Symptomatic prescribing plays a crucial role in harm reduction and withdrawal management for individuals experiencing substance dependence. This page provides an overview of commonly prescribed medications, their indications, and links to the British National Formulary (BNF) for further reference.
💊 Common Medications & Their Uses
Medications used in symptomatic prescribing help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and address co-existing conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Below are commonly used drugs categorized by their function.
🩺 Opiate Withdrawal Management
- Lofexidine (Britlofex): Used to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms by reducing noradrenaline release.
- Clonidine: Occasionally used off-label to manage withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, agitation, and hypertension.
- Diazepam: Short-term use for agitation and muscle spasms associated with withdrawal.
🍺 Alcohol Withdrawal Management
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium): First-line benzodiazepine for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Diazepam: Used in detox protocols for alcohol dependence.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Prevents Wernicke’s encephalopathy in alcohol-dependent individuals.
😟 Managing Anxiety & Insomnia
- Pregabalin: Sometimes used for anxiety in substance-dependent individuals.
- Melatonin: Prescribed for sleep disturbances related to withdrawal.
- Zopiclone: Short-term sleep aid but used cautiously due to dependency risks.
🩹 Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Metoclopramide / Domperidone: Anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting.
- Loperamide: Used to treat opioid withdrawal-induced diarrhea.
- Buscopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide): Relieves stomach cramps and abdominal discomfort.
- Gaviscon / Rennie: Over-the-counter options for acid reflux or indigestion related to withdrawal.
⚡ Pain Management in Withdrawal
- Paracetamol & Ibuprofen: First-line pain relief options.
- Naproxen: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for musculoskeletal pain.
- Nefopam: Non-opioid analgesic for moderate pain, useful in individuals where opioids are not suitable.