The use of clonidine for management of opiate abstinence in a chronic pain patient.

The use of clonidine in the management of opiate abstinence is presented in a patient dependent upon levorphanol tartrate given for chronic pain. Use of levorphanol was abruptly discontinued, and the patient was monitored for signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal. He manifested a significant increase in pulse and blood pressure and had perspiration, agitation, and opiate-seeking behavior. Clonidine effectively abolished these signs and symptoms. The mechanism by which clonidine prevents the opiate abstinence syndrome is discussed. Clonidine is a safe and inexpensive means of achieving rapid opiate withdrawal.