Treatment Options for Painful, Recurring Headaches

Posted on: 24 November 2020

Opioid addiction is a serious epidemic; however, there are effective treatment options that can help you overcome your struggles with prescription narcotic pain relievers. In addition to counseling and support group interaction, opioid addiction treatment center physicians often prescribe the following medications to help relieve both the physical and psychological pain of opioid withdrawal. 

Methadone

Methadone is commonly prescribed to those addicted to opioid medication. While methadone can be used as a standalone treatment, it is generally used in combination with behavioral therapy and medical monitoring. Although methadone is classified as an opioid medication, it does not produce the feeling of being high. Methadone helps relieve the pain and muscle spasms associated with prescription opioid addiction, and it is commonly prescribed for those addicted to heroin.

Depending on the dosage, your general state of health, and your doctor's recommendations, you may be able to detoxify from opioid drugs in as little as a month while you are in a methadone program; however, it can take up to a few months or more.

Methadone is usually well-tolerated by most people who take it. However, it can cause adverse reactions such as sedation, dizziness, dry mouth, vision problems, and gastrointestinal problems. If you develop adverse reactions to methadone during your opioid addiction treatment, talk to your physician, who can lower the dose so that your side effects are milder or disappear altogether. 

Chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine is another medication that the opioid addiction treatment center physician may prescribe to ease your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Chlorpromazine is a prescription phenothiazine medication that may be effective in treating withdrawal-related anxiety and psychosis. It is also a potent anti-emetic that can help relieve nausea and vomiting that is common in those struggling with opioid withdrawal.

While most people can take chlorpromazine, it should be used with caution in those who have renal disease, a history of seizures, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a history of breast cancer, or glaucoma. While effective in relieving anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, chlorpromazine can cause uncontrollable movements of the tongue, unusual eye movements, dizziness, weakness, fever, respiratory problems, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any side effects from chlorpromazine speak to your doctor before you stop taking it.

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, make an appointment with your primary care physician. They can refer you to an opioid addiction treatment center so that you can get the help that you need to overcome your challenges.