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How To Get Rid Of Iv Heroin Addiction?
My 26 year-old son has been struggling with IV heroin addiction for several years. One symptom with use appears to be a manic state with a great deal of activity and verbal expression. When he is abstinent, he appears flat and a bit laconic. He denies depression, but I'm wondering...
He has not previously been diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder or anything associated with a personality disorder. He is quite bright. No physical problems.
The question is whether his apparent dysthymic mood could be a trigger and what if anything could he take in terms of medication that might help him fight the urges that are associated with a mood disturbance.
In the past suboxon has helped, but not enough. Would you suggest an antidepressant? Welbutrin? Zoloft? etc.. He appears to have a high level of anxiety his whole life.
He has not previously been diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder or anything associated with a personality disorder. He is quite bright. No physical problems.
The question is whether his apparent dysthymic mood could be a trigger and what if anything could he take in terms of medication that might help him fight the urges that are associated with a mood disturbance.
In the past suboxon has helped, but not enough. Would you suggest an antidepressant? Welbutrin? Zoloft? etc.. He appears to have a high level of anxiety his whole life.
Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
Heroin is an opioid drug and the drug is a high dependence producing drug. The problems of apathy, lethargy, flatness he is having during abstinence is probably due to withdrawal from drug only.
So to prevent withdrawal in heroin de-addiction, heroin is replaced with some other low abuse potential opioid and then doses of that drug are tapered gradually. Suboxon (Buprenorphine) or Methdadone are commonly used drugs. Some times tremadol also prove useful. To reduce anxiety of withdrawal medicines like Clonidine can prove useful. Once he become stabilised on Suboxon or Methdaone then doses of that drug can be reduced gradually over 6-10 weeks. Consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment of his symptoms.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Take care
Heroin is an opioid drug and the drug is a high dependence producing drug. The problems of apathy, lethargy, flatness he is having during abstinence is probably due to withdrawal from drug only.
So to prevent withdrawal in heroin de-addiction, heroin is replaced with some other low abuse potential opioid and then doses of that drug are tapered gradually. Suboxon (Buprenorphine) or Methdadone are commonly used drugs. Some times tremadol also prove useful. To reduce anxiety of withdrawal medicines like Clonidine can prove useful. Once he become stabilised on Suboxon or Methdaone then doses of that drug can be reduced gradually over 6-10 weeks. Consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment of his symptoms.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Take care
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