DXM for opiate withdrawal

[sleepyj]

There are many rumors that DXM has helped for opiate withdrawal. Particularly the 2 worst days (e.g. days 2 and 3). Along with those rumors is some risk that similarity in action could simply be delaying the withdrawals, or potentiating whatever opiates are in the system.

Is there any more experience with this? The dose/plateau taken and degree of symptom recovery is of course relevant.

[Dickon]

The evidence for this is sketchy, although I added this to the file archive a while ago: http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/loc...id=133&id=4038 which describes a patent application for using dextromethorphan (DXM) and oxidase inhibitors for opiate withdrawal. The oxidase inhibitors prevent the rapid metabolism of dextromethorphan into dextrorphan, allowing the concentration of dextromethorphan to remain higher, thus enhancing any beneficial effects (if any!) the dextromethorphan may have on the withdrawal symptoms.

It might be worth considering more conventional means to help with withdrawal, such as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (clonidine, lofexidine, etc.). I'd suggest at the least you look at this thread before deciding to go down the DXM route: A how-to guide to opiate detoxification.

Neither I nor my cat have any first-hand experience with this, but I do know of at least one member of DF who made an unsuccessful attempt to quit using DXM who said it worked to some extent: clearly not all that well as he ended up quitting by more conventional means in the end.

All best wishes

Dickon