Medications Used in Hydrocodone Detox
Hydrocodone detox can be made easier through the use of a variety of medications. These medications are useful for both keeping chronic pain under control and in relieving or reducing the symptoms of withdrawal. Medication to help with hydrocodone detox is available at a detox center.
Methadone
Although methadone sometimes has a bad reputation, this is mostly due to media and misunderstanding. Methadone has been in use for the last 56 years and according to The Rockefeller University, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1973 for use in treating opiate addiction.
Methadone is similar to hydrocodone and other opiates but lasts in the body a lot longer. Most methadone doses are taken on a 24 hour schedule. Since it binds to the opiate receptors in the brain, it blocks the use of other opiates, preventing the user from getting the same high they get off oxycodone.
Methadone is a highly controlled drug usually found in pain clinics and opiate treatment centers. To find a detox center that offers treatment for hydrocodone addiction call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is another medication that doctors use to treat both chronic pain and hydrocodone addiction. It is less powerful and consequently less dangerous than methadone. It is a mild opiate that stops the withdrawal symptoms almost completely.
It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. Once these receptors are blocked not only do you not feel the symptoms of withdrawal, if you take opiates they do not get you high. This stops your desire to use opiates.
Suboxone
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suboxone is a combination medication that stops both opiate withdrawal symptoms and a hydrocodone addict’s ability to get high off opiates. By combining buprenorphine and naloxone, Suboxone creates a ceiling effect.
The ceiling effect happens when the effects of the drug no longer improve if you take more of it. This keeps addicts from overdosing by using more and more Suboxone. The Naloxone also helps to stop an overdose of opiates while on Suboxone.
Drugs for Breakthrough Symptoms
A medical detox center will also give you medications for breakthrough symptoms. As they are adjusting your medications, you might experience some of the symptoms of withdrawal. The detox center can give you:
- anti-nausea medication
- nonnarcotic analgesics
- anti-diarrheal medication
- antidepressants
- medications for anxiety and agitation
- medications to help the other flu like symptoms subside
These medications work well for both break through symptoms. They are also the recommended treatment for those who want to quit “cold turkey.” This means quitting without using an opiate maintenance drug to help with withdrawal. Most treatment and detox centers keep these medications on hand to treat hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms.
Finding a Hydrocodone Detox that Uses these Medications
To find a hydrocodone detox center that uses a medication assisted detox, all you have to do is call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We can help you find the detox center you need to stop your hydrocodone addiction and get your life back.