Painkiller withdrawal remedies can be used to ease your symptoms so that you can start feeling better right away. Painkiller withdrawal is a horrific experience.
I used painkiller withdrawal remedies for several weeks after getting off opiates for good.
As a result of using the right combination of painkiller withdrawal remedies, I had a significant reduction of both physical and psychological painkiller withdrawal symptoms.
I’ve been clean for over six years now, and I’ve since made it my life’s purpose and mission to help others recover from the opiate addiction plague that has spread throughout this world. During my time in recovery, I also became a Certified Advanced Food-Based Healing Instructor that specializes in supplements and nutrition for opiate withdrawal and recovery.
I have a deep inner-knowledge of specific foods, vitamins, herbs, amino acids, superfoods, minerals, and other natural methods for easing painkiller withdrawal symptoms.
The following list of 34 painkiller withdrawal remedies will include these, along with natural drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies.
Prescription Medications
The most powerful painkiller withdrawal remedies are prescription medications. These will offer the most strength in easing symptoms, however, they are often difficult to come by, potentially dangerous, and you’re still treating drug problems with more drugs.
Nevertheless, these do work well, and under the supervision of a doctor for treating the worst symptoms for a few days, I believe they can be very beneficial.
1. Clonidine – A blood pressure medication that is often a doctor’s first choice for treating painkiller withdrawal symptoms. It helps with the goosebumps and chills, it can definitely take the edge off, and many people have used it to minimize their symptoms.
When I used clonidine several years ago, it worked well but made my mouth super dry, which is a common side-effect. Clonidine can be habit forming, and if used should only be taken for a short period of time, two weeks maximum.
2. Gabapentin (Neurontin) – An anti-convulsant and analgesic developed to treat epilepsy, which is also used to relieve neuropathic pain. In a study from 2011, gabapentin with a dose of 1600 mg per day was found to be effective in reducing some of the withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to opiates undergoing methadone-assisted detoxification.
3. Benzodiazepines – Medications used for anxiety such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Librium. Out of all the painkiller withdrawal remedies, I probably got the most relief from my symptoms after taking Xanax. Having 3-4 days worth of these definitely helped me relax and sleep better.
Use caution because these can be habit-forming.
I don’t recommend treating drug problems with other drugs unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then they should only be used for a few days then stopped. In detox facilities, they will often use benzodiazepines in combination with clonidine for severe painkiller withdrawal.
Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Loperamide HCL (Imodium AD) – One of the best painkiller withdrawal remedies due to its ability to stop diarrhea, ease gastrointestinal upset, and allow you to have somewhat of an appetite. It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine, though it does not affect the central nervous system.
This is just a fancy way of saying that it acts just like an opiate on your stomach, but it doesn’t get you high.
5. Topical Pain Relievers – Products like Bengay and Icy Hot can be used as painkiller withdrawal remedies. Rubbing these ointments on sore and aching limbs can relieve pain and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
6. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – This refers to painkiller withdrawal remedies such as Advil, Aleeve, and Tylenol, which are over-the-counter pain relievers. They can be used to help ease aching muscles and limbs. To be perfectly honest, you’re not going to get much help from these, though they will be able to reduce a fraction of your pain, and every little bit helps.
Natural Drugs
8. Marijuana – In a study published in 2005, patients reported cannabis to be effective in treating opiate withdrawal symptoms, though they found benzodiazepines such as Valium to be more effective.
Another study that was published in The American Journal of Addictions found that out of 91 patients seeking methadone treatment, the ones that used cannabis had less opiate withdrawal symptoms.
I met a man when I lived in New York who stated that he got over his 400 mg per day OxyContin habit with cannabis alone, experiencing only mild symptoms.
9. Kratom – One of the least-known painkiller withdrawal remedies, kratom is able to ease symptoms especially well.
This beautiful tree native to South Asia (member of the coffee family) is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like morphine), and can without a doubt help anyone ease their painkiller withdrawal symptoms naturally.
Kratom is NOT an opiate. Kratom, simply put, is an opioid agonist. This is just a fancy term meaning that it mimics the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone etc. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine.
An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine.
Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, which is the main reason the plant alleviates painkiller withdrawal symptoms so well.
Supplements
10. Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) – A tropical legume that is native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life.
It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure.
Addiction destroys the pleasure/reward center in the brain. That’s one of the reasons the psychological terror of opiate withdrawal is so intense.
11. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – This is by far one of my favorite painkiller withdrawal remedies. DLPA is a supplement that contains both the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine.
The L- form comes from protein-rich foods and increases dopamine and norepinephrine. The D- form is made synthetically in laboratories and causes an increase in endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.
DLPA is great for painkiller withdrawal depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Furthermore, it’s the most important supplement to take for the next few months after getting off painkillers because of its ability to increase dopamine and endorphins. It’s truly a painkiller recovery all-start supplement.
12. L-Tyrosine – Another amino acid supplement, this painkiller withdrawal remedy is very similar to DLPA. It helps your body produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, so it’s extremely beneficial for painkiller withdrawal depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
I much prefer DLPA, however, due to its ability to increase endorphins as well as these other neurotransmitters.
13. Passion Flower – This powerful herb is known for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety, and relieving opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is an excellent natural sedative that promotes calmness and relaxation.
Passion flower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is your brain’s natural Valium.
14. Ginseng – The name ginseng refers to any of 11 different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots. This powerful painkiller withdrawal remedy is useful for treating fatigue and acts as a natural stimulant and balances all body systems that are out of balance.
This is due to its adaptogenic properties.
Adaptogens are a class of plants/herbs that, when administered, result in stabilization of physiological functions and facilitation of homeostasis.
15. Valerian Root – Another one of my favorite painkiller withdrawal remedies, valerian is an herb that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, which has also been introduced to North America.
In the brain, this painkiller withdrawal remedy is thought to bind to GABA receptors.
By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb is able to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improve the quality of sleep that results.
Valerian is also believed to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain.
16. Ginger – A root that is used as a spice and also for its therapeutic properties, I put it on the painkiller withdrawal remedies list due to its natural ability to ease nausea and stomach aches. In Peru, ginger is sliced in hot water as a remedy for belly aches. It’s used as a folk medicine remedy for upset stomach, nausea, and muscle soreness.
17. GABA – A chemical made in the brain which also comes in supplement form. It’s on this painkiller withdrawal remedies list because it can help relieve anxiety, improve mood, relieve pain, and promote sleep. GABA is the brain’s natural Valium.
Can you see why this is on my painkiller withdrawal remedies list?
18. Melatonin – A hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain, this painkiller withdrawal remedy helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Your body has it’s own natural clock and controls how much melatonin is produced.
Typically, melatonin levels start rising in the evening, stay high during the night, then decrease sometime in the early morning.
To get painkiller withdrawal remedies benefits, try eating the two highest food sources of melatonin: cherries and walnuts.
19. Vitamin C – An antioxidant that was shown in a study to ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addicts when taken at doses of 300 mg/kg b.w/day, supplemented with vitamin E (5 mg/kg b.w/day).
20. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) – A precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. It is also the precursor for melatonin, the hormone involved in sleep patterns of the human body.
It can improve mood, help you sleep, and instill feelings of relaxation and calmness.
21. Phenibut – A derivative of the natural neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA has inhibitory qualities which can produce tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects. The benefits of phenibut often relate to calmness and a reduction in anxiety.
Phenibut may also help to reduce stress and encourage a better sleep, making it one of the most powerful natural painkiller withdrawal remedies for taking at night before bed.
22. L-Theanine – An amino acid abundant in green tea which has been shown to have a direct influence on brain activity, such as reducing stress. It has the ability to relax the mind without causing drowsiness.
Home Remedies
23. Epsom Salt Bath – painkiller withdrawal remedies can even be found in the tub. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound consisting of sulfate and magnesium.
Both of these are easily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an ideal way to gain the following benefits during painkiller withdrawal:
- Flushes toxins from the body
- Relaxes the nervous system
- Soothes back pain and aching limbs
- Improves the absorption of nutrients
Research also shows that magnesium increases energy and stamina by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.
It helps to produce serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps you feel emotionally relaxed.
Stress drains the body of magnesium, so it’s important to replenish it while going through painkiller withdrawal.
24. Movies – These are decent painkiller withdrawal remedies. I prefer comedies because when it comes to powerful medicine, laughter ranks at the top of my list.
A hearty laugh relaxes your entire body and triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that can reduce pain. Another genre I suggest is inspirational movies.
They can help you manifest the inner strength and courage needed to get past the first few days of painkiller withdrawal.
25. Music – It can do wonders to help painkiller withdrawal symptoms.
Research suggests that music can:
- Reduce Pain
- Improve Sleep Quality
- Reduce Stress
- Relieve Depression
- Elevate Mood
26. Dark Chocolate – Eating dark chocolate can help your brain produce endorphins are other feel-good chemicals to elevate mood. To add this to your painkiller withdrawal remedies shopping list, make sure to get dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao.
27. Water – painkiller withdrawal remedies work best when you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day during painkiller withdrawal.
28. Gatorade – Helps you replenish electrolytes. Especially beneficial if you have diarrhea or if you’re vomiting.
29. Ginger Ale – Can help to ease stomach discomfort during painkiller withdrawal.
30. Crackers – Easy food to get and keep down, fast energy, salty crackers go well with the Gatorade.
31. Cool/Dark/Quiet Room to Sleep in – This makes falling and staying asleep much easier. Try to get to bed before 12 am to have the best chance at getting some sleep during painkiller withdrawal.
32. Exercise – Swimming, walking, jogging, lifting weights, and other types of exercise can help you produce endorphins, which are your bodies natural morphine. This is one of the most powerful painkiller withdrawal remedies and it’s totally free. I know it’s not fun to exercise during withdrawal, but if you can manage to even go for two long walks per day it will help a great deal.
33. Sunshine – I know the last thing you want to do during painkiller withdrawal is going outside and face the world. However, if you can manage to do so, spending some time outdoors on a warm sunny day can help to elevate your mood, especially if you exercise outdoors.
Opiate Withdrawal Formulas
Opiate withdrawal Formulas are natural supplements that are specifically designed to ease symptoms of withdrawal from painkiller, heroin, hydrocodone, Suboxone, painkiller, and other opioid drugs.
If learning about all of the painkiller withdrawal remedies thus far has been a lot to take in, these withdrawal formulas can make things a lot easier for you.
They contain many of the supplements I wrote about in the right combinations and dosages to ease painkiller withdrawal symptoms.
34. Opiate Withdrawal Supplement
If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions about painkiller withdrawal remedies, please post them in the comment box below.
That’s a really great articale matt. Would like to say I am 2 months off MST slow relief (been taking for aprox 5 years) AND 3 week off venafaxeine (been taking for 8 years also off etoricoxib been taking for about a year. l feel like I have got my brain back at 71years of age. But my body feels like it is pieces feel like I am permantley hooked up to the national grid. Would just like to say reading your emails I receive it gives me great comfort to know you are out there Julie
Tomorrow will be day 1 of my withdrawal off heroin I’ve got the neurotin and xanax and zanaflex and over the counter medication for the bowels and vomiting I’m scared to start and I can’t go on living life this way please keep me in mind and prayers
I can’t say more about Kratom it will deal with opioid withdrawals all of the it’s a mirical drug with Mindanao side effects
Kirk i
I started out with Matts home detox. I was on one pill for 13 years of slow release morphine for a damaged nerve root in my neck from a surgeon. I also was poisoned in 2017 by a common antibiotic, Levaquin, and Cipro, which left me with many serious issues. Nevertheless last Dec I weaned down and then went on Suboxone. 8 mg. WAS AWFUL for me, my bodfy freaked out, I went down to 1.5 mg in three weeks and then quit and was in the hospital, lost 16 lbs in 4 weeks and went on Subutext, which I tolerated better, but it ALWAYS made me feel drugged. I am not an addict and never took any pills until I was fifty because the pain was unbearable. In the middle of my horrendous detox, I had to have emergency full mouth dental surgery. When I got down to 1 mg of Subutext my neck/nerve pain came back with a vengence. I first tried ALleve around the clock, didn;t touch it. I now take about .20 milligrams or less of 100mg slow release when I have to. SOmetimes I have to…enough where I still feel some withdrawls, but I cannot take tylenol or any steroids or NSAIDS ever again in my life…so what am I to do? I guess I can taper off this and go on Kratom as suggested. But just to let you know Suboxone is bueprenephorine with Naloxone..which a comment above recommended. I do not do well with Nalaxone at all, so be careful. Its toxic and it screwed up my colon. I guess I knew my chronic pain issues weren’t going to disappear, but I guess I am glad I only need a little for the pain. If I ever use Oxycodone, I take 7.5 miligrams. Still, its in my blood even if it isn’t alot. Not sure what to do, but just sharing as Matts program got me started. I just don’t think my body was prepared for dertox and I rushed it and got super sick. What are people with chronic pain supposed to do??? Even if you are not an abuser…you still get addicted. I had the worst withdrawls the doctor had seen. They need to work on painkillers that don’t do this to our bodies. Big Pharma is to blame.
I just want to add that MATT is ONE AMAZING COACH! He helped me kick a 10 year OPIOD addiction.. I won’t say it was a “walk I the park’ but with his amazing insight and unwavering support .. WE DID IT!!
So if you have the bucks (if you don’t FIND THEM) ..It will be well worth your while.. AND THE BEST INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF… YOU WILL EVER MAKE!!!!
Awe you’re so sweet!! Thanks Deb!!! I’m really, REALLY proud of you!! 🙂
After you detox and haven’t had any opioids for 7 days, including any supplements that bind to the opioid receptors, such as kratom and loperamide, you can get on Vivitrol (naltrexone). That’s what I’m doing and it takes the cravings away. Also, if you do take an opioid, it will do nothing. You won’t get high. The injection lasts 28 days. You should wear a medical bracelet if you’re on Vivitrol in case you get in an accident, because there’s a way for doctors to override it. It’s not like suboxone or methadone, in that you won’t have to taper off it. You can also just take the pill form daily instead of the injection, but for me the injection every 28 days ensures that I won’t “cheat” and not take the pill so I can get high again on opioids. Just thought I’d share this because it works so well.
As for detox, kratom and CBD oil got me through it quite well, with very minimal withdrawal symptoms. Great post Matt! Thank you!
Hi Kay! Great info! Here are some links to articles on my blog about the resources you talked about for others to look more into:
Vivitrol Review: Pros & Cons For Opiate Recovery
How To Use CBD Oil For Opiate Withdrawal, Pain Relief, Anxiety, and Much More…
The ONLY thing I’ve used to successfully come off opiates is LYRICA. It eliminated 95% of withdrawal symptoms. No insomnia, no restless legs and no anxiety. Made the whole thing simple. Unfortunately the hard Part is staying stopped, addiction is so much more than physical withdrawal symptoms.
Lyrica is awesome for withdrawal. But yes, staying off is often much harder. Here is the article I wrote on Lyrica: How To Use Lyrica For Opiate Withdrawal.
You should add psilocybin mushrooms to the list. Most drug addicts have heard of ibogaine, but a high dose of magic mushrooms (5 dried grams or more) have been known to help with many psychological problems including addiction, and they are a thousand times safer than ibogaine. The key here is experiencing ego death.
Ibogaine and psilocybin can help a great deal. Already have an article on using Ibogaine for opiate addiction, and the mushrooms one is on my list and there’s also going to be a chapter in my upcoming book on using the different natural psychedelics for addiction. Fascinating topic.
thank you mat i have been using kratom at least i have a little energy
Hi Matt,
I’d just like to encourage anyone struggling with addiction to take the time and read the materials you provide! I stopped taking Suboxone over 2 yrs ago using these same materials. I have not taken an opiate since then and I had been using drugs/addicted for decades. I am still using supplements to get by, but am much farther along and doing well. I even used a the same method to stop a 50+ yr cigarette habit and have not had one of those for even longer. Each person is different, and will have to find what works for them, but you provide all the info I used and it worked for me. Again, I encourage all seeking to be free from addiction to take a long look. What you provide, along with my Faith in Jesus, has helped me a lot. Thank-You Matt. God Bless! Sincerely, John B