From the Guidelines
Amphetamine withdrawal is best managed in a supportive environment without specific medication, focusing on relieving symptoms such as agitation and sleep disturbance with symptomatic medication. The management of amphetamine withdrawal prioritizes a supportive environment, which is crucial for mitigating the severity of withdrawal symptoms 1. This approach is emphasized due to the lack of specific medications recommended for the treatment of amphetamine withdrawal.
When considering the treatment of symptoms associated with amphetamine withdrawal, such as agitation or sleep disturbances, symptomatic medication may be used to provide relief during the withdrawal syndrome 1. It's also important to monitor individuals closely for less common complications like depression or psychosis that can occur during withdrawal, seeking specialist advice if necessary.
Key aspects of managing amphetamine withdrawal include:
- Providing a supportive environment
- Relieving symptoms with symptomatic medication as needed
- Monitoring for and managing potential complications like depression or psychosis
- Ensuring the individual's safety and well-being throughout the withdrawal process
Given the potential for severe psychological symptoms, medical supervision is crucial, especially for those with a history of severe dependence or comorbid conditions 1. This supervision helps in early identification and management of complications, thereby reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with amphetamine withdrawal.
From the Research
Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
- Amphetamine withdrawal is a common problem among amphetamine users, with a prevalent rate of 87% 2
- Symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal include intense craving, which may be a critical factor leading to relapse of amphetamine use 2, 3
Treatment for Amphetamine Withdrawal
- There is limited evidence on the treatment for amphetamine withdrawal, and no available treatment has been demonstrated to be effective 2, 3
- Amineptine has shown some benefits in reducing discontinuation rates and improving global state, but it is not available for use due to concerns over abuse liability 2, 3
- Mirtazapine may have some benefits in reducing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, but the evidence is not clear 3, 4
- Medications that increase central nervous system activity involving dopamine, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin neurotransmitters may be potential treatments for amphetamine withdrawal 2, 3, 4
Comparison with Other Substance Withdrawals
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a significant problem, with a substantial proportion of long-term users becoming physically dependent on them 5
- The management of benzodiazepine withdrawal typically involves slow withdrawal over weeks or months, along with psychotherapy and pharmacological aids such as antidepressants 5
- Psychostimulant withdrawal, including methamphetamine and cocaine, is estimated to affect a majority of users, and there is inconsistent evidence for biomedical and behavioral treatments 4