Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Key Points:

  • Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

  • Early symptoms usually begin within 6-12 hours for short-acting opioids and within 30 hours for longer-acting ones.

  • Managing symptoms effectively is crucial for a successful withdrawal process.


Opioid withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration based on the level of dependence and the specific opioid used. Symptoms typically begin within hours of the last dose and can last for several days to weeks. Common symptoms include:

  • Early Symptoms:

    • Anxiety

    • Muscle aches

    • Increased tearing

    • Insomnia

    • Runny nose

    • Sweating

    • Yawning

  • Late Symptoms:

    • Abdominal cramping

    • Diarrhea

    • Dilated pupils

    • Goosebumps

    • Nausea and vomiting

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