We all know that quitting opioids is not an easy journey. When the physical discomfort, medically known as ``withdrawal symptoms'', sets in, many people find it difficult to bear. Things like body aches, restlessness, and insomnia can make you want to go back to using them. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors recommend to help you get through this difficult time successfully. That is Lofexidine.
Simply put, what is Lofexidine?
Lofexidine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is usually used short-term. Its main function is to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you stop using opioids.
But remember this. This is not a magic pill. To get the most out of it, you should also participate in the counseling and behavioral therapy recommended by your doctor. This medication is only one part of the complete treatment process.
This medicine may sometimes be prescribed by your doctor for other medical conditions. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under the brand name `LUCEMYRA`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Lofexidine, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history. This medicine may interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition/habit | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | Any type of heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or history of palpitations. |
| Dizziness/vertigo | A history of frequent fainting, dizziness, or blue eyes. |
| Stroke | If you have previously had a paralysis condition. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Any medical condition that affects kidney or liver function. |
| Blood pressure | If you have low blood pressure. |
| Electrolytes | If you have been diagnosed with low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood. |
| Long QT syndrome | If you or someone in your family has a heart rhythm problem called ``Long QT syndrome``. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Lofexidine or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Other | If you drink alcohol, are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother. |
How should I use the medicine exactly?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to use this medicine. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Use the medicine exactly as directed on the prescription label.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Take the medicine at the right time and at the right intervals.
- If you are over 65, you may need a lower dose because the way your body responds to medications can change with age.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason . Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously. If your doctor wants to stop your medicine, he will gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking, as Lofexidine can interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects or changing how well the medication works.
| Do not take Lofexidine with these. | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other things and medications that can cause problems | |
| Alcohol | Taking it with alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Some types of antihistamines | Some medicines taken for allergies, coughs, and colds. |
| Medication for mental health problems | Medications for anxiety, insomnia, and depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline). |
| Medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart rhythm disorders. |
| Other | Medicines for seizures , general anesthetics, medicines used to relax muscles during surgery, methadone, naltrexone, opioid painkillers, and other medicines that can cause changes in heart rhythm. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- See your doctor regularly: See your doctor on scheduled dates to check on the progress of your treatment. Be sure to go for counseling services as well.
- Watch out for low blood pressure and slow heart rate: Some people may experience low blood pressure and slow heart rate while taking this medicine. If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision , do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Get up slowly. Do not allow your body to become dehydrated, and do not stay in very hot places. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor before taking your next dose.
- Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may affect your attention and reaction speed. Therefore , avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Risk of opioid relapse:
If you stop using opioids for a while and then start using them again, your body may have become more sensitive to them. Therefore, even a small dose taken before can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. Be very careful about this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Lofexidine can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them.
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rhythm | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Heart palpitations | Dizziness, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, feeling unusually tired. |
| Decreased activity of the central nervous system (CNS depression) | Shortness or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, difficulty staying awake. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | Feeling unusually sleepy during the day. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling of saliva in the mouth and dryness. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
You may also experience other side effects not listed in this list. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 Fahrenheit). That means normal room temperature is fine.
- Keep this medicine in the original bottle or packet you received it in.
- Store in a dry place, away from heat and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Lofexidine is a medication that is given to reduce withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit opioid use. This is only one part of the overall treatment process.
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage.
- Never stop taking this medication suddenly, as doing so can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
- Be aware of symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- You can achieve the best results by participating in the counseling services recommended by your doctor along with this medication.
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