precipitated withdrawal
Sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms caused by administering an opioid antagonist to someone with opioid dependence.
Full Definition
Precipitated withdrawal occurs when an opioid antagonist (such as naloxone or naltrexone) is given to someone with physical opioid dependence, rapidly displacing opioids from receptors and triggering immediate, severe withdrawal symptoms. This can happen accidentally through drug interactions or therapeutically when naloxone is used for overdose reversal. Symptoms are typically more intense than natural withdrawal and require careful medical management. In treatment settings, precipitated withdrawal can be a serious complication when starting naltrexone too soon after last opioid use, which is why complete detoxification must be verified before antagonist therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the precipitating agent when documenting these incidents.
In Context
- "The patient experienced precipitated withdrawal after receiving naloxone in the emergency department." — Medical incident report
- "Careful assessment of last opioid use is essential to prevent precipitated withdrawal when initiating naltrexone." — Clinical protocol manual