Why Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Should Be on Your Radar

This program will include a discussion of data that were presented in abstract form. These data should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Overview of Presentation

Opioids Change the Way Brain Cells Function, Leading to Withdrawal at Discontinuation

Opioids Change the Way Brain Cells Function, Leading to Withdrawal at Discontinuation (cont)

Opioids Change the Way Brain Cells Function, Leading to Withdrawal at Discontinuation (cont)

Opioids Change the Way Brain Cells Function, Leading to Withdrawal at Discontinuation (cont)

μ-Opiate Receptor Coupling to cAMP Second Messenger

Morphine Inhibition of cAMP Formation

Up-Regulation Due to μ-Opiate Receptor Inhibition of cAMP Formation

Convergence of the α2-Adrenergic and µ-Opiate Receptor Signaling Pathways

Central α2-Adrenergic Agonist

What Is OWS?

Time Course of OWS for Short-Acting Opioids

OWS From a Personal Perspective

Withdrawal Management Critical for Successful Transition to Post-Withdrawal Treatment

Importance of Withdrawal Management

Current Standard of Care for Withdrawal Management

Buprenorphine

Opioid Withdrawal Severity at Equivalent Doses

Abruptly Stopping Methadone at 35 mg Daily

Lofexidine Addresses Unmet Need in Opioid Withdrawal Management

Patient Risks With Lofexidine

SOWS-Gossop

Randomized Double-Blind Study of Lofexidine vs Placebo Median Time to Dropout

Randomized Double-Blind Study of Lofexidine vs Placebo Mean SOWS-Gossop Score

Optimizing Patient Risks and Benefits With the Use of Lofexidine

Comprehensive Risk-Benefit Analysis

Patient Selection Considerations

Lofexidine Dosing Information

Abbreviations