Symptoms of tobacco withdrawal can be managed using nicotine replacement patches with minimal side effects. Cessation rates are higher when patches are used in combination with other methods. Alcohol and sedative withdrawal can be life-threatening and is associated with seizures, psychosis, delirium, and violent behavior. Other serious complications include aspiration pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and cardiovascular collapse. High doses of a cross-tolerant drug such as a benzodiazepine is the drug of choice for treating such withdrawal.
Loading doses administered orally is the preferred treatment method.
No one certain medication will block the effects of withdrawal from cocaine or other stimulants. Specific symptoms, such as agitation, paranoia, and nausea, should be treated with medications directed at these symptoms. Severe paranoia and suicide attempts should be anticipated and appropriate safety measures instituted. Treatment of opioid withdrawal depends on the drug used and the severity of symptoms. Patients on low doses of oral narcotics can be safely withdrawn in a few days on an outpatient basis.