Nux vomica, the Arnica of Recovery from Addiction: An Exploratory Study of the Use of Homeopathy in the Reduction of Post–Acute Withdrawal Syndrome in Addiction Treatment

Background and Objective. Drug dependence is one of the serious problems around the world. Saffron is one of those beneficial medicinal plants which is embedded with a similar mechanism to methadone (e.g., inhibition of serotonin reuptake). Thus, it can be helpful in reducing the withdrawal symptoms. The aim of this study was to reduce the daily dose of methadone usage and reduce its side effects using saffron in the form of medicinal supplements.Methodology. This study was categorized as a clinical trial. Accordingly, 44 clients of addiction treatment centers in Sabzevar parish were randomly selected to participate in this study in 2016–2017. While the experimental group was treated with methadone syrup and self-made saffron capsules, the control group received methadone syrup and placebo capsules.Results. The results showed that the use of saffron and methadone alleviated the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome (p<0.001).Conclusion. Having reviewed the research participants, it was indicated that the introduction of saffron alleviated the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in patients undergoing maintenance treatment for opioid addiction. Thus, it seems rational to make use of saffron in combination with methadone in order to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.

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Management of Tizanidine Withdrawal Syndrome: A Case Report

Clinical Medicine Insights Case Reports ◽

10.1177/1179547618758022 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 117954761875802 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

A Suárez-Lledó ◽

A Padullés ◽

T Lozano ◽

S Cobo-Sacristán ◽

M Colls ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Withdrawal Syndrome ◽

Dose Titration ◽

Potential Side Effect ◽

Acute Withdrawal ◽

Reflex Tachycardia ◽

Adrenergic Activity ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Require Dose

Most drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS) require dose titration to avoid withdrawal syndrome. Tizanidine withdrawal syndrome is caused by adrenergic discharge due to its α2-agonist mechanism and is characterized by hypertension, reflex tachycardia, hypertonicity, and anxiety. Although tizanidine withdrawal syndrome is mentioned as a potential side effect of cessation, it is not common and there have been few reports. We present the case of a 31-year-old woman with tizanidine withdrawal syndrome after discontinuing medication prescribed for a muscle contracture (tizanidine). She showed high adrenergic activity with nausea, vomiting, generalized tremor, dysthermia, hypertension, and tachycardia. Symptoms were reversed and successful reweaning was achieved by restarting tizanidine followed by slow downward titration. Withdrawal syndrome should be considered when drugs targeting the CNS are suddenly stopped. Weaning regimens should be closely monitored for acute withdrawal reactions.

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