Physical Effects of Prescription Drug Withdrawal

If you’re addicted to a medication, you need the specialized help offered by a prescription drug detox center. This is true, in large part, because of the challenges presented by prescription drug withdrawal. Some of the effects of withdrawal are psychological or emotional. Typically, physical effects of some kind are also common. However, the nature of that physical impact varies from substance to substance. 

At New Start Recovery, we understand the effects most likely to occur with withdrawal from each class of medication. Therefore, we have designed programs and services to meet you at each step of the recovery process. Learn more about prescription drug withdrawal and detox by calling [Direct].

Substances That Can Trigger Prescription Drug Withdrawal

There are three main classes of medication capable of triggering prescription drug withdrawal. The first of these classes includes opioids such as morphine, codeine, and fentanyl. The second includes stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate. The third class includes benzodiazepines, or benzos, as well as other sedatives.

Opioids and Prescription Drug Withdrawal

People withdrawing from opioid medications can experience more than a dozen physical symptoms. The list of these symptoms includes:

• A rapid pulse
• Spikes in your normal blood pressure
• A higher-than-usual body temperature
• Unusually rapid breathing
• A runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in your bones and/or muscles
• Cramps in your abdomen
• An accelerated breathing rate
• High sweat output
• Muscle spasms
• Repeated yawning
• Insomnia 
• Goosebumps

As with other substances, you may or may not experience any given symptom. In addition, the symptoms of opioid withdrawal don’t happen all at once. Instead, they are split between the early and late phases of withdrawal.

Stimulant-Related Effects of Prescription Drug Withdrawal

Stimulant withdrawal has a smaller number of potential physical effects. These effects can include insomnia and low energy or fatigue. They can also include a rising appetite and something called psychomotor retardation. This term refers to an unusual slowdown or drop in  your muscle function. It also refers to similar changes in your mental function.

Benzo Effects of Prescription Drug Withdrawal

Benzo withdrawal is one of the riskiest forms of substance withdrawal. Its most common physical effects include:

• A rapid heartbeat
• Increases in your blood pressure
• Muscle tremors
• Heavy sweating
• Insomnia
• Heightened sensitivity to light, touch, or sound

What’s more, prolonged benzo withdrawal is also possible. This prolonged withdrawal can affect your muscles or bones. It can also affect your nerves or your gastrointestinal system.

The Importance of Prescription Drug Detox

Prescription drug detox is available for all forms of medication addiction. This medically supervised option is strongly recommended, no matter the source of your addiction. That’s true because it helps you cope with the effects of withdrawal. When your withdrawal symptoms are under control, you have a higher chance of reaching initial sobriety. In turn, initial sobriety is essential to your long-term recovery goals. And if you experience withdrawal complications, supervised detox could potentially save your life. 

When it comes to prescription drug detox, timing is everything. In other words, the sooner you enter a detox program, the more successful you’re likely to be. That’s because early intervention provides an opportunity for extensive evaluation and treatment. It also gives you a head start in terms of developing the skills you need for sustained sobriety.

Seek Treatment for Prescription Drug Withdrawal at New Start Recovery

Need help with the effects of prescription drug withdrawal? Turn to the experts at New Start. We offer comprehensive services for substance detox. That includes detoxing from prescription and illegal drugs. It also includes detoxing from alcohol. No matter the substance in your system, you will find a suitable option.

The treatment you receive at New Start Recovery helps ease the physical effects of withdrawal. It also helps ease withdrawal’s emotional and psychological effects. Our full-spectrum approach makes initial sobriety an achievable goal. Call us today at [Direct] or fill out our brief online form for more information.