The use of clonidine for management of opiate abstinence in a chronic pain patient.
The use of clonidine in the management of opiate abstinence is presented in a patient dependent upon levorphanol tartrate given for chronic pain. Use of levorphanol was abruptly discontinued, and the patient was monitored for signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal. He manifested a significant increase in pulse and blood pressure and had perspiration, agitation, and opiate-seeking behavior. Clonidine effectively abolished these signs and symptoms. The mechanism by which clonidine prevents the opiate abstinence syndrome is discussed. Clonidine is a safe and inexpensive means of achieving rapid opiate withdrawal.
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003000:Clonidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007981:Levorphanol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control
D007981:Levorphanol; D003000:Clonidine