Is this ′complicated′ opioid withdrawal?

Abstract

Seven patients with opioid dependence admitted in the de-addiction centre for detoxification developed convulsions and delirium during the withdrawal phase. After ruling out all other possible causes of these complications, opioid withdrawal seemed to emerge as the most likely explanation. The unpredictability of the course of opioid dependence and withdrawal needs to be considered when treating patients with opioid dependence.

Opioid Withdrawal Presenting as Delirium and Role of Buprenorphine: A Case Series

“…The incidence and prevalence of opioid withdrawal delirium are unknown worldwide, with very few case reports available for the same. [ 1 2 ]…”

“…Opioids withdrawal is characterized by pupillary dilatation, severe muscle cramps, profuse diarrhea, abdominal cramps, yawning, piloerection, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, hypertension, tachycardia, and temperature dysregulation. [ 1 ] Rarely, delirium has been reported as a feature of opioid withdrawal. PubMed search through October 2016 reveals only two case series on delirium as feature of withdrawal in opioid dependence syndrome.…”

“…PubMed search through October 2016 reveals only two case series on delirium as feature of withdrawal in opioid dependence syndrome. [ 1 2 ] Here, we present two cases of opioid withdrawal that went into delirium after low-dose buprenorphine was added.…”

A Rare Case of Complicated Opioid Withdrawal in Delirium Without Convulsions

“…Parkar et al . [2] reported four cases and Aggarwal et al . [3] reported one case of opioid withdrawal delirium.…”

“…However, these are rare as a feature of opioid withdrawal. [2] We hereby report a case of opioid withdrawal delirium.…”