OPIOID MANAGEMENT & DETOXIFICATION
Opioid Management & Detoxification
Decisions regarding tapering schedule should be made on an individual basis, faster or slower tapering may be warranted from one person to the next. Prior to initiation of the medication wean/taper, a complete evaluation of the current treatment plan should be completed. This includes things like other concomitant psychological conditions and relevant factors regarding each individual person.
Those taking opioids on a non-daily basis meet criteria and are typically able to discontinue medications without the need to taper. In patients who are on daily opioid therapy, generally a taper by 20-50% of the original dose per week is appropriate. Literature shows that a person needs as low as 20% of the previous day’s dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Things like antidepressants may also be considered during this process to control symptoms of anxiety and/or sleep disturbances.
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