Opiate Withdrawal: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: Which is a better benzodiazepine for opiate withdrawal?

(Posted by: Dr. M on 2009-09-03 12:46:03)

My doctore said he would [rescribe me a benzo for the anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms i'm going to get when I stop taking my oxycodone. I've been being scripted 120 OxyContin 80mg tabs and 60 Roxicodone 30mg tabs a month for the past year and I took all of them every month, so I have a pretty hardcore opiate dependency. I am finally able to stop the pain medication so he lowered my dose to OxyConitn 80mg once a day even though I have no pain its just to ween me off. He also said I will need a benzo for the withdrawal so he gave me a choice between Xanax 2mg and Valium 10mg. Which is better for masking the withdrawal symptoms of opiate use?

Posted by: railroad dave on 2009-09-03, 12:52:46

In europe they give you Ibogain . the miracle of gabon .

Posted by: Lucy on 2009-09-03, 13:13:34

A friend of mine was addicted to Xanax and when she ceased to use them cold turkey, she had seizures. Her Dr. gave her lower doses until she was able to quit and not have seizures. I would not recommend anyone to take Xanax. It almost wrecked her life.

Posted by: Annie P on 2009-09-03, 13:51:52

Your GP should have referred you to the local Drug & Alcohol team as it can be dangerous to detox on your own. In fact it is quite irresponsible of him just to hand out benzos. They are more addictive than the opiates you are on! Diazepam is longer acting than the Xanax(lorazepam), but xanax 2mg is strong & will act quicker. If used correctly then either will help with the shakes/ anxiety you will most certainly experience coming off the opiates. You may also need to take something for stomach cramps such as domperidone. Good Luck.

Posted by: Brady on 2009-09-03, 16:01:12

Valium is the better choice. Xanax (alprazolam) is too fast-acting and too addictive. Also, no therapeutic dosage of any benzo is going to completely mask the effects of an opiate withdrawal of the size you are facing. The benzo is just to keep your restless leg syndrome and anxiety in check. Seriously, stick with the diazepam (valium). It's longer acting and it gives less of a euphoria, so it'll be easier to taper off of IT when the time comes.