Open AccessA Rare Case of Complicated Opioid Withdrawal in Delirium Without Convulsions
Author(s) -
B. Ashok Raj,
N. Manamohan,
Divya Hegde,
Chandrashekar B Huded,
Johnson Pradeep
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
indian journal of psychological medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 0975-1564
pISSN - 0253-7176
DOI - 10.4103/0253-7176.203109
Subject(s) - lorazepam , delirium , clonidine , anesthesia , medicine , naltrexone , anxiety , opioid , opioid use disorder , psychiatry , psychology , receptor
Opioids are one of the commonly abused substances in India. Opioid withdrawal symptoms classically include severe muscle cramps, bone aches, autonomic symptoms, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and temperature dysregulation. However, reports of cases with delirium during withdrawal are few. A 25-year-old male with severe opioid withdrawal symptoms developed delirium. Investigations were normal. There were no comorbidities, no significant past history and family history. Patient treated for opioid dependence with tapering doses of lorazepam and clonidine. He was discharged with naltrexone. Patient lapsed 3 months later with similar presentation. Complications such as convulsions and delirium are recognized in alcohol withdrawal. However, these are rare as a feature of opioid withdrawal. This case illustrates the need for psychiatrists and physicians to be aware of the possibilities of delirium with opioid withdrawal and monitoring for the same is important because of its complications.