Detox Nursing- Abd cramps

Published

Specializes in acute care, detox nursing, critical care.

I recently began a RN position in a medically assisted detox center. Many of the opioid withdrawal symptoms are manageable with the PRNs available. However one of the symptoms I can't really pin down with a treatment are the abdominal cramps. Is it the beginning of withdrawal diarrhea? I'm not really sure whether I should go with stool softeners, ranitidine, tums, imodium, etc. Is there anything I can do besides meds for my patients as well? I'm big on non-pharm interventions in combination with meds. My patients think I'm a little bonkers when I give them chamomile tea with their anti-anxiety meds :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.
I recently began a RN position in a medically assisted detox center. Many of the opioid withdrawal symptoms are manageable with the PRNs available. However one of the symptoms I can't really pin down with a treatment are the abdominal cramps. Is it the beginning of withdrawal diarrhea? I'm not really sure whether I should go with stool softeners, ranitidine, tums, imodium, etc. Is there anything I can do besides meds for my patients as well? I'm big on non-pharm interventions in combination with meds. My patients think I'm a little bonkers when I give them chamomile tea with their anti-anxiety meds :)

I don't work in a detox center but we do regularly take people who are withdrawing from ETOH or opioid. Our protocol for abd cramp due to opiate withdrawal is dicyclomine (Bentyl).

Our providers normally use imodium for non-infectious diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs, I usually encourage fluids and bland foods and drinks.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Bentyl is what has been included in the opioid withdrawal protocol in the places I've worked over the years (for the abdominal cramping).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

A hot shower or warm packs/heating pad can be useful, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion