Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body has adapted to opioids being present and reacts when they’re removed. Here’s the complete picture — this page is the hub; each symptom below links to its own detailed page.
Early symptoms (often within 6–24 hours of last use, depending on the opioid)
- Anxiety and agitation [link]
- Muscle aches [link]
- Sweating, chills, and goosebumps [link]
- Yawning, runny nose, watery eyes [link]
- Insomnia [link]
- Cravings [link]
Peak symptoms (typically 24–72 hours, longer for methadone)
- Nausea and vomiting [link]
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps [link]
- Dilated pupils [link]
- Rapid heart rate and blood pressure changes [link]
- Restless legs [link]
- Depression [link]
Later or prolonged symptoms
- Fatigue and exhaustion [link]
- Loss of appetite [link]
- Brain fog and concentration problems [link]
- Skin crawling sensations (formication) [link]
- Sexual dysfunction, sometimes persisting into early recovery [link]
What determines severity and length
- Which opioid, and how long-acting it is [link to withdrawal-by-substance hub]
- How long and how heavily it was used
- Individual physiology
- Whether other substances are also involved
What this list doesn’t include
Seizures and severe confusion are not typical features of opioid withdrawal — if these occur, consider whether alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal may also be involved, which is more dangerous and requires medical attention. "is withdrawal dangerous" article
Medically reviewed by [pending]. Sources: SAMHSA TIP 63, ASAM.