Lofexidine

Generic name: lofexidine 
The brand name is Lucemyra
Class of drugs: Antiadrenergic agents, centrally performing

What is lofexidine?

Lofexidine is a drug that blocks the release of the hormone norepinephrine the same hormone as adrenaline which causes withdrawal symptoms.

Lofexidine is a prescription non-opioid medication that adults use to treat the signs of withdrawal from opioids that can occur in the event that you cease taking opioids immediately.

Lofexidine cannot completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms caused by opioids that can include stomach cramps, feeling sick muscles spasms, motions that twitch, cold sensation or a pounding heart, muscle tension, pains and aches, and a yawning face, as well as runny eyes and sleep issues (insomnia).

Lofexidine does not treat addiction to opioids. If you’ve been diagnosed with an addiction to opioids your doctor might prescribe this medication in conjunction with a treatment plan for your opioid abuse disorder.¶

Warnings

Lofexidine may cause serious adverse effects on the heart or blood vessels. Contact your doctor immediately in case you experience slow heartbeats, extreme dizziness, or if you are feeling faint.

• Don’t take a new dose of lofexidine unless you have spoken with your doctor.
• Avoid driving or performing other activities that require your attention until realize how lofexidine can affect you.

Beware of becoming dehydrated or overheated or dehydrated, as you may develop extremely lower blood pressure. Be careful not to get up too quickly from a lying or sitting place, as you could be dizzy.

It is not recommended to stop taking the drug lofexidine abruptly. Follow the instructions of your physician on increasing your dosage.

The high blood pressure, anxiety and leg or arm discomfort and chills, diarrhea, sweating, trouble sleeping A lot of things have occurred since this medication was suddenly stopped.

Lofexidine can not be used as a way to ensure an uninvolved state. Patients who have stopped using opioid drugs could be at a greater chance of experiencing side effects should they decide to take opioids again. This can include a greater risk of death and overdose.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor.

Do not take the drug lofexidine if there is an allergy to it.

To ensure that lofexidine is safe for you, inform your physician if you’ve previously had:

• Slow heartbeats (bradycardia)
• Low blood pressure
• heart issues;
• A heart attack or stroke;
• the imbalance of electrolytes (such as the low level of magnesium or potassium or magnesium in the blood);
• Long QT syndrome (in the case of you as well as a member of your family);
• kidney disease kidney disease
• liver disease.

It is unclear if it will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician about any potential risks.

Lofexidine is not permitted for use by anyone less than 18 years old.

What is the best way to use lofexidine?

Use lofexidine according to the prescription by your physician. Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and study all prescription guides or instructions sheets.

You can take lofexidine in combination with food or not.

You could be required to take this medication for at least 14 days. Your doctor may alter the dosage or end the treatment based on your withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to follow all dosage instructions attentively.

Lofexidine might not be able to completely eliminate all signs of withdrawal from opioids that can include the feeling of yawning, heartbeats that pound, and watery eyes. It can also cause stomach pain, feeling cold and feeling sick, body pain, muscle tightness, or sleeplessness.

You might require additional support, counseling, or monitoring during your journey through withdrawal from opioids.

Lofexidine could result in serious side effects to the blood vessels or your heart. Contact your doctor immediately in case you experience slow heartbeats severe dizziness, the sensation of being lightheaded (like you could faint). If you experience these symptoms don’t start your next dose of lofexidine until you have spoken to your doctor.

Do not stop taking the drug lofexidine abruptly or you may experience an abrupt increase in blood pressure, as well as unpleasant symptoms. Follow your doctor’s advice on the process of tapering your dose.

Keep them at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Place tablets in their original containers and the packaging or canister of moisture absorbent preservatives.

If you begin using opioids for a long period of time without taking it, you’ll become more sensitive to the effects of opioids. This may increase your chance of dying from an overdose.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Opiate Withdrawal:

The first dose is 0.54 mg, orally taken 4 times per day throughout the peak withdrawal
Dosing must be guided by the signs and adverse effects
Dosing frequency: Every 5-to-6 hours
Maximum single dose: 0.72 mg
Maximum daily dose: 2.88 mg/day
Therapy duration: 14 days

Comments:
The time of the peak withdrawal symptoms usually occurs between 5 and 7 days following the last usage of opioid.
Treatment can last until 14 days in doses based on symptoms. smaller doses might be appropriate when withdrawal symptoms from opioids diminish.
The discontinuation process should take place within a 2-to-4-day period in order to minimize the withdrawal effects from the drug (e.g. reduce by 1 tablet per dose every 1 up to two days).

Use: To ease the symptoms of withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids, to aid in abrupt discontinuation of opioids.

Detailed Lofexidine dosage information

How do I deal with it if do not take a dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you can, however, take a break from any missed doses if you are close to the time for the next dose. Do not take two doses in one go.

How do I react if take too much?

Get medical attention immediately or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What can you do to be aware of to

Avoid rising too quickly from a lying or sitting place, as you could experience dizziness. Avoid driving or dangerous activities until you are aware of the effects of lofexidine on your body. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls or even severe injuries.

Do not become dehydrated or hot and you could develop extremely low blood pressure.

Beware of drinking alcohol.

Lofexidine side effects

Contact a medical professional immediately Get medical attention immediately if you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to the drug lofexidine such as difficulty breathing; hives and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Contact your doctor immediately If you are suffering from:

• Heartbeats that are slow;
• Drowsiness or severe dizziness; 
• Feeling lightheaded, like you’re about to pass out.

Common side effects of lofexidine are:

• low blood pressure
• Dizziness (especially in standing);
• Drowsiness 
• Dry mouth.

This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other medications can have an effect on lofexidine?

Lofexidine may cause a serious heart issue. Your risk may be increased if you utilize other medicines to treat asthma, infections or heart issues and high blood pressure depression, mental illness malaria, cancer, or HIV.

Combining lofexidine with other medicines which cause drowsiness can cause more drowsiness. Talk to your doctor prior to using a medication that is sedative (such as Valium as well as Xanax) or a sleeping pill or a muscle relaxer or medication for seizures or anxiety.

Other drugs can interfere with lofexidine. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter such as vitamins, herbal products. Discuss with your physician all your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.