless legs syndrome symptoms, you may benefit from visiting a doctor or a sleep specialist.

Diagnosing restless legs syndrome (RLS)

While there are no laboratory tests that can determine if you have restless legs syndrome, your doctor can diagnose it by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. To diagnose RLS, your doctor will request:

• A complete medical history
• A survey to see if anyone else in your family has similar symptoms
• A diagnostic interview, to rule out other medical conditions
• A blood test for low iron levels

Your doctor may also review the medications you’re taking as some prescription and over–the–counter drugs can make the symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse.

Help Guide's Medications that can make restless legs syndrome (RLS) worse:

• Over-the-counter sleeping pills
• Antihistamines (found in many cold and allergy pills such as Benadryl, NyQuil, and Dimetapp)
• Anti-nausea medications (such as Antivert, Compazine, and Dramamine)
• Calcium channel blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart problems)
• Antidepressants (such as Prozac, Effexor, and Lexapro)
• Antipsychotics (used for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)

If a medical condition, such as iron deficiency, diabetes, or nerve damage is triggering your restless legs syndrome, treating the underlying problem may relieve your RLS symptoms. But if there is no underlying condition and lifestyle changes don’t bring enough relief, you may need medication to reduce the restlessness in your legs.

Help Guide's Medication as treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

No single medication works for everyone with restless legs syndrome. In fact, a drug that relieves one person’s restless legs may actually make your symptoms worse. In addition, many people with restless legs syndrome find that medications that work initially become less effective over time.
It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea, headache, and daytime sleepiness. If you struggle with compulsive shopping, gambling, or binge eating there is also a risk that medication for RLS could make these problems worse.

Before using medication for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Have you…

• given self-help a fair shot with non-medication treatments?
• considered how medication side effects may impact your life?
• weighed the pros and cons of medication vs. lifestyle changes?
• talked to your doctor about existing health conditions and drugs you’re taking?

Parkinson’s medication for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three Parkinson's medications for the treatment of restless legs syndrome, with the latest addition, the dermal patch Neupro, approved in April, 2012. The three are:

•  Pramipexole (Mirapex)
•  Ropinirole (Requip)
•  Rotigotine Transdermal System (Neupro)

Medications Used to Treat Restless Legs

Other Parkinson’s drugs that are sometimes used to treat RLS include Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), cabergoline and pergolide. Side effects of Parkinson's medications for restless legs syndrome include nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue, and an increased risk of heart disease.

Help Guide's Other common medications for restless legs syndrome (RLS):

• Prescription painkillers (such as codeine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet) can provide relief in severe, unrelenting cases of restless legs syndrome. However, prescription painkillers can be addictive. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
• Sleep medications and muscle relaxants (such as Ambien, Sonata, and Klonopin) can help you sleep better if the symptoms of restless legs syndrome keep you up at night. However, these medications do not eliminate the uncomfortable leg sensations and can cause daytime drowsiness.
• Anti-seizure medications (such as Neurontin, Tegretol, and Epitol) can be effective for painful daytime symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Side effects include dizziness and drowsiness.

Conclusion

 

As you can see, there are several ways one can go about in treating restless legs. In my opinion, the most important step one should first take is to determine why they are getting restless legs. Ask yourself if you were experiencing restless legs before, during, and after your use of opiates or rather did they appear right after you began detoxing and withdrawing off opiates. One must determine whether it is the detoxing off of opiates that is causing the restless legs or is it perhaps an underlying condition or symptom of one?

 

It may also be a good idea to get a lab blood test done as deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals such as Iron can also cause restless legs. The lab blood tests are pretty easy to get done and can tell you and your doctor a lot about what is going on inside your body.

 

In my experience, I have used hot baths, stretching, moderate exercise, and the medication Requip (Ropinirole) to treat bouts of restless legs. Overall, these have provided me with moderate relief but are defiantly not miracle drugs or techniques. I have yet to withdraw and experience withdrawal since being on Suboxone so I can't speak much about how effective the Requip medication is in treating restless legs from opiate withdrawal. As I stated earlier, I actually have Restless Leg Syndrome and can honestly say the Requip has been effective in treating the restless legs but as most of you, opiate withdrawal is an entirely different beast so its effectiveness for this kind of situation remains to be seen.

 

My best advice is to talk with your doctor about what your options are for treating this dreadful withdrawal symptom. Your doctor might be able to prescribe you with something or possibly recommend some things, such as a change in diet, that can help your particular situation and needs.

 

As always Guys, thanks for taking the time to read and participate in my blog. Feel free to leave any comments in the comment section about your experiences with restless legs and what helps/doesn't help in treating this symptom of opiate withdrawal. I look forward to hearing from you guys in the comment section and remember to keep seeing the light!

 

Take Care,

 

Seeingthelight

The Ultimate Surival Kite For Opiate Withdrawal

Introduction

Hi Guys, hope all is well on the other side of the computer screen. I welcome both new and returning visitors to my blog about opiate addiction. For this post,  I would like to provide you guys with a list of items that can help provide some relief for those experiencing opiate withdrawal. As most of you already know, opiate withdrawal can be a true pain in the ass and is for many, one of the hardest and most difficult times of one's life. I call this list the ultimate survival kit for opiate withdrawal and hope that it can help you guys during such a challenging time.

For this list, I will provide you guys with a list of over the counter medications, prescription medications, coping techniques, and other tips or activities that can help make withdrawal a little more bearable. With the exception of Loperamide, a relatively weak opioid, I will be excluding any opiates or opioids from my list as well as any drugs that can be used for opiate replacement therapy (ex. Suboxone or Methadone). In other words, the items on this list are things that will not simply mask or prolong opiate withdrawal but rather help provide relief for withdrawal without the aid of opiates through other means.

What Are Opiate Withdrawals and Why Do We Get Them?

 

Opiate withdrawal occurs when a person continues to use an opiate(s) over a prolonged period of time and than suddenly stops taking the opiate(s). The amount of time it takes for one to become addicted to or dependent upon an opiate varies from person to person and also depends on a variety of factors such as the amount of the drug taken, the length of time the drug is taken, the kind of drug being taken, along with other factors. These factors can also determine the severity of the withdrawals as well. Some people may become addicted to a drug after a few weeks of continued use while for others, it may take longer to develop a dependency or addiction. The general rule of thumb for most opiates is that anything over 2 weeks of continued use greatly increases the risk of developing a dependency or addiction to the drug. Everyone experiences their own set of withdrawal symptoms with some feeling worse than others. Misusing, taking more than prescribed, and abusing opiates in comparison to taking them as prescribed by a doctor under their supervision can also increase the chances of becoming addicted or dependent upon the opiate. 

 

It is also important to note the difference between being physically addicted to something and physiologically addicted to something. Being addicted physically means you will actually feel a variety of symptoms if you stop taking the drug after continued use. These symptoms include things such as aches, chills, cold sweats, restless legs, and such. The physiological aspects deals with the cravings and urges to use the drug you may begin to develop after continued use of the drug. While it may take several weeks to become physically addicted to something, becoming addicted to something physiologically may happen much quicker. Again this varies from person to person along with other factors so there really isn't a definite answer as to how much of or how long we must take something to become addicted to it.

 

Some common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include any of the following:

 

• Stomach Aches/Pains
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Restless Legs/Limbs
• Cold Chills/Goosebumps
• Cold Sweats
• Joint and Muscle Aches/Pains
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Frequent Yawning
• Agitation
• Lack of Appetite
• Tremors
• Flu-Like Symptoms

As you can see and may already know from experience, opiate withdrawal can be one hell of a time. Most people who experience opiate withdrawal will experience several of these symptoms while their bodies withdraw, detox, adjust, and heal from the continued use of a opiate(s). The length of time one experiences these symptoms also varies depending upon the drug, person, and other factors. Some drugs like Oxycodone and heroin usually result in about 7-10 days of physical withdrawal symptoms. Others like Suboxone and Methadone result in physical withdrawal symptoms lasting between 10-30 days, sometimes longer (especially in the case of Methadone withdrawal). These physical withdrawal symptoms are usually accompanied with and/or followed by physiological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, boredom, and dysphoria. A common term used to describe these physiological symptoms is the term PAWS, which stands for Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. PAWS can often be the most difficult part of opiate withdrawal and recovery as these symptoms can last several months or even years in some extreme cases. This is where the saying "Getting clean is easy. Staying clean is the hard part."

 

The body withdraws from opiates after continued use due to the fact that the brain and body eventually begins looking for and craving the drug. When we put opiates in our bodies, the reward system in our brains receive and send positive signals throughout the body. I have used this example before so please excuse me if you have already heard it before in my blog. Take for example, a dog owner trying to train his dog how to sit on command. The owner will command the dog to sit and will reward the animal with praise, encouragement, or treats each time it successfully sits on command. The dog eventually learns that each time it sits on command, it will be rewarded with something positive such as a treat or words of praise. This is the reward system in the dog's brain working, which we as humans have as well. Well, when we put opiates in our bodies, our brains over time begin to see these drugs as something that will lead to a positive reward. This results in the brain releasing endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in our bodies that lead to feelings of wellness, happiness, success, and the like. To make matters worse, opiates have a very powerful effect and impact on the human brain and its reward system, which can eventually result in the brain depending upon opiates to create and provide the body with endorphins instead of creating them naturally. Rather than creating natural endorphins through say, running or exercising (a "runner's high"), our brain sees opiates as a more powerful and easier means of creating endorphins, albeit unnatural ones.

 

When we use opiates for a long period of time and become dependent upon or addicted to them, our brain then struggles to know how to make its own endorphins naturally without the presence of opiates. Our minds and bodies now depend on the opiates to create endorphins that lead to a sense of wellbeing, enjoyment, happiness, and a feeling of being content and satisfied. Once we stop taking the opiates, our brains become confused as to why it is no longer being rewarding and struggles to remember how to make endorphins naturally, leading the mind and body to go into a state of confusion. Our bodies then react negatively ultimately resulting in opiate withdrawal. Learning how to once again create endorphins naturally is often one of the hardest parts of recovering from opiate addiction, which is why it is not uncommon for former addicts to feel depressed, tired, or anxious for a period of time after they stop taking opiates. This is where the saying "It gets better over time" comes into play and why many in the addiction community recommend finding new hobbies, exercising, and talking with people such as family, friends, counselors, doctors, psychologists, therapists, and other addicts in recovery.  

I have previously written a few posts that discuss these matters in a little more detail that some may find to be beneficial to read in addition to this article. For those who are interested in reading these posts, feel free to click on any of the links below to check them out.

Addiction and Our Bodies

Why We Got Addicted To Opiates

The Power of AA/NA Meetings

The Dreaded Withdrawals
 

The List

 

I have developed and created this list through my own personal experiences, talking with other opiate addicts along with my addiction counselor and doctor, and through researching the matter and talking with others about it online. There are a lot of helpful websites out there filled with hundreds of other opiate addicts and specialists helping one another. Try doing a quick Google search with a topic your interested in and you'll be surprised by how many results that will come up and how many others are in the same boat as yourself. Some of the items on this list actually come from the Thomas Recipe, which is list of items and tips that can help provide relief during opiate withdrawal. The link to the Thomas Recipe can be found by clicking Here.

 

 

Over the Counter (OTC) and Easily Accessible Products:

 



Benadryl, Unisom, Sominex, Tylenol PM (Diphenhydramine): Benadryl or any other OTC product containing Diphenhydramine can be helpful during opiate withdrawal as it can provide relief for a runny nose, teary eyes, and for some, sleep. Diphenhydramine is known for having a sedative effect which is why it can help some with sleep. However, beware that Diphenhydramine can cause restlessness in some people (myself included) possibly resulting in you tossing and turning all night from restless legs and an overall sense of restlessness rather than being able to fall asleep. I personally prefer Tylenol PM as it has a sedative effect and can also help with the sore joints and muscle aches. Be careful not to overdo it and take too much of any of these brands as too much can lead to restlessness, hallucinations, and even death.

 

Dramamine, Driminate, Gravol, Gravamin (Dimenhydrinate): Dramamine is a medication I prefer to use during opiate withdrawal as it helps with a few things. First, the Dimenhydrinate in Dramamine has a sedative effect similar to Diphenhydramine which can help with insomnia that so often accompanies opiate withdrawal. However beware that like Diphenhydramine, Dimenhydrinate can also cause a sense of restlessness for some and in larger doses can lead to hallucinations, illness, or death. This drug also helps with stomach cramps/pains and nausea although it provides little relief for diarrhea.

Dramamine Tablets

 

Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Aleve (Naproxen), Advil (Ibuprofen): These medications are useful for providing relief with the body and muscle aches/pains that are often present during opiate withdrawal. Some of these brand name medications can also reduce fevers that can sometimes occur during opiate withdrawal. Every person reacts differently to these drugs and have their own opinions/favorite so there really isn't a universal one to chose from this group. I have actually found Advil and Tylenol to be quite helpful with the muscle and body aches/pains during opiate withdrawal. Again use caution with dosing as too much can lead to organ damage or death and be sure to use only one of these products rather than a combination of them.

 

Imodium, Lopex, Fortasec, Lopedium, Pepto Diarrhea Control  (Loperamide): These medications will help with diarrhea and stomach cramping/pains. I have no experience with any of these medications but it appears Imodium is a favorite among opiate addicts as I have heard from others and read this numerous times. Loperamide is actually an opioid drug and some claim that when taken in higher doses, it can help with some of the other symptoms of opiate withdrawals due to it being an opioid. Please be cautious with this medication like any other and talk it over with your doctor as it can be just as dangerous as the others when taken in high enough doses. Because Loperamide is an opioid, there is also a risk for dependency and the drug can cause minor withdrawal symptoms when discontinued after being taken regularly for a period of time so please keep this in mind and to try to use this medication only when needed. It seems that this is a great medication to use during opiate withdrawal if used cautiously and correctly as it has garnered much praise and recommendation from other addicts and members of the addiction community.  

 

Imodium (Loperamide) Tablets

 

L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is amino acid that is said to help provide relief for stress and for helping with mood swings during opiate withdrawal. I have no experience with this drug but it is commonly recommended by addicts with many saying it helps with mood and energy. This drug can be found at most pharmacies, food stores, and vitamin/supplement stores.

 

Vitamin B6: This vitamin is said to help with mood, fatigue, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Once again, I have no experience with this vitamin but it is often recommended by other addicts or members of the addiction community for providing relief during opiate withdrawal.

 

Multivitamin: A multivitamin is important to take during opiate withdrawal for several reasons. The first reason being that most of us have little to no appetite during withdrawal so it is important we find some way to get our needed vitamins and nutrition. A multivitamin is something good to take not only during withdrawal but on an everyday basis before, during, and after withdrawal as well. In addition to providing nutritional value, some vitamins and minerals are said to help with a variety of symptoms during opiate withdrawal so it certainly can't hurt to take. It is important to remember that with vitamins and minerals, taking more does not result in better results as once the required amount is ingested by the body, the extra or leftover vitamins and minerals are simply passed through the body. In my experience, I have noticed virtually no difference from taking a multivitamin during withdrawal but I was also taking one daily before and after my experiences with withdrawal. I believe the benefits of taking a multivitamin can be difficult to physically see and determine despite doing the multivitamin doing its job. I prefer using the Men's One A Day multivitamin chewable tablets.

 

Valerian Root: Valerian Root is a herbal medicine that can be found at most pharmacies and vitamin/supplement stores. This herb can be found in capsules that can be taken orally or as powder-like substance that can be made into a tea. It is said to help with anxiety, restlessness and sleep as it has a sedative and calming effect on some. I have taken Valerian root capsules before and can say it did help a little bit but was nothing too dramatic or extreme. Everyone is different though so it might do wonders for some and absolutely nothing for others. These capsules can run on the expensive side as well and people with heart problems should use caution when taking Valerian Root. I decided to include this herbal medicine on my list as it is something that often comes up on several similar lists for dealing with opiate withdrawal but in my opinion, it is probably something you could get away with not taking.

Valerian Root Extract Capsules 

 

Supplemental Drinks such as Ensure: These drinks often provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, fats, carbs, and calories that we usually struggle to obtain during opiate withdrawal. It is not uncommon for someone to lose some weight during opiate withdrawal so it is important we make sure we are getting good nutrition during this difficult time. Plus, providing your body with the right nutrients will only help with the recovery process as withdrawal can certainly take its toll on the mind and body. Your body will most likely feel weak and tired at times during withdrawal so it is important you are eating and drinking the right things during this time. The combination of a lack of appetite, ability to keep foods down, and possible bouts of  diarrhea can lead to weakness and dehydration.

Ensure Supplemental Drink

 

Melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound in our bodies that help regulate sleep. It is hormone that regulates our sleep schedule and cycle. This compound also comes in the form of a supplement that is taken a few hours before bedtime each night. It is important to note that this supplement takes time to work and build up in the body (usually a couple of weeks) so it is important you begin taking it before you start your detox if you do decide to use a Melatonin supplement. I have tried Melatonin before and it did little to help with achieving sleep but there are many people, including my own family and friends, who swear by it. Melatonin is a relatively safe and cost effective supplement which is an added plus.

 

Melatonin Capsules

 

Kava/Kava-Kava: Kava, sometimes called Kava-Kava, is a plant that is said to have a sedative and calming effect that can help with anxiety. There are a lot of herbal supplements and such that are said to provide relief for insomnia and anxiety with varying degrees of success and effectiveness so keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. I have no experience with Kava myself.

 

St. Johns Wort: St. Johns Wort is a herbal medicine that is said to be helpful in treating insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and depression. I have no experience with this herbal medicine but have seen it mentioned several times on online forums regarding medications or products that provide relief for opiate withdrawal. You'll most likely have to experiment a little bit with herbal medicines such as St. Johns Wort, Kava, and Valerian Root before you find one that works for you. It might be a good idea to give these herbal remedies a try before you actually go head to head with opiate withdrawal to see what works and what doesn't work. Be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any of these herbal medicines and make sure to not mix them with one another or other drugs without your doctor's approval. Remember, just because they are natural remedies doesn't necessary mean they are any safer or more effective than other medications.

St. John's Wort Extract Capsules

 

Hylands Restful Legs: Hylands Restful Legs is an over the counter medication that is said to provide relief for restless legs, tingling feelings in the legs, and minor aches/pains in the legs. It comes in two different forms of a pill; one that can be taken orally and another that is taken sublingually (dissolved under the tongue). I have tried this medication myself and found it to be ineffective but there are numerous positive reviews about the product online. So many in fact, that I was shocked by how ineffective it was for me. Like I always say, to each his own.

Hylands Restful Legs Sublingual Tablets

 

Potassium and Zinc Supplements: Potassium is a chemical element while Zinc is mineral. Both of these are said to help with restless legs, which for many is one of the worst symptoms imaginable of opiate withdrawal. I have used a Potassium supplement before and found it to be only moderately effective. Restless legs can sometimes be caused, among other things, by neurological damage or low potassium, zinc, or iron levels so if you are someone who regularly experiences bouts of restless legs regardless of whether you are in withdrawal or not, a visit to your doctor and a blood test at the lab might prove beneficial in determining the cause of the restless legs.

 

Caffeine/Energy Supplement: I have found that having a cup of coffee in the morning helps warm me up a little bit from the chills while providing me with a little jolt of energy to make it out of bed. Getting out of bed in the morning during opiate withdrawal can sadly be a painstakingly and difficult task so doing something simple yet motivating like making a cup of coffee and watching the news, surfing the web, or reading the newspaper can make getting up and out of bed a little easier. I wouldn't recommend drinking or ingesting any caffeine or energy drinks/supplements past noon and to try to take as little as possible as it may affect your sleep and lead to restlessness. Decaffeinated tea might be a good choice to drink throughout the day and night to help provide one with sense of warmth and something that is easy to get down.

 

Prescription Medications:

 

Clonidine: Clonidine is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure but has also found its niche in the addiction community. This medication is used to help treat not only the high blood pressure that can appear during opiate withdrawal but also with other symptoms such as cold sweats, chills, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep. This medication can have a sedative effect so be careful driving on, working on, or taking it during the daytime. I have used this medication (.2 mg at night) and have found it to help with sleep, anxiety, and restlessness. It isn't a miracle drug but it does help in my opinion and there is a reason that it is often the first line of defense for a medication during detoxes and rehabs. It is usually pretty easy to obtain a prescription for Clonidine if you are honest with your doctor about your addiction or if you go to an ER explaining to them you are in opiate withdrawal. Clonidine should be tapered off of as it can lead to rebound hypertension (high blood pressure) when stopped suddenly after continued use. It is important that whomever is prescribing you this medication is aware of any health issues you may have, especially those concerning the heart.

 

Requip, Ropark, Adartrel (Ropinirole): Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist medication that was originally used to treat Parkinson's Disease. More recently, it has been used to treat Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and has been met with mostly positive reviews. I am currently using this medication for treatment of RLS and have experienced only moderate success. In my experience, it defiantly helps if you have RLS regardless of your addiction to opiates but when your going through RLS as a result of opiate withdrawal, it seems to only provide moderate relief. Experiencing restless legs is for many one of the most dreaded and uncomfortable symptoms of opiate withdrawal so having a prescription to Ropinirole isn't a bad idea.  

 

Man, I love Restless Legs...

 

Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam): These drugs are all classified as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are used to help provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and muscle spasms/cramping. Benzodiazepines can be extremely helpful during opiate withdrawal but there are also several risks one must be aware of and consider before taking any of these medications. These medications can be dangerous if abused or used with any other medications/drugs that can result in illness or even death, so please be careful and talk with your doctor about your plan and any other medications, supplements, vitamins, or drugs you are using. Benzodiazepines can also be habit forming so it is important to plan on taking these medications for only a short period with the possibility of having to taper off them. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines is said to be even worse and more dangerous than withdrawal from opiates so again, use caution. I  have no experience with Benzodiazepines but have talked with several addicts as well as reading online that Benzodiazepines can really make withdrawal more bearable especially with the anxiety and sleep issues. At the end of the day, remember these are a pretty powerful classification of drugs so it is critical you speak often and honestly with your doctor if you plan on using any kind of Benzodiazepine. Your best bet is probably to try to avoid these medications if possible but I know that is easier said than done when you have been up for 48 hours straight, freezing and sweating at the same time, and have been unable to sit, lay, or stand in a comfortable position for more than 30 seconds.

 

Trazodone: Trazodone is an antidepressant that can be helpful in providing relief for depression, anxiety, and insomnia from opiate withdrawal. This medication is usually safer in comparison to a Benzodiazepine as it is less habit forming and has less negative side effects. It is however weaker than most Benzodiazepines so don't expect to have anywhere near the same results. However, I currently take Trazodone and must say it does help with getting to sleep although I have never taken it during opiate withdrawal, instead taking it as needed for sleep during my time on Suboxone.

 

Ambien (Zolpidem): Ambien is a medication that is used to help treat insomnia. I have some experience with this medication and have found it to be effective in getting one to fall asleep, more so than Trazodone. While taking Ambien for a prolonged period of time won't lead to the same withdrawal symptoms one would normally feel from an opiate or Benzodiazepine, it does still carry the risk of dependency as some users have stated they experience anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty in falling or staying asleep after discontinuing Ambien suddenly, thus a taper may be necessary to come off this medication. Some people experience hallucinations, vivid dreams or nightmares, and sleepwalking on Ambien so it is important that you, if possible, have someone with you during your first couple of nights on this medication in addition to speaking with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Ambien.

 

Other Tips/Tools:

 

Hot Baths/Jacuzzi/Hot Tub

Reading Material

Movies or Video Games

Computer/Laptop with Internet

Heated Blanket

Comfy Bed or Couch

Comfy, Loose Clothing

Fan or Air Conditioner

Music

Time Off From School, Work, or Other Duties/Responsibilities If Possible

Strong Support Network of Doctors, Counselors, Friends, and Family

Go For Short Walks or Jogs
Exercise Lightly Whenever Possible

Drink Plenty of Fluids and Eat as Healthy as Possible

 

Conclusion

 

Alright Guys, that's everything I could think of for my list of things that can make opiate withdrawal a little more bearable. One thing that I cannot stress enough is to please talk openly and honestly with your doctor and support network before using or combing any of these medications (even the OTC ones). Some of these medications can have negative consequences when mixed with one another or with drugs. The Benzodiazepines can especially be habit forming or addicting so please use caution with these as you don't want to switch one addiction for another. Ask yourself if you think you can take a medication such as a Benzodiazepine responsibly for a short period of time without becoming addicted to it or abusing it. Benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous to mix with other drugs, especially opiates so again, please, please, please talk all this over with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

I also want to note that I am not encouraging you guys to use all these drugs. Some of these medications accomplish and provide relief for the same symptoms so you DO NOT need to use them all. I wanted to give you guys a few options as I know some medications work better than others for some people or that some may have allergies or bad reactions to certain medications. Once again, talk with your doctor(s) and support network in addition to doing your own research before putting any of these medications into your body.

 

 

At the end of the day, I think withdrawal for most will still suck to some degree with or without these medications. They may, however, be able to provide some relief or minimize some withdrawals. Just don't go into it expecting everything will be fine and dandy because this period of our lives will most likely be one of the most difficult. I'm not trying to scare anyone, I just want to be real with you guys. Some people feel worse during withdrawal than others while some feel as if they just have a nagging cold. If your like me, withdrawal feels like Hell on Earth. Its the price we must pay in the end for abusing these opiates to get high I guess. May god have mercy on us!

 

Based on what I have read and heard, a lot of people seem to say that it is important to remain active and busy during withdrawal. Now, I'm not suggesting you go out and work a 40 hour week or run a marathon. Rather, I'm saying you should do things such as going for walks/jogs, seeing a movie, doing some easy yard or house work, spending a day at the beach, and things like that. In other words, don't just sit in bed all day thinking about how bad you currently feel. It may seem like the easiest thing to do but in reality, it probably just makes things worse as all you will think about is how bad you feel and how easy it would be to use again to feel "normal". I would defiantly recommend taking some time off from work or school if possible as I think it will be really difficult to concentrate and have the energy during this difficult time but everyone is different. Some people may find school or work keeps them busy and their minds off withdrawal so you guys know your bodies and yourselves better than me.

 

How most of us feel during opiate withdrawal

 

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I will soon be coming face to face with Suboxone withdrawal in the near future. I am currently taking .75 mg a day and know I will one day have to experience life without Suboxone or any opiate for that matter. To be honest with you guys, it is something I am truly scared of. I absolutely hate and fear withdrawals! But that's just part of life and something I have to deal with and accept. I have experienced withdrawal several times going cold turkey from Oxycodone and know it isn't fun. Hopefully, the combination of some of these medications, the skills and coping mechanisms I have learned over the past year, and the help of my support network will be enough for me to reach my goal of sobriety and life without pills.

 

I would like to thank you guys for reading my post and I hope this list is helpful to some of you guys. If any of you guys have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to put them in the comment section. I always enjoy and appreciate the advice of other opiate addicts.

 

Take Care Guys and remember to keep seeing that light.

 

-Seeingthelight

  

Getting Some Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal

Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to what is now my 11th post on my blog about opiate addiction. I would like to use this post to discuss something we so often take for granted; sleep. For someone who hasn't had a problem with opiate addiction and has no sleeping problems/conditions, sleep is often a natural occurrence that comes with relative ease. Sleep is what allows our mind and body to rest, heal, and rejuvenate itself and is something we all need in order to survive. Well for someone who suffers from opiate addiction, getting and staying asleep can be quite difficult. It is not uncommon for opiate addicts to have restless nights of sleeping, trouble going to sleep, or to have to wake up early as withdrawals begin to creep their way in. It gets even worse for opiate addicts when they decide to quit opiates cold turkey or to discontinue their use of opiates after tapering or treatment (Suboxone or Methadone). I've been there before and can vouch that it is one of the worst parts of opiate withdrawals. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this particular post to talk about sleep when the time comes for us to quit opiates.

If you are interested in reading other posts in my blog about opiate addiction, click on any of the following links (in order from 1st post to most latest post).

Welcome Post (1st Post)
My Experience With Suboxone
The Dreaded Withdrawals
Why We Got Addicted To Opiates
Suboxone Vs Methadone
The Vivitrol Shot
Addiction And Our Bodies
A Soldier's Addiction
Cold Turkey Or Opiate Replacement Therapy
Some Good Quotes About Opiate Addiction


When one stops using opiates, a variety of withdrawals will begin to come into play and can leave the person involved feeling like they are in a state of absolute hell. For this post, I will be referring to those who have either quit opiates cold turkey or who have stopped using all opiates after their tapering or treatment is completed. Basically, this post is for people who are no longer taking any forms of opiates (be it Oxycodone, Methadone, Suboxone, Morphine, ect...). When one quits opiates, they often have difficulty in getting and staying asleep due to a variety of factors. Restless legs (the withdrawal I hate the most), a racing mind, the chills, cold sweats, anxiety, and aches/pains are some of the more common withdrawals that affect our sleep patterns the most when going through withdrawals. I can remember a few times in which I attempted to quit opiates cold turkey and couldn't get more than a couple hours (if I was lucky) of sleep in a night. During the day, we are faced with withdrawals such as lack of energy, chills, cold sweats, diarrhea, and aches/pain. One basically feels like they have a really, really bad case of the flu. Come nighttime, our bodies are often tired and hurting after a long day (minutes seem like hours) of experiencing withdrawals, only to face even more agony at night. When the sun finally rises the next day, we have to experience this cycle all over again until withdrawals begin to calm after a period of time.

How many of us feel during Opiate Withdrawal at night.

I want this post to talk about a few things in regards to sleep and opiate withdrawal and I think the best way to do this is to break down this post into a few sections. I would like to touch upon the importance/role of sleep, the process of sleep for an opiate addict, and finally some methods that may help one get a good night's sleep (or at least a few hours) when experiencing opiate withdrawal. On that note, lets begin.

The Role & Importance of Sleep

 

Sleep is defined as a natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli (Free Dictionary by Farlex). Sleep is what allows our mind and body to have the opportunity to rest and perform several important tasks. Without sleep, one will not survive for very long and unhealthy sleeping patterns can result in both physical and mental health conditions. Sleep helps restore and strengthen our immune system, which is critical to our bodies as it helps heal or prevent wounds/injuries, infections, diseases, viruses, and much more. Sleep also aids in the brain and development of it. Despite there still being a lack of total understanding of the roles sleep has in living organisms, one thing is clear, sleep is essential for our survival.

 

There is a lot of information out there about sleep and of course not all of it has to do with opiate addiction or withdrawal in regards to sleep. This blog is meant to focus on opiate addiction so I don't want to be throwing a total lecture about sleep at you guys when that's probably not what you're looking for here. I just wanted to provide everyone with a brief understanding about sleep to get things started and to show how important it is to our survival. If you guys are interested in knowing more about sleep, I have included a few links below this paragraph that discuss the topic.

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science
http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih3/sleep/guide/info-sleep.htm
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/index.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm

 

The Sleeping Patterns of an Opiate Addict

 

As most of you probably know already, opiate addicts tend to live a life quite different from those who do not suffer from addiction. The old saying "don't judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes" is perfect for this scenario. As I said before, for someone who doesn't suffer from opiate addiction and has no sleeping problems/conditions, sleep is something that comes natural and takes little challenge to accomplish. However, for someone who does suffer from addiction and is currently going through opiate withdrawal, sleep can seem almost impossible at times. The withdrawals from opiates affect not only our bodies, but our minds as well resulting in our bodies being somewhat different than that of your average Joe who isn't addicted to opiates. Now I'm certainly no doctor (I can't count how many times I've said that before) but I believe the reason an opiate addict's sleep patterns become so disturbed are a near direct result of the effects opiates have the brain. I know it isn't rocket science that the physical withdrawals can keep one awake but I also believe that the mental aspect of opiate withdrawal is far too often overlooked. My guess is that the opiates play some kind of role in messing around with our brain chemistry resulting in some kind of imbalance or in something up there being "off". I mentioned before in my previous posts about the effect opiate addiction can have on not only our bodies but our minds as well, if you wish to check that post out simply click HERE.

 

Having an addiction to opiates can have quite an impact on our brain receptors whose purpose is release endorphins. Endorphins are basically opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. In other words, Endorphins are released in the brain as result of doing something we enjoy or find pleasure in such as exercising, having sex, or spending time with someone who we enjoy being with. Unfortunately, these same endorphins can be created and released each time we use opiates which ultimately result in one's mind and body enjoying the presence of opiates in the body. By continuing to use opiates over a period of time, the brain will begin to crave the presence of these endorphins eventually resulting in the person feeling the constant need to please the brain with the use of opiates. This is why it can sometimes be difficult for former opiate addicts to find enjoyment in things they once enjoyed as well as also resulting in depression or anxiety among other things. After reading all that, you can probably imagine the true effect opiates have on the mind and body which are what can ultimately control your sleeping patterns.

 

Once again, there's a lot of information out there about endorphins, the reward system in our brains, and the effects opiate addiction can have on these matters. I'll leave you guys with a few more links that address these topics in more detail below this paragraph.

http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/addiction-brain-effects-opiate-addiction-heroin-oxycontin
http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=103089
http://www.canadianmedicaljournal.ca/content/164/6/817.full
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasure_center
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/reward-center-in-brain-work
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/reward/

 

Some Methods To Help With Sleep During Opiate Withdrawal

 

Getting some sleep during opiate withdrawal is something that nearly each and every one of us desires and wishes for when we choose to stop using opiates. Some people may be able to get some sleep during opiate withdrawals while others may feel as though they've been wide awake for what seems like a week straight. Like I always say, everyone is different. Some people experience certain withdrawals more or less than others and there is no universal law out there that will tell how good or bad your withdrawals will be. Unfortunately, there is no miracle drug or method out there that will prevent withdrawals but there are some methods that can help ease them. For this section of the post, I am going to talk about a few of these very methods which may help one who is suffering from opiate withdrawals and can't achieve sleep.

 

Over The Counter Medications- There are a few over the counter (OTC) medications out there that might be able to help you find sleep when going through opiate withdrawal. A common one is the drug Diphenhydramine, which is found in the OTC medication Benadryl. For some people this works great for in achieving sleep but for others (myself included) it has little to no effect. It is important to note that Benadryl when taken in high enough doses can result in restless legs and a jittery feeling similar to if one were take some caffeine. In even higher doses, Benadryl can result in hallucinations or even death so be smart when using this medication as a sleep aid. Basically, if you're not feeling much of an effect after taking the recommended dose, quit while you're ahead and don't look to take more in hopes of achieving sleep.

Another OTC medication that can be used to help with sleep is Doxylamine, which is most commonly found in the OTC drug Unisom. I have used Unisom and from my own personal experience feel that it works better than Benadryl. Tylenol PM is also another alternative to help with sleep as well as the aches/pain that often come with opiate withdrawals. Tylenol PM contains both Diphenydramine and Acetaminophen. The Diphenydramine in Tylenol PM is the same ingredient found in Benadryl and is what will help with the sleep. The Acetaminophen helps with aches, pains, and fever. All of these OTC medications should be used with caution as most are meant for short term use only. Ingesting to much of these medications can have severe consequences so be sure to be smart and talk with your doctor before doing anything drastic.

A final OTC medication that I feel is worth mentioning is Melatonin. Melatonin is a natural ingredient and works by replicating what the naturally occurring compound N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine does in our bodies. This compound is basically what aids our brain in determining when to sleep and has been getting more and more attention as of late. It is important to note that this medication takes time to work (usually at least a couple weeks) and that the dose needed to help aid with sleep varies from person to person. The good thing about Melatonin is that it is not addicting which is a huge plus for the addiction community. I gave Melatonin a shot before and didn't find it to help much with getting to sleep but I have seen other people praising how well it works. Like always, everyone is different so be sure to talk with your doctor if you do decide to give Melatonin (or any of these medications) a try.

Prescription Medications - Prescription sleep aids are usually more powerful and effective in helping one achieve sleep but do come with their risks. Many of these medications can be habit forming and addictive so anyone who has suffered from addiction in the past should be cautious with these medications. I have given a few prescription medications a try before and to no surprise would have to agree that they are far more effective than OTC drugs. A common prescription sleep aid is the drug Zolpidem, which is found in the medication Ambien. Ambien is a pretty powerful medication that has a pretty high success rate in terms of achieving sleep. I have tried Ambien before and found that it works great for getting some sleep but eventually canceled my prescription to it as I felt there was to great of a chance I would develop an addiction to it. There are also some side effects with Ambien such as sleepwalking, nightmares, and hallucinations so once again be careful my friends with these medications.

The drug Eszopiclone is another option and can be found in the medication Lunesta. I have no experience with this drug but have been told it is similar to Ambien but slightly stronger. Lorazepam is a option as well that is found in the medication Ativan, which works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. Ativan also helps with anxiety which is something that can certainly arise during opiate withdrawal. Clonazepam, found in Klonopin, is yet another option as a sleep remedy. This drug is commonly prescribed for seizures, anxiety, and insomnia and based on what I have heard is quite powerful. I have no experience with Ativan or Klonopin so be sure to do your research and talk with your doctor if you think either of these may be an option.

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat sleeping problems and conditions. These are usually the more powerful sleep aid medications but carry the risk of developing an addiction. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines is said to be quite severe, long, and painful with many saying the withdrawals from Benzodiazepines are far more dangerous and worse than those of opiate withdrawals. Some examples of Benzodiazepines include Klonopin (see above), Estazolam (ProSom), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Quazepam (Doral), Temazepam (Restoril), and Triazolam (Halcion). If you feel these drugs are capable of causing you to develop an addiction to them, your best bet is to stay away from these medications and look elsewhere. Another option is to use these drugs short-term (under 2 weeks) to help with the early stages of opiate withdrawal. These are powerful drugs guys, so be sure to be safe and to use these only under your doctor's supervision.

Another medication that may help with finding sleep is the drug Trazodone. I have used Trazodone before in the past and found it to work pretty well. While the Trazodone did help me, it was no where near as effective or powerful as the Ambien. Trazodone isn't as addictive as Ambien or some of the other drugs mentioned but it can still be considered somewhat habit forming. One will most likely not get too many physical withdrawals when stopping Trazodone, there is the chance of having trouble getting to sleep, having nightmares, and a sense of restlessness if suddenly stopped. The dosages prescribed for Trazodone vary greatly (any where from 25 mg to as high as 600 mg) so you and your doctor may have to slowly work your way up to a dose that works well for you.

Natural Remedy's - There are also other alternatives to sleep aid medications that can help during opiate withdrawal. One thing that works well for a lot of people is the use of hot baths, hot tubs, and trips to the sauna. These methods help relax the body and can be great for dealing with the chills and aches/pains. Exercising is another option but is something that can be quite difficult to do when going through withdrawals. When one exercises, their body releases endorphins just like how our bodies do when we use our drug of choice. Not only is exercise healthy for you, it will also often leave you feeling tired at the end of the day. Some decaffeinated tea, warm milk, or hot coco before bed can be soothing for some as well and is great for helping with the chills. Coffee isn't a bad idea during the day to get you up and going while withdrawing but should be avoided close to bedtime. The great thing about these methods are that they are not addicting or habit forming.

There are also several relaxation techniques that can be beneficial as well. When I first heard of these, I thought they were just a bunch of B.S. but must admit they did actually help a little after finally giving them a chance. Relaxation techniques include breathing exercises, mediating, and listening to those audio tapes that play peaceful sounds or music. Lets face it, when you're withdrawing you're basically willing to try anything to help yourself get through those rough times. I also find creating and sticking to a going to sleep and waking up schedule helps a lot to with sleep. What I mean by this is to not have nights were you're up until 3 A.M. and wake up the next day at 11 A.M. then following the previous day by going to bed early and waking up early. Make a schedule and stick to it.

 

A breathing exercise that I have found to help with not only getting to sleep but relaxing works by lowering your pulse and clearing your mind. For some people, this works well while others may not notice much of a difference. It takes a little practice to get used to as well. It can also help when you have a panic attack or are frustrated. This breathing exercise is called the 4-7-4 technique and works as follows:

 

1. Sit down in a chair with your back straight and hands together meeting at your stomach.
2. Your fingers should interlock at your stomach with the backside (opposite of your palm side) of your hands facing out.
3. Inhale and take a 4 second continuous breath of fresh air and hold it in for 7 seconds.
4. After holding your breath for 7 seconds, release your breath for 4 seconds continuously
5. Continue this 3-5 times

Another thing that may help is simply reading a book, surfing the web, or watching a little television before bed. It will help keep your mind busy while giving you some entertainment to pass the time and relax. However, don't just sit there for a few hours watching television, surfing the web, or playing video games as this can have the opposite effect. Try doing something that you really enjoy that doesn't take up a lot of your energy. Having a good environment around you before you go to sleep can make quite the difference so make sure you're in a relaxed, quiet, and comfortable environment each night.

Herbal Methods - There are also some natural herbs out there that are said to help with sleep. While I have never tried any of these herbs, the ones I most commonly hear about are Valerian Root and St. John’s Wort, which can usually be found at stores like GNC or Vitamin World. There are other herbal remedy's out there as well. I have also heard Lavender can help. Don't look at these herbs as something you shouldn't talk to your doctor about as some of them carry side effects or can have adverse effects with other medications. As always, be smart and talk with your doctor!

Other - A final thing that may help some of you guys may come across as somewhat controversial so please note that it is not my purpose or intent to offend anyone or to seem contradicting. When some people look to quit their addiction to opiates, they also look to end their use of all drugs and alcohol, which I think is probably the best route to go. This includes drugs such as tobacco and marijuana. In my opinion, I believe that marijuana is without a doubt a drug and can also serve as a gateway drug meaning that it's use can eventually lead to the user moving on to other harder drugs. However, I think for the most part, marijuana is quite harmless and agree that it is not addicting. It might become a habit but you won't see anyone having chills, cold sweats, extreme anxiety, diarrhea, and the other classic symptoms of opiate withdrawal when they stop using marijuana. As someone who enjoyed smoking marijuana and did so often in the past, I would often use the drug as a way to help control the anxiety that would so often accompany opiate withdrawal. It would sometimes also help me get to sleep which can seem close to impossible during opiate withdrawal. I no longer smoke marijuana due to the rules of the Suboxone program I am now in as well as just trying to make drugs a past part of my life but I still personally have no ill feelings towards the drug. I'll leave this one up to you guys. If you think it may help, give it a shot. However, if you think it might do more harm than good, then by all means stay away from it (and other drugs).

After debating with myself whether or not I should have included the use of marijuana to help with sleep during opiate withdrawal, I came to the conclusion that I want to be able to provide you guys with whatever I think can help you guys without causing any harm or bad consequences. That's why I often write about medications but never recommend dosages or regimes besides telling you guys to talk with your doctor and to never take more than told/recommended. The biggest reason I had debated on whether or not to include marijuana as an option in this post is that for some people, when they use marijuana, the high they get from it brings on too much of a temptation to get back to using the opiates again. Sometimes the high from marijuana is just to much for a person and it can begin to bring out our inner demons with addiction. While I personally believe marijuana can have its benefits, I would have to say that the best route to take is to probably just avoid it along with any other drugs or alcohol.

I also want to state that I defiantly wouldn't advise anyone to use alcohol as a means of getting to sleep. Not only is that an unhealthy and potentially dangerous thing to do, but that alcohol itself can become an addiction. This is especially true for any addict as we tend to develop addictions quicker and easier than most people. In addition, while the use of alcohol may make one feel good and able to get to sleep, it will most likely leave the person feeling even worse the next day. It is already shitty enough having to deal with opiate withdrawals so why add a nasty hangover to the mix. Both alcohol and marijuana can impair the way we think and act, which could result in one making some poor decisions such as deciding to use opiates adding yet another reason to avoid any drugs or alcohol during opiate withdrawal.

I know I might sound somewhat contradicting to some about what I have just said but I just want to add what I found has worked for me in the past. If you asked me what to do in regards to the marijuana, I would say to defiantly stay away from any drugs/alcohol and to only use the marijuana if you feel confident enough it won't have any negative impacts and as a last resort if possible. Remember, the whole point of getting off the opiates is to live a sober life. Like I've said more times than I can count, everyone is different with some people being able to handle things differently or better than others. You shouldn't even consider looking to drugs such as cocaine, heroin, meth, hallucinates, and the like to help ease withdrawals. Believe me, drugs like those will do much more harm than good and can lead you into a whole another world of problems.

Some Other Quick Tips For Finding Sleep

 

• If you can't get to sleep within a half hour or so, don't just stay in bed tossing and turning! Get up and go to a lightly lit room and do something that requires little energy and is relatively boring/dull. Some examples include reading the newspaper or a book, writing in a journal, going for a short walk, ect. You must train your body and mind that your bed is a place for sleep so that when you enter your bed in the future, your mind and body will know it's time for sleep. Or the other thing...

 

• Try to limit television, video games, or exercise right before bed as both can tend to get your mind and body up, focused, and ready to go.

 

• Limit any caffeine, high Carb, or sugary foods at night. Eat right during the day and limit (or even quit if you can) any tobacco products. Too much of these things can keep you up at night.

 

• If you're religious, calm yourself by spending a few minutes saying your prays before bed. If religion isn't your cup of tea, give mediation a shot and try relaxing and meditating for about 15 minutes before bed.

 

• Try to keep your mind occupied on something calming and something you enjoy. Don't worry about your addiction, bills you have to pay, work, or any other things that can get you worked up and worrying while you are in bed at night.

 

• As I mentioned before, make sure to set up a sleep schedule where you wake up and go to bed around the same time each day. Try to limit long naps during the day by either not napping at all or limiting your naps to less than 45 minutes (cat naps). It can be tough for some people (myself included) but try not to sleep in late on weekends or days off from work/school as this can further disrupt your sleeping patterns.

 

• Make your sleeping environment comfortable by having a nice, comfortable bed, a room temperature that's comfortable for you, and keeping noise to a minimal.

 

• If you continue having trouble in getting and staying asleep, don't continue to just put it off! Make a visit to your doctor and discuss with him or her what the two of you think is the best route of action to take in getting some sleep.  

Conclusion

 

Well guys, that's all I got for you and I really hope this post was helpful for you. In my opinion, the lack of sleep that comes with opiate withdrawals is one of the worst symptoms. You end up feeling so tired after not getting any sleep from the night before but still cannot fall asleep the next night, it really sucks. For some people, these methods may work great for while others may have mixed results. I'm sure there's a lot more information out there and I would love to hear some feedback from you guys about this matter. Comment below in the comment section if you have any thoughts, experiences, or recommendations that can help with achieving sleep during opiate withdrawals. I have also put up a new poll which can be found at the bottom of this page and would love to hear what you guys think. I'll end this post by wishing everyone nothing but the best and ask that each and every one of you guys to continue seeing that light! I have also included yet another a link for you guys below this paragraph that has some good information about some of the methods to achieve sleep. Some of the stuff on this website we have talked about already in this post but there is also much more. Here is the link below.

 

http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aids_medication_insomnia_treatment.htm#otc

 

Until next time, take care guys.

 

-Seeingthelight