Buspar, also known by its brand name buspirone, is an FDA-approved anxiolytic medication that’s used primarily to treat anxiety. Unlike antidepressants such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), Buspar works differently to manage anxiety symptoms. It impacts the central nervous system by balancing neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and dopamine, in the brain. For individuals who experience anxiety, this balance helps reduce symptoms without the sedative effects often associated with medications like Xanax.

Buspar is considered a safer alternative for managing anxiety as it does not lead to physical dependence like some other anxiolytics. It is also used to manage conditions such as chest pain and high blood pressure. While it takes time for Buspar to be fully effective, understanding how long it stays in your system is important, particularly if you’re transitioning between medications like SSRIs or MAOIs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Buspar, how it works, and how to figure out how long it will remain in your system after taking it for the treatment of anxiety. For more information on its safety and use, you can also refer to resources from the NIH or your healthcare provider.

What Is Buspar?

Buspar is a unique medication that’s most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike many benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety, Buspar works by targeting the dopamine and serotonin in your brain. By binding to the receptors for these two important hormones, the medication can increase their levels in the brain. Boosting your serotonin and dopamine levels can significantly improve your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Typically, Buspar needs to be taken consistently over several weeks to provide effective relief from anxiety disorders. However, when compared to many medications that are prescribed to treat anxiety, Buspar is not as habit-forming and is less likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

How Is Buspar Metabolized in the Body?

When you take Buspar, your body must process it for it to be effective. Primarily, Buspar is metabolized in the liver, specifically by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This enzyme helps to break down the buspirone into its active and inactive metabolites. After the Buspar is metabolized, it is excreted through the kidneys and through the urine. Buspar’s half-life in the body is approximately two to three hours, which means that it takes roughly two to three hours for the medication’s active presence in the body to be reduced by half.

Factors Affecting How Long Buspar Stays in Your System

There are several factors that can have a significant impact on how long Buspar stays in your system. Listed below are the main variables to keep in mind.

Dosage

Depending on the severity of your anxiety and the specifics of your situation, Buspar can be prescribed in different dosage amounts. The exact dosage of the medication that you’re taking can have an effect on how long the buspirone remains in your body. For example, if you’re taking a higher dosage of Buspar, it may stay in your system for longer.

Age and Metabolism

Factors such as your age, weight, and overall metabolism can also play roles in how long it takes for your body to metabolize and excrete Buspar. Generally, younger, healthier people will see buspirone exiting their systems more quickly than people who are older, heavier, and dealing with slower overall metabolism.

Liver and Kidney Function

Because your liver and kidney play important roles in processing and excreting Buspar, the function of those organs will impact the length of time that the medication stays in your body. For example, an individual who has significant problems with their liver or kidney will likely not be able to process buspirone as quickly. As a result, the medication may remain in their system for quite a bit longer.

How Long Does Buspar Stay Detectable in Different Tests?

Drug tests can come in several different forms. Generally, when you undergo a drug test, either your blood, urine, or hair will be tested. If you’re wondering how long Buspar will show up on a drug test after taking the medication, the answer will depend on which type of test you’re taking and factors such as the short half-life of buspirone and the timing of your last dose. Listed below are the average timeframes for how long buspirone can be detected in the three most common types of drug tests.

Blood: Typically, Buspar can only be detected in blood tests for a short amount of time due to its short half-life. On average, the detection window for buspirone in a blood test is about one to two days after the last dose.

Urine: Buspar generally remains detectable in urine tests for slightly longer than in blood tests. On average, this type of test will be able to detect buspirone for around two to three days after ingestion, particularly in short-term users.

Hair: A hair test will be able to detect Buspar for quite a bit longer than other kinds of drug tests. After you take the medication, it will continue to show up in your hair for up to 90 days, even between doses, since the hair reflects drug use patterns over time and not just the next dose.

Test Type	Detection Window	Factors
Blood	1-2 days	Short half-life, Last dose
Urine	2-3 days	Short-term use, Last dose
Hair	Up to 90 days	Reflects long-term use, Not affected by the next dose

Buspar Withdrawal and Detox Considerations

When you’re taking any medication or planning to alter your treatment program, it’s essential to consider whether the drug might cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop. So, is buspirone hydrochloride addictive? Although Buspar (buspirone hydrochloride) is not as habit-forming as many other anti-anxiety medications, it can still cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you don’t handle the detox process properly. Some anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, cause severe or even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly, or “cold turkey.” While this is not the case with Buspar, it’s still not recommended to stop taking the medication without tapering off gradually.

If you stop taking buspirone without gradually reducing the dosage, you may experience one or more buspirone withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Increased anxiety or return of anxiety symptoms
• Irritability
• Insomnia or poor sleep quality
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• Headaches
• Nausea or gastrointestinal distress

In addition, some people may experience other side effects, like drowsiness or mild impairment. To minimize these adverse effects, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance.

When considering detox from Buspar, a quality detox and rehab center can provide the support needed to manage withdrawal safely. Trained healthcare professionals can guide you through the buspirone detox process, helping you develop a tapering plan that prevents the return of anxiety and reduces withdrawal symptoms. This ensures you don’t face complications from stopping the medication, especially if you’ve been on it for extended periods or at higher doses.

At a reputable detox center, a trained team will be available to monitor your progress and help manage any side effects of buspirone that may arise. If needed, they can also prescribe other medications or supplements to ease the detox process. Additionally, it’s important to avoid certain substances, such as grapefruit juice, as they may interfere with how buspirone works and could lead to potential drug interactions.

Having this type of qualified support around you is essential when detoxing from any drug or medication, as it ensures your well-being throughout the process.

In Summary: Understanding Buspar’s Duration in Your System

In conclusion, the duration that Buspar remains in your system can vary based on several factors, including dosage, individual metabolism, and overall health conditions. Typically, buspirone has a half-life of about two to three hours. It’s important to note that Buspar will remain detectable on different types of drug tests for varying lengths of time. For example, the medication will be detectable in a hair test for far longer than in a urine or blood test.

Even if Buspar is out of your system, its effects and any potential withdrawal symptoms can linger, potentially impacting your mental health and overall well-being. If you have concerns about how Buspar affects you or are considering adjustments to your treatment plan, it’s crucial to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals. Consulting a healthcare provider or addiction treatment center, such as Allure Detox, can provide you with personalized treatment options. Medical professionals can also guide you through the detoxification process, ensuring it is done safely and smoothly while addressing any potential physical dependence or drug interactions.

Understanding how long Buspar stays in your system can empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment journey and manage both the detoxification process and your anxiety effectively.

If you or a loved one is currently struggling with substance abuse, prescription medication abuse, or physical dependence, contact Allure Detox today. You can learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and detox programs and begin your pathway to recovery and a healthier, happier life.

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Published on: 2024-10-22
Updated on: 2024-10-22

When it comes to drug use, many people wonder if crack and coke (cocaine) are the same. While both substances come from the same origin—the leaves of the coca plant—there are key differences between them, particularly in their form, how they are used, and the effects they have on the body. Understanding these differences is essential, especially for those affected by substance use, as both crack and cocaine can lead to dangerous health issues and require specialized addiction treatment.

Is Crack and Cocaine the same Drug?

No, crack and coke (cocaine) are not the same, but they come from the same substance. Cocaine is a powder form, typically snorted, while crack is a solid, crystal form of cocaine that’s usually smoked. Crack acts faster and has more intense, shorter-lasting effects than powder cocaine.

Key Differences Between Crack and Cocaine

1. Chemical Composition (Form of the Drug)

• Cocaine (Coke): Pure cocaine is typically a fine, white powder and has not undergone chemical alterations beyond its initial extraction from the leaves of the coca plant.
• Crack: Crack is essentially freebase cocaine, which has been processed with other substances (like baking soda) to make it suitable for smoking. This process alters the chemical structure, making crack more potent when inhaled.

2. Method of Use

• Cocaine (Coke): Cocaine is most commonly snorted, though it can also be dissolved and injected. Snorting cocaine allows the drug to be absorbed through the nasal tissues, which produces effects within a few minutes.
• Crack: Crack is almost exclusively smoked. When smoked, crack reaches the bloodstream faster, producing an immediate and intense high. This quick onset of effects makes crack particularly addictive.

3. Speed and Intensity of Effects

• Effects of Cocaine (Coke): Cocaine users often experience increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The high from snorting cocaine can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
• Effects of Crack: The high from smoking crack is much shorter, usually around 5 to 10 minutes. Crack is known for creating a stronger craving for the drug, leading to repetitive use, and its intense high is often followed by an extreme “crash.”

4. Addiction Potential

• Cocaine Abuse: Regular use of cocaine can quickly lead to dependency. It is also associated with withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and intense cravings for the drug.
• Crack Addiction: Crack is considered even more addictive than powdered cocaine due to the rapid and intense high it produces. Users of crack often feel the need to smoke more frequently to maintain the high, leading to a quicker development of addiction.

5. Cost and Availability

• Cocaine (Coke): Cocaine powder tends to be more expensive and is often associated with wealthier users or those in professional circles. Its higher cost can sometimes limit frequent use for some individuals.
• Crack: Crack is significantly cheaper and more accessible, making it more prevalent in low-income and marginalized communities. This lower cost often contributes to its widespread abuse.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine, also known as cocaine hydrochloride, is a powerful, addictive stimulant typically found in the form of a white powder. This powder is most commonly snorted, though some users inject it after dissolving it in water. Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has a high potential for abuse but also has limited medical uses.

The euphoric effects of cocaine occur when it increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating intense feelings of pleasure, energy, and alertness. However, cocaine abuse can lead to severe physical and mental health problems, including increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and a rise in body temperature. Prolonged use can also lead to addiction and a host of side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and heart-related issues.

What is Crack?

Crack, short for crack cocaine, is a processed form of the drug. Crack is made by combining cocaine hydrochloride with baking soda and water, then heating it until it forms solid chunks or “rocks.” These rocks make a distinct crackling sound when heated and smoked, hence the name “crack.”

Smoking crack delivers the drug to the bloodstream almost instantly, leading to a rapid and intense high. While the effects of crack are felt more quickly than snorting cocaine, they last for a much shorter time—often only 5 to 10 minutes. This quick and intense high makes crack addiction develop more rapidly than powdered cocaine.

Risks and Health Consequences

Both crack and cocaine carry severe health risks. Crack addiction is associated with increased risk of respiratory problems, heart disease, and stroke due to the method of smoking the drug. Cocaine abuse can cause damage to blood vessels, increase the risk of heart attack, and create severe mental health challenges, including paranoia and hallucinations.

Repeated drug use also increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. The danger is heightened for crack users due to the more frequent dosing that often occurs with smoking.

• Cocaine Risks: Regular cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke), nasal damage (when snorted), and increased risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety and paranoia.
• Crack Risks: Crack use is linked to severe respiratory issues, including lung damage, as well as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and extreme paranoia or hallucinations. The rapid addiction cycle also increases the likelihood of financial ruin, legal trouble, and dangerous behaviors.

Legal and Social Implications

The legal penalties for crack versus cocaine have historically been different. The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 reduced the disparity in sentencing between the two drugs, but crack offenses still tend to carry harsher penalties in many cases. The stigma around crack use is often greater, particularly in lower-income communities.

Treatment Options for Crack and Cocaine Addiction

Overcoming crack addiction or cocaine addiction can be extremely difficult without professional help. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available:

• Inpatient Treatment: This involves staying at a treatment center where individuals receive around-the-clock care. Inpatient programs are ideal for people struggling with severe addiction and withdrawal.
• Outpatient Treatment: Individuals attend treatment sessions at a center but continue living at home. This is a more flexible option for those with less severe addictions or responsibilities they can’t leave behind.
• Specific Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs: These programs offer medical and psychological support to help people overcome their addiction and manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Addiction Treatment for Crack and Cocaine: Both forms of the drug require comprehensive care that may involve detox, therapy, and aftercare planning to prevent relapse.

Whether someone is abusing grams of crack or powdered cocaine, professional help is key to recovery. A reputable treatment center will provide the tools and resources needed to manage addiction, whether it’s crack, cocaine, or even other substances like opioids.

Conclusion

While crack and coke are both forms of cocaine, they are far from the same. The differences in their form, method of use, and effects on the body make crack more addictive and dangerous. Both drugs, however, pose serious health risks, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and a higher risk of addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine abuse or crack addiction, it’s crucial to seek help from a professional treatment center. Whether through inpatient or outpatient programs, recovery is possible with the right support.

For more information on cocaine addiction treatment, or to take the first step toward a healthier future, contact Allure Detox today.

FAQ

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Published on: 2024-10-04
Updated on: 2024-10-22

Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has garnered attention in recent years for its use as an herbal supplement. Its leaves have been traditionally used for their stimulant and opioid-like effects. While kratom has been touted for its potential benefits in pain relief, mood enhancement, and as an aid for opioid withdrawal, it is not without controversy. One area of concern is its potential impact on cardiovascular health, particularly whether kratom can cause high blood pressure.

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) contains several active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with the body’s opioid receptors. Depending on the dosage, kratom can have stimulating effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses. It is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and extracts, and is used for a range of purposes from pain management to recreational use.

The Link Between Kratom and Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when this force is consistently too high, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Stimulant Effects and Blood Pressure

At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, similar to caffeine. It can increase alertness, energy, and physical activity. However, these stimulating effects may also cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulants generally activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which can elevate blood pressure.

Sedative Effects and Blood Pressure

In contrast, higher doses of kratom can have sedative and opioid-like effects. While opioids typically cause a drop in blood pressure due to their depressant effects on the central nervous system, kratom’s complex pharmacology can make its cardiovascular impacts less predictable. Some users report experiencing elevated blood pressure even at higher doses, possibly due to individual variations in response to the different alkaloids in kratom.

Research and Evidence

Scientific research on kratom’s long-term effects on blood pressure is limited. Most available data come from anecdotal reports, case studies, and small-scale observational studies. Some users report experiencing episodes of high blood pressure after using kratom, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. However, these findings are not yet well-established in the scientific community.

A 2019 study published in the journal Clinical Toxicology reviewed adverse effects associated with kratom use and found that cardiovascular issues, including increased heart rate and hypertension, were among the reported side effects. Another study published in the “Journal of Psychoactive Drugs” in 2020 highlighted the need for more research to understand the cardiovascular impacts of kratom, particularly given its increasing popularity.

Potential Risk Factors

Several factors may influence the likelihood of kratom causing high blood pressure:

1. Dosage: Higher doses may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
2. Individual Differences: Genetic factors, existing health conditions, and concurrent use of other substances can affect how kratom impacts blood pressure.
3. Frequency of Use: Regular or chronic use might lead to more pronounced effects on blood pressure.

Recommendations for Users

If you use kratom and are concerned about its impact on your blood pressure, consider the following steps:

1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure to detect any changes.
2. Use in Moderation: Avoid high doses and frequent use of kratom.
3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your kratom use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with new research and evidence on kratom’s health effects.

Conclusion

While anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest that kratom can potentially cause high blood pressure, particularly at higher doses, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. Users should exercise caution, monitor their blood pressure, and consult with healthcare providers to mitigate potential risks. As with any substance, being informed and cautious is key to ensuring safe use.

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Published on: 2024-08-08
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Available since 1946, surveys show that Benadryl is the most widely recommended medication for children in recent years. However, understanding how long Benadryl remains in the body is crucial to determine how it can affect your day-to-day activities. This article takes an in-depth look at how long the drug stays in your system and the factors that influence its duration.

What Is Benadryl?

Although you may recognize Benadryl as an over-the-counter medication found in your pharmaceutical aisle, it’s actually the brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine medication. Many people take Benadryl to help alleviate their allergy symptoms.

Treatment

Some common uses of Benadryl include treatment for:

• Seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and sneezing
• Colds
• Hay fever
• Itchy skin
• Itching due to minor scrapes and cuts
• Rashes

Due to Benadryl’s sedative properties, it can also be used as a sleep aid. Benadryl comes in different forms: as a liquid, liquid gel, or as a chewable tablet.

Mechanism of Action

When you have an allergic reaction, such as a rash due to poison ivy, your body releases histamine. This chemical typically triggers allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or a runny nose. Benadryl’s active ingredient diphenhydramine, blocks these histamine receptors, effectively alleviating your allergy symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics of Benadryl

The pharmacokinetics of Benadryl happen in four steps.

Absorption

Once you ingest Benadryl in either liquid or tablet form, it is absorbed into the body relatively quickly. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, travels to your stomach and is then absorbed into your bloodstream through your body’s gastrointestinal tract. This absorption process takes about 30 minutes.

Distribution

After diphenhydramine is absorbed into your bloodstream, it is then distributed throughout your body. Diphenhydramine is especially potent because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and block histamine receptors. The blood-brain barrier is a shield that blocks the brain’s blood vessels from the rest of your body’s circulatory system. This ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is what contributes to the sedative effects of diphenhydramine.

Metabolism

Once Benadryl blocks your histamine receptors, the next step goes into effect: metabolism. Cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver break down diphenhydramine into metabolites that are easier for the body to eliminate. This helps prevent diphenhydramine from staying in the body long-term and causing unwanted side effects.

Excretion

The final step is excretion. Now that diphenhydramine metabolites are in a form that’s easy to eliminate, the kidneys eliminate the rest of the diphenhydramine through urine. This step ensures the last bits of Benadryl are cleared out from your body.

Half-Life of Benadryl

The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the concentration of that drug to decrease by half in your bloodstream. For example, if the half-life of a drug is six hours, only half of the initial concentration of the drug will remain in your bloodstream after six hours. This is important to know because the half-life determines how long you need to wait before taking another dose of the drug.

Typical Half-Life of Benadryl

The half-life of Benadryl is approximately four to nine hours, with the duration of effects lasting anywhere between 4-6 hours. Both ranges are based on age, weight, and metabolism. For children, the half-life is approximately four hours; and for adults, the half-life is approximately nine hours.

What this means is that the effects of Benadryl will typically last for about 9 hours in an adult before the adult needs to take another dose. So, if you take the recommended dose of Benadryl in the morning, you may need to take another dose in the afternoon. Benadryl has sedative effects, so it’s important to take this into account when taking a dose.

Understanding the half-life of Benadryl can better help you manage your symptoms while ensuring you don’t take too much of the medication.

Duration of Effects vs. Presence in the System

While the effects of Benadryl typically last anywhere between 4-6 hours, the drug may remain in the system longer. If the drug has a half-life of 9 hours for the average adult, then it would a minimum of 18 hours for the body to completely eliminate any traces of it.

This means that while your allergy symptoms may have returned after 6 hours, the first dose of Benadryl is still in your system. This remaining presence is why it’s important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines.

Moreover, diphenhydramine can be detected up to 24 hours after your last dose. However, this time can vary as your metabolism plays a large part in how fast your body can eliminate a drug.

Your liver plays an important role in how fast your body metabolizes diphenhydramine. Moreover, your kidneys’ efficiency at excreting the metabolites from your urine is important, too.

Factors Affecting How Long Benadryl Stays in Your System

Although Benadryl typically stays in your system for 24 hours, this window can be influenced by several factors.

Age

As people age, their metabolism slows down, specifically how their liver breaks down substances and how their kidneys filter out metabolites. This translates to older adults having slower clearance, which means Benadryl may stay in the system of older adults longer than it would for children or younger adults. Because age is an important factor, it’s crucial for older adults to pay attention to the recommended dosage to avoid complications.

Body Weight

Body weight can also influence how long a drug stays in your system. A higher body mass means the tissues can store drugs longer, which can then lead to a slower release into the bloodstream and a longer duration before the drug is entirely eliminated. On the other side of the spectrum, people with a lower body weight can eliminate the drug faster.

Metabolic Rate

People with a faster metabolism rate can break down diphenhydramine and excrete it faster. On the other hand, the drug will linger in the bodies of those with a slower metabolism rate. As a result, they will feel the effects of Benadryl for a longer time. The metabolism rate is influenced by genetics, age, and health.

Liver and Kidney Function

Since the liver is responsible for breaking down diphenhydramine and the kidney is responsible for eliminating it, impaired liver or kidney function can significantly prolong the presence of Benadryl in your system. In both cases, you may feel lingering side effects and may have to alter dosage amounts as a result.

Frequency and Dosage

Taking Benadryl frequently or in higher doses can lead to the drug accumulating in your system. As a result, detection times may extend past the 24-hour normal window. To avoid an unhealthy buildup of the drug, ensure you follow the recommended dosage and guidelines.

Detection of Benadryl in Drug Tests

There are different drug tests that can detect the amount of diphenhydramine in your body.

• Urine Test: This is the most common type of drug test as it is cost-effective and easy to administer. Urine tests can be used to detect diphenhydramine for 24-48 hours after use.
• Blood Test: Although blood tests are less effective than urine tests for diphenhydramine, they can still be used to test for the presence of diphenhydramine up to 12 hours after use.
• Hair Test: Hair tests can detect the presence of diphenhydramine up to several weeks or even three months after use, but this is not commonly used. Hair tests are typically used for general substance use.

Implications for Drug Testing

Most standard drug tests don’t test for Benadryl. However, it’s wise to let the drug testers know if you have taken Benadryl to avoid false positives for substances like methadone. Diphenhydramine may also give a false positive for PCP, which is a hallucinogenic.

Safety Considerations

For the most part, Benadryl is a harmless medication that helps many people suffering from allergy symptoms. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of.

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision

Benadryl may also interact with other medications and drugs, such as topical antihistamines, cough relievers that contain codeine, muscle relaxants, and sleep aids. In addition, Benadryl interacts with alcohol and marijuana by intensifying its sedative effects.

Benadryl’s sedative effects can be dangerous if you exceed the recommended dosage as they can result in extreme drowsiness and confusion. These side effects can also be deadly if you mix Benadryl with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol.

If you are taking any medications or you have pre-existing conditions, consult with a healthcare provider before using Benadryl.

Allure Detox

Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that helps many people alleviate their allergy and cold symptoms. And while it typically stays in your system for about 24 hours, this timeline can change depending on various factors, such as your age, body weight, metabolism rate, and the dosage amount.

It’s important to use Benadryl responsibly and consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns about using it.

To learn more about the effects of Benadryl on your body, contact our team at Allure Detox. We are the premier drug and alcohol detox center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Published on: 2024-08-08
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Approximately 40 million U.S. adults, or 19 percent of the American population, suffer from anxiety. Out of that number, around seven percent of adults in the U.S. experienced Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD. Just under three percent of the population have panic disorder with 11 percent of adults in America experiencing at least one panic attack a day.

Both anxiety and panic disorder respond well to benzodiazepines. A recent study showed that around 12 percent of the American population reported using medications like Ativan and Klonopin to control their anxiety and panic disorder symptoms. This article explores what benzodiazepines are, the differences between Ativan and Klonopin and qualities like their pharmacological effectiveness and addiction risk.

An Overview of Benzodiazepines

Since their accidental discovery in 1955, benzodiazepines have become one of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and panic disorders. They first became available for medicinal use in 1960. By 1977, doctors worldwide prescribed them to patients with these conditions.

They target excessive nerve activity in the central nervous system or CNS. They also enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA-A receptor to create anti-anxiety effects in the brain.

Benzodiazepines have proven effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including GAD and panic disorder. They remain safe for short-term use, most commonly for two to four weeks, although doctors may prescribe them for longer-term use for patients with more severe anxiety conditions.

Likewise, they typically start working right away, often within a matter of minutes, and remain effective for several hours, if not longer. People taking benzodiazepines must remain aware of what over-the-counter and prescription medicines to use with caution or avoid entirely. For example, medications like Ativan and Klonopin have adverse reactions when used with certain cold and allergy medications.

Alcohol likewise can alter the effect people obtain from benzodiazepines. Most pharmacists and doctors urge people to avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications for anxiety and panic disorders.

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan, also known by its generic name Lorazepam, remains one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. First patented in 1963, it became available for medical use in the United States in 1977. Its chemical formula is C15H10Cl2N2O2.

Along with anxiety and panic disorder, doctors commonly prescribe Ativan to treat other conditions like:

• Severe agitation
• Insomnia
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Seizures
• Chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea

It works quickly and enhances GABA activity in the brain, creating a calming effect throughout the body.

Patients have access to this medication in a variety of forms. The most common forms include pills, oral solutions, intravenous therapy and injections. Intravenous and injected Ativan typically start working within one to three minutes. Oral solutions and pills work within 30 minutes.

The common dosage for the treatment of anxiety or panic disorder ranges from two to three milligrams per day. Patients can take it twice daily, ingesting one to 1.5 milligrams for each dose.

Ativan remains effective in the body for six to eight hours on average and has a half-life of 12 hours. It exits a person’s system completely in 60 hours.

Klonopin (Clonazepam)

To treat anxiety disorders in patients, doctors commonly prescribe Klonopin, also known by its generic name Clonazepam. Invented in 1960, it became commercially available for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder in 1975. Doctors today sometimes use it to treat conditions like:

• Bipolar mania
• Seizures
• Agitation with psychosis
• Obsessive control disorder or OCD
• Akathisia, or severe restlessness

Its chemical formula is 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. It works by targeting nerve cells in the brain, calming abnormal electrical activity, increasing GABA activity and creating a sense of calmness throughout the body.

Doctors typically prescribe Klonopin in either pill form or as a disintegrating tablet. When taken in pill form, the dosage can range from 0.25 to one milligram per day. Most doctors recommend patients split this amount between two doses taken at least 12 hours apart.

People who opt for the disintegrating tablet may start with an initial dose of 0.25 milligrams twice daily. Their doctor may gradually increase their dose to up to four milligrams per day once they become acclimated to its pharmacological effects.

Klonopin starts working for most patients within one to four hours and can last for eight to 12 hours. It has a half-life of 30 to 40 hours and completely exits the human body in five to 14 days.

Comparing Ativan and Klonopin

Ativan and Klonopin both remain viable benzodiazepines for treating panic and anxiety disorders, as well as conditions like seizures. They share many pharmacological qualities and enhance GABA activity in the brain.

However, they differ in several ways. Patients can determine which one may suit their medical needs by understanding the key differences between these two medications.

For example, Klonopin lasts longer, making it more effective for the treatment of anxiety. Alternatively, Ativan works faster, making it effective for the prompt relief of panic attacks.

Klonopin also works better for the treatment of akinetic and myoclonic seizures. Injections of Ativan work better for the treatment of status epilepticus.

Both Ativan and Klonopin can induce side effects patients should be aware of. Ativan, for example, can have side effects like:

• Drowsiness
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and constipation
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Forgetfulness with longer-term use

Klonopin similarly can have side effects like:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Memory problems
• Nervousness
• Coordination and walking problems
• Increased production of saliva

Both of these benzodiazepines also carry with them the risk of dependency. To avoid addiction to either of them, patients should follow the prescribed instructions for use and also remain under the care of a physician while taking them.

Withdrawal symptoms of Ativan and Klonopin include nausea, muscle stiffness and sweating. Patients may also experience hand tremors, shakiness, hallucinations, fatigue and aches and pains when withdrawing from either of these medications.

Considerations for Choosing Between Ativan and Klonopin

Doctors consider several factors before prescribing benzodiazepines to patients. These factors include a patient’s age, medical history, health conditions and history of substance abuse. They also consider the severity and symptoms of a patient’s anxiety or panic disorder before deciding if and what type of benzodiazepine to prescribe.

Patients who take medications like Klonopin or Ativan need to know what substances to avoid to minimize the risk of negative interactions. For example, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines negatively interact with both of these benzodiazepines. They can cause increased sleepiness, agitation and poor coordination, among other side effects.

Alcohol and opioids induce similar side effects and can also depress a person’s breathing. Patients taking Klonopin or Ativan should avoid drinking alcohol. They should also inform their healthcare providers about their benzodiazepine prescription to avoid taking any medication that could cause negative interactions.

Patients should also follow the prescribed instructions for Klonopin and Ativan. Klonopin dosages range from 0.25 milligrams to one milligram per day, typically broken up into two doses spaced 12 hours apart. Ativan doses range from one to two milligrams a day, also broken into two separate doses.

Alternative to Benzodiazepines

Patients who want to avoid taking benzodiazepines may opt for medications like SSRIs or SNRIs. SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They remain effective for treating not only anxiety disorders but also major depressive disorder and GAD.

They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain while blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the neurons. Common SSRI antidepressants include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

SNRI stands for Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. Like SSRIs, these medications block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. They also inhibit the brain’s ability to reuptake norepinephrine and prove effective in treating conditions like anxiety, depression and nerve and muscle pain. These medications include Cymbalta, Savella, Effexor and Pristiq.

Anxiety patients who prefer to avoid or minimize taking prescription anti-anxiety medications can also try talk therapy. According to the American Psychological Association, talk therapy helps 75 percent of patients learn to manage their anxiety and panic disorder symptoms.

Patients may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. CBT teaches people with anxiety and panic disorder how to manage their symptoms through activities like journaling and exposure therapy. Some patients see improvement in their symptoms in as few as eight CBT sessions, according to the APA.

Other non-pharmacological alternatives to benzodiazepines include meditation and exercise. Some people successfully control their anxiety and panic attacks with activities like drawing, painting, listening to music or spending time with their pets.

Conclusion

Ativan and Klonopin provide effective relief for many patients who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. They both work quickly, remain in the body for hours and remain a safe, short-term medicinal option to treat both of these conditions, along with conditions like seizures and agitation.

As you contemplate which one might work best for you, you should consult with a qualified medical professional like a psychiatrist who has experience prescribing and managing these medications. Seek professional advice, maintain ongoing communication with your provider and explore updated therapeutic and medical resources like pharmacological websites for managing your anxiety, panic disorder or other health conditions.

FAQ

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Published on: 2024-08-08
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Studies have found that over 3,694,500 individuals in the U.S., inject drugs intravenously. With the prevalence of injections increasing, so too are their associated risks.

One such risk is a blown vein, a condition that happens when the needle damages your vein walls, causing blood leakage.

Whether it came from being administered an IV drug or substance abuse, the complication can stem from various causes.

Stick around as we learn more about how you can treat a blown vein, its symptoms, causes, and prevention methods to employ.

What Is a Blown Vein?

A blown or ruptured vein occurs when a blood vessel becomes damaged, often from incorrect needle insertion.

Healthcare professionals typically puncture your vein wall to draw in blood from its opening. In cases of a blown vein, the needle will go further in and penetrate through to the other side.

Subsequently, it’ll result in blood leaking around the affected area. Once a vein is torn, you can’t attempt any IV insertions in that injection site.

A Quick Guide to Treating a Blown Vein

Fortunately, a blown vein is usually harmless. Your assigned medical practitioner will need to apply pressure on it to limit the blood loss.

Next, the area will need to be cleaned to avoid any infection. The site will probably swell and bruise afterward.

You can alleviate the swelling with an ice pack. It should heal within 12 days or so.

Causes of a Blown Vein

In essence, a blown vein usually happens when a needle insertion isn’t properly performed. Here’s why that could happen:

1. Substance Abuse

If someone is struggling with injectable substance usage, they may accidentally insert the needle multiple times in the same site. These frequent injections will eventually damage the skin.

Additionally, some types of drugs can harm the veins. For instance, heroin’s high acidity can exacerbate a vein’s condition.

2. Incorrect Needle Size

Needles are categorized based on their gauge number. The higher it is, the smaller the needlepoint needs to be. These smaller-sized options are best used for small veins located around the hands.

A larger needle may have more risk of blowing a vein, but that doesn’t exempt smaller needles from the margin of error, as they may be too small to provide enough tactile sensation to prevent injury.

3. Incorrect Needle Insertion

During injection, whether it’s a medical professional or a regular person, it may be a bit difficult to immediately find a vein. As such, the constant searching for a vein while the needle is under the skin may result in vein injury. 

4. Rolling Veins

Some veins move around when touched more easily than others. If your nurse happens to choose a rolling vein, it may slightly shift its position, increasing the risk of a blown vein.

Typically, a medical professional begins by touching the vein with their fingers to test for mobility, minimizing such a risk. Still, it’s a risk that’s present.

5. Fragile Veins

Fragile veins can also be the culprit behind blown veins. As you grow older, your veins become more fragile. Time wears your vein walls, making them lose their elasticity.

In addition to age, frequent IV drug use can also weaken your veins and make them less flexible.

For this reason, trying to inject an overly fragile vein will make it more susceptible to rupturing.

6. Too Much Movement

Too much movement during the insertion of a needle can also cause a blown vein. Whether you’re doing the injection yourself or having a professional do it for you, it’s best to minimize movement.

One trick to help is looking away from the needle during injection, as fear can cause uncontrollable jerks or sudden movements.

Symptoms of a Blown Vein

A blown vein can exhibit the following symptoms:

• Bruising
• Skin discoloration
• Mild pain and discomfort
• Swelling
• Leaking blood or fluid
• Stinging sensation
• Tenderness to the touch

The Difference Between a Blown Vein vs. Collapsed Vein

A blown and collapsed vein may be confused due to similar symptoms like swelling and bruising, but they’re different.

A collapsed vein occurs when the vein walls cave in or flatten, blocking blood flow. Meanwhile, a blown vein involves rupturing.

In some scenarios, a collapsed vein may never bounce back, leaving it permanently blocked. Fortunately, the body reacts by developing new blood vessels to bypass the poor circulation.

How to Prevent a Blown Vein

The good news is that there are several prevention methods you and your medical professional can employ to avoid a blown vein.

Better Preparation

Your medical practitioner can take certain steps to better prepare for the insertion, such as:

• Choosing a vein that is visible and stable to insert the catheter in.
• Using a tourniquet for older people or those with fragile veins to increase visibility.
• Preparing the correctly sized needle.
• Putting their thumb below the injection site to avoid too much vein movement.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated makes the vein-searching step easier for the nurse. Hydration means more water in your veins, making them stiffer and more convenient to draw blood from.

Extra Caution During Needle Insertion

Once the needle is in, nurses or medical professionals must take steps to ensure a safe draw and release. They can do so by:

• Pushing the needle from a 30-degree angle (as parallel as possible to the vein).
• Instructing you to remain steady and avoid excess movement.
• Removing the needle carefully and applying pressure on the site afterward.
• Taking out the tourniquet or blood pressure cuffs before sliding out the needle.

Complications of a Blown Vein

A blown vein isn’t categorized under serious injuries. It mostly heals on its own over time. Nevertheless, a blown vein can turn into a collapsed one.

It usually happens over time, particularly to those who frequently receive drugs through IV, such as cancer patients needing intravenous treatment and individuals who generally take several drug tests at a time.

It’s also possible among those struggling with drug addiction since they may overuse the same site.

Another critical complication worth mentioning is when the liquid, non-vesicant medication meant for intravenous treatment could spill onto surrounding tissue. This is known as infiltration.

If the liquid is vesicant or causes blisters, like chemotherapy medication, it’s called extravasation.

In this case, you’ll risk further complications such as inflammation, irritation, pain, and swelling.

Drug Abuse and Vein Damage

Those facing intravenous substance abuse may overuse a vein and resort to other limb areas, such as their legs, to inject illicit substances.

This spreads the vein damage to other regions, exacerbating their condition. Overall, this could lead to more debilitating cases, including chronic venous disorder (CVD). This can result in harmful effects, like pain, cramps, edema, weakness, and itching.

With continued drug use, these symptoms will likely worsen as your veins weaken even more.

When to Seek Professional Help

While blown veins generally won’t cause major complications, they may require additional assistance in healing. You’ll want to see a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:

• No healing after weeks
• Difficulty in moving the affected area
• Strong pain
• Fever
• Excess swelling

To Conclude

Even though a blown vein is relatively harmless and easily treatable, it can cause dangerous complications. If someone struggling with intravenous substance abuse has a blown vein, they can’t inject anything in that same vein.

Consequently, a situation may arise where they need to inject a life-saving medication, but can’t. If you or a loved one is suffering from drug abuse, don’t hesitate to contact Allure Detox to receive the necessary help.

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Published on: 2024-06-11
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly used — and misused — prescription drugs in the United States. Often simply referred to as “benzos,” they can offer relief from anxiety, insomnia and a variety of other conditions. Unfortunately, despite their widespread popularity, many people are unaware that benzos also have a darker side. Heavy or prolonged use may lead to dependence and addiction, resulting in a set of withdrawal symptoms known as “benzo flu.”

If you or someone you know is using benzodiazepines, understanding what benzo flu is, why it occurs and how it can be treated can help you manage or even prevent this unpleasant and uncomfortable condition.

What are the symptoms and causes of “benzo flu”?

Benzo flu is an informal term that’s frequently used to describe the most common physical effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal. When someone dependent on benzos like Valium, Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin suddenly stops taking them, they may initially experience nausea, sweating, chills, body aches and other flu-like symptoms. Unlike the common flu, however, benzo flu is frequently accompanied by adverse psychological effects as well. Together, these physical and mental symptoms are known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS).

Causes of Benzo Flu

Benzodiazepines primarily work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and nervous system. This produces the intoxicating hypnotic and anxiolytic effects that make benzos an effective treatment option for insomnia and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, it can come at a steep cost.

With repeated use, your body quickly begins adapting to the effects of the drug, altering the natural balance of receptors and neurotransmitters. This can lead to physical dependence in as little as one to two weeks, causing you to experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping or taking lower doses. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood and severity of benzo flu include higher doses, abrupt cessation and chronic, long-term use.

Symptoms of Benzo Flu

Depending on your usage, history, sensitivity and underlying physical and mental health, benzodiazepine withdrawal can manifest in many different ways. The influenza-like illness that characterizes benzo flu typically begins within hours of the last dose and can last from a few days to several weeks. It encompasses a wide range of physical ailments that may come and go over time. These include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sweating and chills
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Nausea and stomach cramps
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Spasms and tremors
• Heart palpitations

As physically challenging as benzo flu can be, it’s often the mental aspects of withdrawal that are most distressing. Since many people take benzodiazepines to help manage anxiety disorders, it’s no surprise that ceasing use can produce a sudden rebound in these symptoms. In fact, benzo withdrawal can cause a variety of psychological issues, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression and malaise
• Disturbed sleep
• Anger and irritability
• Inability to concentrate

In rare cases, severe benzodiazepine withdrawal can even become dangerous. Without proper treatment and support, particularly heavy users may be at risk of experiencing psychosis, hallucinations, suicidal ideation and potentially life-threatening seizures.

Diagnosing Benzo Flu

With so much at stake, accurately identifying and managing benzo flu is extremely important. Because the early stages of withdrawal can be easily dismissed as a flu infection, healthcare providers need to carefully review your medical history as well as your symptoms. This requires a clear understanding of the medications and dosages in question, so it’s essential to be honest and forthcoming when seeking care.

Benzo Flu Strategies and Treatments

The prospect of going through withdrawal can be very stressful, making it difficult for some people to stop using benzos. With the right strategies and support, however, you can successfully manage the symptoms of benzo flu and begin taking the necessary steps toward a full recovery.

The most effective tool for overcoming benzo dependence is tapering, which involves gradually lowering your dose until it’s safe to discontinue the medication altogether. Since tapering too quickly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, this should always be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Your healthcare provider can help you create a personalized tapering schedule, regularly monitor your progress and make changes or prescribe other medications as needed to minimize discomfort.

If you need more specialized assistance, a detoxification program may be a more suitable option. Inpatient detox programs offer around-the-clock medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment, full psychiatric assessments and other therapies in a controlled, recovery-focused environment. Another vital key to success is establishing a strong support system. Depending on your needs, this may include counseling, therapy, education, support groups and other strategies aimed at building healthy coping skills, reducing stress and providing accountability.

Preventing Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

While benzos offer undeniable therapeutic value, they need to be used carefully to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal. That means using them only when necessary and always taking them exactly as directed. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid using benzos for more than two weeks at a time. However, never stop taking your medication or change your dose without first consulting with your healthcare provider. In addition, consider asking your doctor if there are other drugs or alternative treatments available. These may range from SSRI and SNRI medications to therapy and lifestyle changes.

The Costs and Consequences of Benzo Flu

Though understandably overshadowed by the opioid crisis, benzodiazepine withdrawal is a serious public health threat in its own right. Many people are simply unaware of the dangers and become physically dependent through no fault of their own, losing their quality of life and experiencing profound mental health challenges. Sadly, little research has been done to shed light on the wider consequences of benzo flu, but there’s little doubt that it exacts a heavy toll on individuals and society alike.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Through better education, research and support, we can find lasting solutions to help promote recovery and mitigate the impacts of benzo flu. Call or contact the specialists at Allure Detox to learn more and get the help you need today.

FAQ

References

• Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations | PMC
• The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome | PubMed
• Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Potentially Fatal, Commonly Missed | Emergency Medicine News
• Tapering Patients Off of Benzodiazepines | AAFP
• Withdrawal Management | NCBI Bookshelf

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Published on: 2024-02-09
Updated on: 2024-09-23

If you’ve ever applied for a job or played sports, it’s possible that you’ve taken a drug test. And, in some professions, employees can occasionally be drug tested at random.

A drug test involves a chemical analysis of a person’s bodily fluid or hair follicles. Such a test can detect the presence of a certain substance or a group of substances. And one of the most common — if not the single most common — of these tests is the 5-panel drug test.

But why do people undergo drug tests? What societal role do these tests play? And what exactly is a 5-panel test?

Applications of Drug Tests

Drug tests are simple to take. You just give a sample of your hair, urine, or sweat to a medical professional. (Most likely, you’d provide that sample in person — as opposed to bringing it with you — so that you couldn’t get it from someone else.)

Alternatively, the healthcare specialist might use a little needle to draw a small amount of blood from your arm. Either way, your sample would then go to a laboratory.

In our society, these tests have several major functions. For one thing, they let employees screen their job candidates and regularly check up on their staff members.

Of course, drug-free lifestyles are especially important for those responsible for others’ safety: healthcare professionals, firefighters, and airline pilots, to name just a few examples.

Unfortunately, when employees abuse drugs or alcohol, their work performance usually suffers. They might lose morale and become less productive. They may become more irritable and thus more likely to fight with supervisors, coworkers, and customers. They could experience more workplace accidents or miss work more often. And, if they’re desperate to procure more drugs, they might be tempted to steal from the company.

On top of all that, the court system sometimes drug tests defendants accused of committing crimes or causing accidents. And, in athletic leagues, drug tests can help ensure a fair playing field by identifying athletes who take performance-enhancing substances.

Also, when people undergo treatment programs for alcohol or drug use disorder, their care specialists may drug test them on occasion. That way, when patients experience relapses, they can receive the extra care they need.

What Is a 5-Panel Drug Test?

Drug test results typically come back on cards with one or more panels. For example, such a card could have four, seven, or 10 panels. Each panel pertains to a different substance.

In the U.S., the most commonly administered drug test is the 5-panel version. In fact, it’s used throughout the federal government. For instance, the Department of Transportation depends on this particular test to screen its job applicants.

In the private sector, the 5-panel drug test is widely recognized as the industry standard. In particular, employers frequently use it to conduct random drug testing.

Like most other drug tests, the 5-panel test usually examines urine. However, in some cases, blood, saliva, sweat, or hair samples are collected instead.

Substances Detected by the 5-Panel Drug Test

A 5-panel drug test looks for these substances:

Substance	Description
Marijuana (THC)	Cannabinoids, including THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana.
Cocaine	Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Opiates	Including heroin, morphine, and codeine.
Amphetamines	Including amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Phencyclidine (PCP)	A dissociative drug formerly used as an anesthetic agent, known for its hallucinogenic effects.

Keep in mind that the human body metabolizes and excretes different drugs at different rates. Thus, traces of a particular drug could linger for a few hours or a few days, or it could remain for a longer period.

In addition, different factors affect how fast someone can eliminate a certain drug. Those variables include the dosage size, that person’s height, weight, and tolerance for the substance, and how often that individual uses the drug.

Let’s take a look now at the drugs the 5-panel test can identify and how long those substances can remain in a person’s system.

Marijuana and Cannabis

These days, it’s legal in many places for people to use marijuana and cannabis products recreationally, without a prescription. Even so, it’s also legal for employers to forbid employees to consume these drugs. (The law also lets employers fire workers who don’t comply with marijuana and cannabis bans.)

The primary active ingredient in marijuana/cannabis is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC can remain in a person’s blood for up to 12 hours, saliva for up to 24 hours, and hair follicles for up to 90 days. And, in urine, this compound can linger anywhere from one day to one month. Occasionally, it lasts even longer than a month.

Cocaine

People snort or inhale cocaine for the fast and powerful high it gives them. Yes, this drug can definitely bring on a rush of energy and a sense of euphoria. However, cocaine is highly addictive, and overdoses can be very dangerous — even fatal.

In general, after someone takes cocaine, a drug test could spot it in saliva or blood for up to two days. Urine tests for cocaine, meanwhile, can come back positive for up to three days. However, if a person uses cocaine often, the drug can appear in urine for as long as two weeks. And, in a hair test, cocaine is identifiable months or even years after someone takes it.

Opiates

Opiates are compounds that derive from certain natural plants like poppies. (Opioids often get confused with opiates, but opioids are synthetic.) Heroin and morphine, for example, belong to the opiate group.

Opiates can relieve pain, induce euphoric feelings, and increase a person’s sense of well-being. Again, though, opiates are addictive, and opiate overdoses can lead to grave outcomes that include comas and death.

Urine tests can generally detect opiates for a maximum of three days. However, all traces of heroin may vanish from someone’s urine in just one day.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Sometimes called angel dust, PCP is a powerful mind-altering drug that’s taken in powder or liquid form. Among other effects, it can give people a high, make them hallucinate, allow them to feel like they’re superhuman, and provide the sensation that they’re floating away from reality.

On the other hand, PCP can have severely negative consequences like memory loss, high blood pressure, depression, blurred vision, and fatal overdoses.

How long is PCP detectable? In urine, the answer is up to 14 days. In saliva, it’s as long as three days. And, in hair, it can once again be upwards of 90 days.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are psychostimulants. That means these drugs speed up the messages that travel between the brain and the rest of the body. For that reason, prescription amphetamines can treat various medical disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.

When amphetamines are sold illegally on the street, they usually come in the form of tablets, powders, or crystals. And, while these drugs can make users feel happier and more energetic, they’re extremely hazardous. Amphetamine overdoses can lead to breathing problems, convulsions, strokes, heart attacks, and death.

A 5-panel drug test could identify amphetamine remnants in saliva for up to 60 hours, in blood for up to 48 hours, in urine for up to four days, and in hair for as long as 90 days.

Are you scheduled to take a 5-panel drug test soon? And are you worried about it because you’re struggling with a substance use disorder?

Conclusion

If so, we at Allure Detox Center in West Palm Beach can help. Our staff of experts provides effective and customized treatment programs. And our facility is safe, comfortable, and supportive. In short, we can help you rebuild your life, reclaim your future, and pass every drug test along the way. To learn more, please contact us at any time.

FAQ

SOURCES

• https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/amphetamines/
• https://americanaddictioncenters.org/pcp-abuse/effects-and-dangers
• https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Morphine-2020.pdf
• https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/pcp.pdf
• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000797.htm
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10285-drug-testing
• https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-short-term-effects-cocaine-use
• https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/opiate-opioid.aspx

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Published on: 2024-01-29
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Drug tests have been a part of society for decades. For example, the International Olympic Committee began testing athletes for performance-enhancing drugs in 1968. In the United States, drug testing started becoming more commonplace in the 1970s, and regulations were put into place en masse a decade later to implement workplace drug testing.

The types of drug tests that are being utilized have increased over the years as well. Some of the most common ones have been blood, hair, and urine drug tests, all of which are preferred if testing beyond recent use is the intent. However, there are some limitations related to those that have caused them to be utilized less often nowadays. For example, blood testing requires intrusive procedures conducted by trained professionals while blood, urine and hair testing necessitates the use of facilities that have been designed for that purpose.

There is an additional type that is being increasingly utilized: mouth swab drug tests, which are also known as saliva drug tests. The main reasons why include their ease of administration, their non-invasive nature, how cost-effective they are and how difficult it is for someone being tested to skew the drug test results.

Some of the common places where they are utilized include workplaces, rehab centers and probation offices.

However, their detection times are generally much shorter than the other options. At the opposite end of the spectrum, hair tests can detect substances that were taken up to around 90 days prior. For this reason, mouth swab drug tests are used much more so to detect recent drug use. In particular, they can usually determine if someone is currently under the influence of a drug.

Understanding mouth swab drug tests

A mouth swab drug screening is normally administered through the taking of a saliva sample from the inside of the cheek or under the tongue with a cotton swab, pad or sponge.

The individual who is taking the test should not consume any food or drinks for the 10 minutes immediately preceding the administration of it. Food and drinks that have greater potential for causing a false-positive or false-negative result include salt, vinegar and fruit. Also, you shouldn’t use mouthwash as it will eliminate drug metabolites from the saliva.

The testing process itself takes about two minutes, and results are known within a few minutes afterwards.

Many different drugs can be tested although the length of time that has passed between use and it showing up in this type of test varies. The same is true as far as how much time can pass before the drug use is no longer detectable.

This testing method has been estimated as being 98% accurate. That said, it should be noted that amphetamines and benzodiazepines tend to be harder to detect with an oral fluid drug test as compared to other drugs.

Detection Periods of Common Substances

For a number of reasons, it is an inexact science as far as providing detection windows of common substances. Factors include the individual’s age and metabolism as well as, of course, how much of the drug has been consumed or injected. That relates, most importantly, to the size of the most recent dose while it having also been used for some time prior to then can have a relatively minor impact as well.

With that said, here are some estimates.

As far as being detected shortly after use goes, alcohol tends to be the quickest as its detection is possible essentially immediately. It is followed by amphetamines, methamphetamines and cocaine, which are usually detectable once 10 minutes have passed. Substances requiring about an hour before detection is possible include marijuana/cannabis (which contain the psychoactive compound THC), MDMA and opiates (different from opioids).

Looking at the other end of the timeline (i.e. how long these substances will remain detectable for), most will be for at least 24 hours. However, alcohol and marijuana have perhaps the shortest time periods in this respect with many experts saying that they will only remain detectable for 12 hours. Some say 12-24 hours instead, perhaps even longer for marijuana users, particularly chronic ones.

Otherwise, the use of MDMA, cocaine or benzodiazepines is detectable until roughly 24 hours have passed after use. The estimated related timelines for amphetamines is 72 hours and for methamphetamines is 96 hours.

How long opiates can be detected varies tremendously, depending on which one has been consumed. Thirty hours is a rough timeline to keep in mind. Generally, hydrocodone tends to be on the shorter end at around 24 hours while heroin is usually at the other extreme as its timeframe is approximately 120 hours.

Legal Considerations

Legal specifications related to mouth swab drug tests vary from state to state and otherwise. Most notably, they may not be administered in Hawaii, Maine or Vermont. Meanwhile, in some other places, they are allowed but only under specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Mouth swab drug tests have become much more common over the past few years, primarily because they can be so easily administered while providing accurate results as well. However, they do not detect substance use from more than several hours or a few days beforehand, which is a significant consideration.

If you would like to learn more about drug testing methods or the services that we offer individuals who are looking to move on from drug use and turn their lives around, reach out to Allure Detox. We offer an effective detox experience, which is a vital step on the path to recovery for many.

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Published on: 2024-01-29
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Nearly 2.5 million Americans take Adderall for ADHD/ADD, depression, and narcolepsy. It’s the 24th most prescribed drug in the United States and is available in nearly every pharmacy across the state.

With it being used so prevalently, many are curious about its effectiveness past its expiration date. So, in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about expired Adderall. Does Adderall expire, and if so, what are the side effects of taking expired Adderall?

Let’s find out.

Does Adderall Expire?

The clear-cut answer to this question is yes, Adderall does expire. But like most food products, the expiration date on the bottle doesn’t reflect when the product expires, but rather when its potency starts to wane.

Most medications maintain their potency even years after the expiration date. According to research conducted by the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration, common drugs like aspirin and various amphetamines like Adderall retain 95% to 99% of their potency 15 to 40 years after the expiration date.

The truth of the matter is this: pharmaceutical companies don’t extend the expiration dates as there isn’t an incentive for them to do so. After all, it’s more profitable for patients to throw away out-of-date medications and replace them with new ones.

So the better question here isn’t whether Adderall expires, but rather when it expires.

To that, researchers have yet to provide a conclusive answer. In the experiment, amphetamine retained 100% of its potency five years after the expiration date and 95% of its potency 10 years thereafter. But since it’s a controlled experiment, results vary.

Therefore, tossing away drugs past their expiration date is always safer to minimize the risk of side effects.

Is It Safe to Take Expired Adderall?

Medical practitioners advise against taking medication past its expiration date. So while technically safe to take expired Adderall, one should refrain from doing so.

If you’re in a situation where you need a dose but can only find an expired bottle, taking a pill or two shouldn’t pose any harm. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as potent or effective as in-date Adderall.

Increasing the dose to match the effectiveness should be avoided at all costs. Taking more than the recommended amount, even if the medication isn’t as potent, may lead to unpleasant side effects and even overdose.

How to Tell If Adderall Has Expired

Some medications develop distinct characteristics when they start to lose potency.

Old Aspirin, for example, starts to smell strongly of vinegar because its molecules separate into acetic acid, a primary component of vinegar.

Unfortunately, Adderall doesn’t display any tell-tale signs of chemical degradation, so it’s nearly impossible to tell Adderall has expired from scent and looks alone. Because of this, you’ll have to depend on the expiration date to ensure it’s still in date.

Manufacturers usually set the expiration date two to three years from the dispensed date, but it’s recommended that you use the bottle within one year of opening.

That said, various factors affect the potency of Adderall and prescription drugs in general. Humidity, heat, light, and storage conditions are among these factors. Therefore, proper storage is of utmost importance to prevent premature loss of potency.

What Are the Side-Effects of Taking Expired Adderall?

When a drug expires, it can undergo chemical changes that may cause unexpected side effects. Some are even at risk for bacterial growth, leading to more severe illnesses. So if your prescription medication expires, the best thing to do is to throw it away safely.

Here are the potential side effects of taking expired Adderall:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Weakness

If you start to show any of these symptoms after ingesting expired Adderall, contact your physician straight away.

Another less-discussed side effect of Adderall is drug abuse. Since expired Adderall isn’t as potent as in-date Adderall, some people would take double or triple the dosage to reach the same potency it had before. This could ultimately lead to accidental overdoses and addiction.

How to Properly Store Adderall

Proper storage is crucial to extending a drug’s potency.

Improper storage may break down the active ingredient before its expiration date, making it less effective and, in rare cases, even toxic.

It could also lead to accidental or intentional misuse of Adderall, as improper storage may give house members trouble-free access to the drug.

Here are some important tips to follow when storing Adderall:

• Place the medication in a cool, dry place, preferably between 59 to 86°F (15 to 30°C).
• Keep the bottle out of easy reach and sight of children and animals. Store the medication in a drawer, storage box, closet, or atop a high shelf.
• Store the medicine in its original container with its label. If the container doesn’t have an expiration date, make sure to write down the dispense date. Adderall expires in two to three years, but it should be taken within one year of the purchase date.
• Don’t place your medication inside the bathroom cabinet as heat and moisture can speed up the degradation process.
• If the prescription bottle came with a cotton ball, take it out as the cotton ball puts moisture in the bottle.
• Don’t refrigerate your Adderall as the fridge could also expose it to excess moisture. The fridge can also be easily accessed by children, so it’s not a safe place to store.
• If you’ve been prescribed a range of ADHD medications, store them in a pill organizer. Label the organizer with the medicine’s name, frequency, dose, and expiration date so you know when to take them in what compositions.

Conclusion

Like all prescription medications, Adderall has an expiration date. However, the expiration date on the bottle doesn’t reflect when the medication expires, but rather when it starts to lose its potency.

Adderall can be used years after its expiration date, but it’s not recommended to do so because it won’t be as potent as it was before. If in doubt, it’s always best to discard the medication and purchase a brand-new bottle.

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Published on: 2023-02-23
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Whether illicitly or by prescription, one of the more common questions Adderall users ask is, “Does Adderall build up in your system?”

Adderall is a common prescription used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. When taken as intended, Adderall can improve attention and focus, reduce impulsive behaviors, and elevate mood. But when taken without medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous.

This article is written for those looking to understand how long Adderall’s effects last, how long it lingers in the system, and when to expect the beginning of withdrawal.

What Is Adderall’s Half-Life?

Adderall contains a mixture of two drugs: levoamphetamine (l-amphetamine) and dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine). 

For the uninitiated, half-life is a term used to quantify the amount of time a drug’s active substance is reduced by half in the body. Different drugs have different half-lives, and the duration is dependent on how the body processes and ingests the drug (i.e., through the mouth, injection, etc.).

The half-life of a drug is greatly dependent on a person’s age. For l-amphetamine, for example, the average half-life is 13 hours for adults, 13 to 14 hours for adolescents aged 13 to 17, and 11 hours for children aged 6 to 12.

For d-amphetamine, the values are slightly less: 10 hours for adults, 11 hours for adolescents aged 13 to 17, and 9 hours for children aged 6 to 12.

With these figures, we can conclude that Adderall’s half-life is anywhere between 9 to 14 hours.

Does Adderall Build Up in Your System?

Though Adderall’s effect lasts only for a few hours, the substance lingers in the system for days and sometimes even months after the last use, depending on the test conducted. Approximate estimations are as follows:

• Urine test: 72 to 96 hours after last use
• Blood test: 46 hours after last use
• Swab test: 20 to 50 hours after last use
• Hair test: up to 3 months seven to ten days after last use

Urinalysis and saliva tests detect metabolites produced by Adderall, which remain in the body two to three times longer than the drug itself. 

Drug misuse doesn’t typically appear in the hair until seven to ten days after exposure, but once it enters the hair, it’ll remain there for weeks, months, and even years.

Hair tests are the most reliable way to test ongoing or repetitive drug use because of their ability to detect drugs for a significantly longer period. It can also be used to determine what type of drug is used, how long it was used for, or how long it’s been discontinued.

That said, hair tests are only applicable to long-term users. If a person has taken Adderall once or twice, it’s less likely to show up as positive on a hair test.

Factors that Contribute to How Long Adderall Stays in the System

Adderall can remain in the system for anywhere between 24 hours to several days, and is detectable even longer in your hair follicles. Here are the factors that play a role in how long the drug stays in the system:

Dosage

Dosage significantly affects how long Adderall lasts in the system. The more you consume, the longer it’ll take for the body to break down and eliminate the drug from the system.

Genetics

Genetics can play a role in how long Adderall stays in the system. Certain enzyme variants can accelerate the elimination of marijuana in some people. The concentration of these enzymes is often an inherited trait.

Frequency of Use

Like marijuana, Adderall’s effects can be cumulative. This means that the more you use it, the easier it’ll be to detect in the system. A person who’s tried Adderall out of curiosity can flush it out much quicker from their system than a person who takes Adderall every other day.

Metabolism

A person with a quick metabolism can flush out the drug much faster than a person with slow or impaired metabolism.

When to Expect Adderall Withdrawal, and How Long Does It Last?

The timeline for Adderall withdrawal differs from person to person. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms as quickly as a few hours after the last dose, while others last up to a few days.

Physical symptoms often peak within four days, with intensity ranging from mild to severe, before gradually tapering off. However, mental and emotional symptoms caused by Adderall withdrawal can linger for weeks and even months.

Users abuse Adderall because it helps the body feel more awake, alert, and focused. It also stimulates the effect that releases dopamine to the brain, giving users a sense of euphoria and well-being. So when a person abruptly stops using the drug, their dopamine levels drop and the body and brain have to adjust to the change.

Those who take Adderall in prescribed amounts don’t struggle with this change, but those who take it without a prescription or more than recommended will immediately notice the effects. The more often it’s taken, the more dependent the body will be, and the harder it’ll be to stop.

Factors that affect how long withdrawal symptoms last and how bad they can be include genes, family history of addiction, and health history (especially mental health).

Without outside intervention (i.e., rehab or therapy), people who quit “cold turkey” are more likely to suffer from depression, insomnia, anxiety, and various other mental health disorders. 

What Are the Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal?

Some of the most common physical symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscles spasms
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

On the other hand, psychological symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Nightmares
• Depression 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Mood swings
• Memory issues
• Lack of motivation
• Lack of interest in activities

Wrap Up

Adderall’s effects are cumulative, so it builds up in the system. Adderall is detectable in the system for days and sometimes even months after use, depending on the test.

Blood tests detect Adderall 24 hours after the last use, while urine and swab tests detect Adderall between 20 to 96 hours after the last use. Hair tests detect a pattern of repeated drug use over the course of 90 days.

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Published on: 2023-02-23
Updated on: 2024-09-23

If your wife always seems to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can be difficult to know how best to help her. While only a trained professional can officially diagnose an addiction, it’s likely that your wife is struggling with an addiction to substances if she’s always high. This can be a frightening realization, but keep in mind that addiction is a treatable condition, and there are resources available to help you and your wife get through this difficult time.

Know the Signs

Some cases of addiction can be subtle, so it’s important to recognize when your wife’s substance use has become a problem. Fortunately, as her spouse, you’re in a unique position to recognize the signs.

Signs that your wife may be suffering from addiction include:

• Sudden weight changes (usually weight loss)
• Skin changes, such as sores and drastically accelerated aging
• Visible needle marks
• Persistent drowsiness
• Decreased hygiene care
• Lack of interest in activities she used to enjoy
• Altered sleeping patterns
• Unexplained mood swings
• Neglecting duties at home or work
• Changes in social circle

Other signs of addiction may be present, so be sure to remain observant and consider whether your wife’s current behavior is out of character. No two cases of addiction are the same, and it’s best to trust your judgment.

Steps to help someone with an addiction

Dealing with a loved one’s substance abuse can be incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing. Here are some steps you can take to help your wife if she is always high:

1. Educate Yourself

• Learn About Addiction: Understanding the nature of addiction can help you better support your wife. Addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain and behavior.
• Types of Substances: Know what substances she is using and their effects, risks, and potential treatments.

2. Communicate Openly and Compassionately

• Choose the Right Time: Find a calm moment to talk to her about your concerns, avoiding times when she is under the influence.
• Be Compassionate: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment. Express your concern for her well-being rather than focusing on blame.
• Listen: Allow her to share her feelings and experiences. Listening can provide insights into her struggles and motivations.

3. Encourage Professional Help

• Medical and Psychological Support: Encourage her to see a healthcare provider or addiction specialist who can provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
• Therapy: Suggest individual therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help address the underlying issues contributing to her substance use.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Explore options for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs that offer structured treatment and support.

4. Offer Practical Support

• Attend Appointments: Offer to accompany her to medical or therapy appointments for moral support.
• Help with Logistics: Assist with arranging transportation, childcare, or other logistical needs that may be barriers to seeking treatment.

5. Establish Boundaries

• Set Limits: Clearly define what behaviors are unacceptable and what the consequences will be if those boundaries are crossed. This might include not using substances in the home or around children.
• Consistency: Stick to the boundaries you set to maintain a stable environment.

6. Seek Support for Yourself

• Support Groups: Join support groups for families and loved ones of people with substance use disorders, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon.
• Therapy: Consider seeing a therapist yourself to help cope with the emotional stress and learn effective ways to support your wife.

7. Create a Supportive Environment

• Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a healthy lifestyle by promoting activities that do not involve substance use, such as exercise, hobbies, and social activities.
• Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories and positive changes in her behavior and efforts toward recovery.

8. Plan for Emergencies

• Emergency Contacts: Know who to contact in case of an overdose or a medical emergency.
• Naloxone: If she is using opioids, keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand and know how to use it in case of an overdose.

9. Be Patient

• Recovery is a Process: Understand that recovery from addiction is a long and often challenging process with potential relapses.
• Stay Committed: Show ongoing support and commitment to her recovery journey, even during setbacks.

Helping your wife with her substance use involves a combination of compassionate communication, professional support, and personal boundaries. It’s essential to take care of your own well-being as you support her through her recovery journey.

Communicate Your Concerns

After recognizing the signs of addiction, you can start to think about how to approach your wife. The thought may be intimidating, but having an honest conversation with your wife about her drug or alcohol use shows that you care and want to help.

When talking with your wife, give her the opportunity to open up without feeling judged or ashamed. Avoid aggression and blame as this can make her defensive and less likely to accept help. Instead, try to focus on how her addiction is affecting her life, and emphasize how her recovery can yield positive results.

You should also be transparent about your feelings in order to foster trust and understanding. Expressing your fears and worries can help your wife realize the impact of her addiction on those around her, and it can motivate her to seek help.

Seek Professional Help

If your wife is open to getting help, you can explore treatment options. Treatment programs can provide medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and therapy to help your wife develop healthier coping skills. The exact treatment plan will depend on the severity of her addiction, but the bottom line is that there are professionals available to help your wife recover.

Some people with addiction issues may be reluctant to seek professional help. While Florida is one of many states that allow involuntary addiction treatment for those in danger of harming themselves, treatment is almost always more effective when it’s voluntary. For this reason, finding ways to motivate your wife to accept treatment is key.

Be patient, understanding, and persistent in your efforts. Take the initiative in searching for treatment centers and engaging in conversations about potential options. Concerns about cost and time away from work or family can be addressed by researching insurance benefits, talking to employers about taking a leave of absence, and exploring ways to manage childcare.

Ultimately, your wife is the only one who can make the decision to seek help, but there are strategies you can use to support her on this journey — and you don’t have to do it alone. At Allure Detox, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Florida to help individuals reclaim their lives, and we want to help your family get on the path to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help your wife recover from addiction.

FAQ

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Published on: 2023-01-31
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Anyone who uses kratom may wonder if it can show up in a drug test. Because of the risk of losing a job by failing a test, it makes sense to learn about it. The National Institutes of Health recognizes its legality and availability online and in many places in the United States. Unfortunately, kratom may appear in some tests but not in others. Many people choose kratom because of a sometimes mistaken belief that it does not show up on drug tests.

TL;DR: Kratom will NOT show up on a standard 5-panel drug test but can be detected in a specialized 10-panel test for up to a week or more after use.

UNDERSTANDING WHICH TESTS CAN DETECT KRATOM

Drug tests that use the standard 5-panel drug test format do not detect kratom alkaloids. A 10-panel that tests for kratom, however, can find it in urine for a week or more after use. Inspection for it in tests that sample blood, saliva and hair may produce positive results too. However, most employers prefer the urine test as the fastest and most reliable method of detection.

Urine

Detection can occur for a longer period in urine than in other substances, making it a preference of employers. In addition, its simplicity and lack of need for a needle puncture may add to its appeal. A urine test may start detecting kratom within about six hours and remain possible for days.

Blood

The amount of kratom consumed may appear in a blood test, making it more precise than a urine test. Positive results may show up one day after use, and the detection window may last for several days.

Saliva

As the least preferred type of drug test, saliva may or may not produce meaningful results.

Hair

Employers may conduct a hair test that can detect the substance for up to 10 days after use. Its attributes make it a useful tool for a longer time than urine allows.

Substance	Detection Time After Use	Detection Duration	Notes
Urine	~6 hours	Several days	Preferred due to longer detection period and non-invasive nature.
Blood	1 day	Several days	More precise than urine tests.
Saliva	Not specified	Not specified	Least preferred, may not produce meaningful results.
Hair	Not specified	Up to 10 days	Useful for a longer time than urine, used by employers.

Comparing the Disadvantages and Advantages of Kratom

Even though kratom does not have a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsement, the ancient herb appeals to people who have a range of needs. Some claim that it reduces anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and pain. Others use it for mood management.

However, the downsides of using it may outweigh any perceived benefits. Safety concerns have caused several states to ban it while others allow people to use it as an aid to opioid withdrawal

Some of the dire consequences that can result from using kratom include these:

• aggressiveness
• brain swelling
• constipation
• difficulty breathing
• hallucinations
• liver damage
• nausea and vomiting
• seizures
• thyroid issues

The risk of a product that may include other substances and the reaction that kratom produces in the body may even lead to death.

WONDERING HOW LONG KRATOM LASTS

The herbal drug produces a legal psychoactive effect with a natural ingredient that mimics opioid impact on the brain, pain response, and anxiety. Particularly the opiate-like effects, such as sedating and pain-relieving effects, and to help people with withdrawal symptoms from opioid drug abuse. So how long does Kratom last? The amount taken seems to greatly influence how long the effects last. Reaction to it may start within a few minutes and last for almost a couple of hours. Most effects depend on certain factors that affect its use.

CONSIDERING FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTS

Kratom resembles other substances that react differently in the presence of variable factors that influence its effects. Most of them lie outside anyone’s ability to change, giving a heads-up about the potential danger of using kratom. 

Physical Fitness

Body fat retains the metabolites in kratom, making it last longer in people who have a high body fat percentage.

Passage of Time

Age can have the effect of slowing bodily functions, and it can allow kratom to produce longer-lasting effects in older people more than in younger people. The presence of other medications and the slower elimination processes in older people allow it to remain in the body for a longer time.

Family History

Genetics may play a role in how long kratom can stay in the body.

Diet

Kratom takes effect faster when taken with a high-fat meal, leading to quicker absorption and less time to reach peak effectiveness. Similar to most other drugs, the use of kratom on an empty stomach may cause its effects to be amplified.  Proper hydration can affect how long it takes the body to eliminate kratom through urination.

GAINING INSIGHT ABOUT ADDICTION

The available research on the long-term effect of kratom use does not yet provide adequate guidance. However, enough data exists to confirm that abuse can occur. Mayo Clinic considers the herbal extract from an evergreen tree in Southeast Asia as unsafe. Any substance that provides the types of relief that users of kratom believe it does can lead to addiction. No matter the substance of choice, the signs of becoming addicted have certain symptoms in common.

• desire to use it regularly
• using a substance for longer periods
• taking higher doses to get the same effect
• making sure of a constant supply
• lack of focus on anything else
• taking risks to get the substance
• ignoring budgetary restrictions
• recovering from effects
• trying unsuccessfully to stop using

Early symptoms start with psychological dependence that produces desired feelings and relief from pain, anxiety, sleeplessness or depression. Physical addiction can occur when the body’s chemistry adjusts to having the substance available. Addiction becomes difficult to treat because stopping use creates discomfort and other issues.

FINDING HELP THAT SUITS YOU

At Allure Detox, we take a different approach to treating detox, addiction treatment and substance abuse. The Joint Commission recognized us for excellence in treatment for substance use and behavioral health. Our depth of understanding and experience allows us to help anyone who faces the challenges to health and happiness that addiction creates. We are healthcare providers that provide safe and quality addiction treatment options.

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Published on: 2022-12-30
Updated on: 2024-09-23

You may have heard that Suboxone is a medication that can block the effects of opiates, and you are wondering if it is an effective treatment for your substance use disorder. The medical community uses Suboxone as the preferred method of treatment for opioid use disorder because the buprenorphine component of the medication effectively blocks opiates, and it can do this for as long as 36 hours.

How Long Does Buprenorphine (Suboxone) Last?

Suboxone’s half-life is equal to 42 hours. The half-life is the measurement of how long it takes the body to metabolize half of the drug. Therefore, if the medication remains in the body for a longer time, it will block the effects of opiates for a longer time as well. If you were to take morphine, fentanyl, or heroin within 24 hours of taking your last dose of Suboxone, the opiates would not be able to exert any effects.

Factor	Duration
Immediate Effects	Begins within 30 minutes to 1 hour
Peak Effect	1 to 4 hours after administration
Duration of Action	24 to 72 hours
Half-Life of Buprenorphine	Approximately 24 to 42 hours
Overall Opiate Blocking Duration	Typically 24 to 72 hours, can extend depending on dose and individual metabolism

What Are Opioids/Opiates?

Opioids are also known as “opiates,” and they include painkillers that you can get with a prescription from your doctor, but they can also be illegal substances that include heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Opiates are classified in Schedule II of the Schedules of Controlled Substances, which means that the Drug Enforcement Administration considers these drugs to be highly dangerous. They are extremely likely to lead to an addiction, so physicians only prescribe them for short periods of time.

The body has opioid receptors that control pleasure and pain, and opioids bind to these receptors. When this occurs, it can block the pain signals that the brain sends out and releases more dopamine into the system. Dopamine has the responsibility of helping you make decisions, but it also creates a pleasurable feeling that comes from the expectation of a reward. Because dopamine is being released, this encourages you to continue to take more opiates and leads to an addiction to these substances.

What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a component in Suboxone, and the FDA approved it as a treatment for substance use disorder. It is different from other substances used to treat this disorder because it must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine acts like an opioid, so it creates the effects that heroin creates, but these effects will not be as strong. It also creates a “ceiling effect” that causes the effects created by the substance to level off after a certain point even if you ingest more of the opioid.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, so it blocks the effects of opioids. The addition of this substance discourages people from injecting Suboxone. Instead, they are required to swallow a tablet or take it as a sublingual film. If you were to inject an opioid, the naloxone would cause you to experience distressing withdrawal symptoms. Since you are not injecting Suboxone, the medication can begin to take effect in the fastest manner.

How Does Suboxone Block Opiates?

Suboxone blocks opiates and opioids by a process known as “affinity.” As was mentioned above, the brain has several opioid receptors, and all opioids and opiates bind to these receptors. The ”mu” is the receptor that is associated with overdose, sedation and euphoria.

Affinity refers to how easily an opioid can bind to an opioid receptor. Since only one opioid with the highest affinity can attach to one receptor at a time, the Suboxone prevents other opioids from attaching to the opioid receptors. Because buprenorphine has a higher affinity than other opioids, it can effectively block the effects of other opioids as it remains attached to the receptors.

When an opioid is a partial agonist, it cannot fully activate an opioid receptor. This either reduces its ability to create a high or keeps it from creating the high altogether. This is the reason that physicians use Suboxone during the maintenance phase of treatment for opioid use disorder.

Methadone is also used during the treatment phase, and it is a “full agonist.” Because it is a slow-acting substance, the high that it creates isn’t very strong. A dose of methadone will not become fully active until at least two or three hours have passed, so its half-life can last as long as 60 hours!

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is the second ingredient in Suboxone, and it reverses the effects of an overdose. Fortunately, it does so very quickly. When it begins to work, it rapidly causes the victim to breathe normally again. This can be the case even if the person’s breathing has slowed down considerably or even stopped.

Naloxone has a high affinity, so it can kick other opioids off of the opioid receptors and reverse the effects of an overdose. Naloxone cannot produce euphoric effects, so when it binds to opioid receptors, it blocks the other opioids and forces them to circulate around the system. Opioids have the potential to kill the user because they bind to so many opioid receptors in the brain stem that the victim has difficulties breathing. After ingesting naloxone, the body takes the other opioids and breaks them down so that they can be eliminated.

Should I Take Buprenorphine?

Each person is different, and every treatment option doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. When you enter Allure Detox, we will assess whether or not buprenorphine is a medication that can work for you. You will need to be aware of the fact that you cannot receive Suboxone until 12 to 24 hours have passed since you last ingested opioids.

Different people also need to take Suboxone for different lengths of time. For example, some people need Suboxone on an indefinite basis if it continues to work for them. Once the cravings for opioids have subsided, your physician will be able to reduce your dose of Suboxone. For example, as you become more stable after taking Suboxone on a daily basis, your physician may reduce your dose to every other day.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

It may only take a couple of weeks of using opioids to become addicted to these substances. When this occurs, your body wants you to continue, so if you stop, it will send out several withdrawal symptoms. If you have been taking opioids for longer than two weeks, you wouldn’t be advised to stop taking them on your own. That is because the withdrawal period can be very dangerous, and the symptoms can be severe. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can include the following:

• Body aches
• Sweating
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Fast heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Rapid breathing

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment or MAT is a process by which we will detoxify your body. At Allure Detox, we will place you in our MAT program first so that we can remove all of the substances from your body. One of the medications that we can administer to you at this time is Suboxone, but we also have other options. These include naltrexone, VIVITROL and naloxone. The medications we administer will ease the withdrawal symptoms so that your body has a chance to metabolize all of the opioids in its system. They will also relieve the extreme cravings you will have for opioids.

During the detoxification process, you will be in the best condition to begin confronting your psychological addiction to opioids. At Allure Detox, we treat your psychological addiction with several types of behavioral therapies. These include the following:

• Individual therapy
• Gender-specific counseling
• Family counseling
• Contingency management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• 12-step facilitation sessions
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Motivational interviewing

Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders co-occur in large numbers of the population. When a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder present themselves at the same time, they are known as “co-occurring.” At Allure Detox, we also offer mental health therapies for the treatment of co-occurring disorders.

You will need to be evaluated for a mental health disorder when you come to Allure Detox. It wouldn’t be surprising that you are experiencing both of these conditions because 7.7 million adults have been diagnosed with mental health disorders and substance use disorders at the same time.

The medical community can never definitively state which disorder presented itself first, but of the 42.1 million adults diagnosed with mental health disorders, 18.2% were also diagnosed with substance use disorders. Conversely, of the 20.3 million adults diagnosed with substance use disorders, 37.9% were also diagnosed with a mental health disorder. You will receive a thorough exam to determine whether or not you have a mental health disorder. Then, we can draw up a treatment plan that addresses your needs and your goals.

If you are willing to do what you need to do to be free of opioids, contact us at Allure Detox so that we can get your life back on track again.

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Published on: 2022-12-24
Updated on: 2024-09-23

If you’re taking Lexapro, it’s important to know how long it may stay in your system. Keep reading to know more information about Lexapro, its side effects, how it works, the risks associated with taking it, and potential withdrawal symptoms.

TL;DR: Lexapro (escitalopram) is detectable in the system for approximately 1-2 weeks after the last dose, depending on various factors and the type of drug test used.

How Long Does Lexapro Stay In Your System?

If you’re taking Lexapro, it’s important to know how long it may stay in your system. Lexapro is the brand name of the drug escitalopram, an antidepressant that requires a doctor’s prescription. It’s in the same drug class as citalopram (brand name: Celexa). Your body can continue to metabolize Lexapro for up to six days after the last time you take it. Factors such as age, weight, and liver function can influence how long the medication stays in your system.

Everyone’s body is different, so the amount of time will vary from person to person. However, even large doses of Lexapro will be gone from the body within one to two weeks. Your doctor can help you figure out exactly how long Lexapro will remain in your system based on your personal medical history.

Factor	Detail
Half-life of Lexapro (Escitalopram)	27-32 hours
Time to Clear from System	Generally, it takes about 5.5 half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from your system. For Lexapro, this means it could take approximately 148.5 to 176 hours (about 6 to 7.3 days) to clear from your body.
Factors Affecting Clearance	Age, liver function, kidney function, other medications, and overall health can influence how quickly Lexapro is metabolized and cleared.
Detection in Tests	– Blood Test: Up to 5 days – Urine Test: Up to 4 days – Saliva Test: 1 to 4 days – Hair Follicle Test: Up to 90 days

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant that requires regular administration to be effective. It’s a standard treatment for medical conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Like other SSRIs, Lexapro works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells in the brain. Increased serotonin levels may help to improve mood, reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms of depression. Lexapro works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in neurons.

Lexapro is available as a capsule or an orally disintegrating tablet. You should take Lexapro with plenty of water, and you may choose to take it with or without food. The usual starting dose is 10 mg once a day. If necessary, and with medical advice from your doctor, the higher dose may be prescribed to 20 mg a day after the first week.

Lexapro can interact with other medications such as warfarin, lithium, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drug interactions can increase the risk of bleeding or other problems. Therefore, it’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking before starting treatment with Lexapro.

How Long Does Lexapro Stay In Your System?

Dosage can play a role in how long Lexapro stays in the system. In general, from the last dose, it takes about four to six days for the body to metabolize and excrete escitalopram. However, this process may be faster or slower depending on factors such as the immune system and kidney function.

Additionally, different people may metabolize escitalopram at different rates due to individual differences in genetic makeup. For most people, Lexapro will be completely out of the system within two weeks of stopping treatment. However, traces of the drug may remain in some people for longer periods.

Typically, you’ll begin to see the effects of Lexapro within one to four weeks of beginning a prescription. The half-life of escitalopram is approximately 27 to 32 hours, which means it takes about that long for the body to eliminate half the drug.

Before you start taking Lexapro, you should understand that large amounts of it can remain in your system for three or four days after you stop taking it. The length of time that Lexapro stays in your system also depends on factors such as BMI, metabolic health, and other medications you may be taking.

What Are the Side Effects of Lexapro?

The most common side effects of Lexapro include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sweating
• Yawning
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Decreased libido
• Delayed ejaculation

Some people may also experience decreased appetite, weight loss, changes in mood, or even thoughts of suicide. If you experience any of these side effects, you should talk to your doctor right away. A physician may be able to recommend a different medication or offer strategies for managing the side effects.

While Lexapro’s side effects can be unpleasant, they’re usually mild and don’t last long. If they do occur, they’re most likely to happen during the first few weeks of treatment.

How to Reduce the Side Effects of Lexapro?

To help reduce the risk of side effects, there are a few simple steps you can take. For example, take the medication at the same time each day and drink plenty of fluids when you take it. You should strongly consider avoiding alcohol and caffeine while taking Lexapro.

If side effects do occur, you can effectively treat them as they come. For example, treat dry mouth by sucking on sugarless candy or chewing gum. Treat headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If side effects persist, worsen, or become severe, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. However, with proper treatment and care, most people can tolerate Lexapro well and experience significant improvements in their symptoms.

How Can You Tell if Lexapro Is Working?

If your Lexapro treatment is successful, you may notice improvements in your mood. For instance, you may have an increased ability to focus and concentrate, improved energy levels, and a decrease in negative thinking or ideation.

After one to four weeks of taking Lexapro, you may notice that you no longer miss work or school or require psychiatric hospitalization as often. Of course, everyone responds differently to medication, so you should work closely with your psychiatrist or healthcare provider to determine if Lexapro really is working well for you.

What Are the Risks of Taking Lexapro?

While most people are able to tolerate Lexapro, the drug is associated with some risks. They can include physical symptoms that may make you feel ill or uncomfortable. Lexapro may also have minor mental side effects, such as intrusive thoughts or unwanted ideation.

In rare cases, Lexapro can also cause more serious side effects, such as seizures or allergic reactions. If you’re concerned about the side effects of taking Lexapro, talk to your doctor about the potential risks before starting a prescription.

What Is the Half-Life of Lexapro?

Lexapro has a half-life of about 27 to 32 hours, which means most of the drug will stay in your system for over a day. This is relatively long compared to other drugs in its class. Lexapro’s long half-life may be why it’s so effective at treating both depression and anxiety.

It takes several weeks for Lexapro to reach its full effect, so you’ll need to keep taking it as prescribed even if you don’t feel better right away. If you have any concerns about the half-life of Lexapro or how it will affect you, ask your doctor about your personal risk factors.

What Factors Influence How Long Lexapro Stays in Your System?

The amount of time that Lexapro will stay in your system depends on a variety of factors, including your gender and genetic predisposition. Additionally, a few other factors can influence the amount of time it takes for the drug to completely leave your body.

For example, if you have liver or kidney disease, Lexapro may stay in your system for a longer period. Children and elderly individuals typically clear drugs from their system more slowly than adults do. Similarly, obese people may have a slower clearance rate than people of average weight.

Ultimately, there’s no set answer for how long Lexapro will stay in your system, as it depends on a variety of individualized factors. In general, however, the drug will completely disappear from your body within a week after you stop taking it.

Potential Withdrawal Symptoms

If you’re taking any kind of antidepressant medications, do not stop cold turkey unless indicated by your healthcare provider. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome may lead to unpleasant side effects and can potentially do more harm than benefit. Discontinuation of escitalopram treatment may result in withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Sensory disturbances
• Sleep disturbances
• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Head pressure
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Crying spells
• Fatigue

In some patients, discontinuation may also result in an increased sensitivity to the drug. Therefore, it’s important to slowly taper the dose when discontinuing treatment and avoid discontinuation symptoms. To ensure a safe and effective withdrawal from escitalopram, patients should consult with their healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.

Conclusion

Lexapro is a powerful SSRI, which is a class of drugs that includes antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac. Lexapro is generally considered safe and effective for most people, with the most common side effects being nausea, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

However, in some cases, Lexapro can cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, compulsive behaviors, mania, or seizures. Therefore, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

On the other hand, if you’re ready to get off Lexapro but aren’t sure how to begin, call us today at Allure Detox for information and guidance in your effort.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-11-15
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Fluconazole is typically a harmless drug, but in rare cases, it can cause damage to the liver.

If you’ve been dealing with thrush or another type of fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe you fluconazole. Since this medication can interact poorly with other substances, you’ll need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Is it okay to combine fluconazole and alcohol? Keep reading our guide to find out.

What Is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is a common antifungal medication. Its main use is to destroy overgrowths of certain types of fungi. Doctors typically prescribe it for patients with many candida infections: oral thrush, yeast infections, or a penile infection called balanitis. Depending on your situation, your doctor might also prescribe it for certain types of urinary tract infections, meningitis, or other fungal infections.

This medicine comes in many forms, including topical creams and oral pills. It is most frequently sold under the brand name Diflucan and can also be found in other brand-name medications like Canesten. If you’re prescribed fluconazole, you must take it regularly for several days. Depending on your health condition, you need to take it for anywhere from one week to six months.

Will Alcohol Keep Your Fluconazole From Working?

Fluconazole stops infections by destroying fungal cell membranes. Due to how it works, alcohol won’t necessarily inhibit fluconazole’s ability to function. Most fluconazole prescriptions do not come with any instructions to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. Unlike antibiotics, taking a sip of alcohol won’t immediately make you sick or cause your fluconazole to stop working entirely. Medically speaking, there are no known interactions between fluconazole and alcohol.

Remember that this simply means alcohol won’t directly affect fluconazole’s ability to work. It doesn’t mean that combining fluconazole and alcohol is a good idea. The main issue with mixing the two drugs is that alcohol tends to support the type of fungal microbes that cause thrush or yeast infections. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar and fermented ingredients, and both of these substances can make fungal microbes grow out of control. While the fluconazole is trying to slow down fungal growth, the alcohol gives the fungus everything it needs to flourish.

This can lead to nasty antifungal-resistant infections. Especially if you consume a lot of sugar and alcohol while not following your prescribed fluconazole dosage, your infection might linger. Therefore, doctors tend to suggest skipping alcohol any time you have a fungal infection, regardless of what medication you take for it. By avoiding alcohol, you can speed up your recovery time and start feeling normal sooner.

Is It Safe to Mix Fluconazole and Alcohol?

Alcohol might not technically keep fluconazole from working, but don’t forget that combining the two can have other impacts on the body. Fluconazole is typically a harmless drug, but in rare cases, it can cause damage and cause liver problems. This damage to the liver is a severe enough problem that formerly healthy patients can develop jaundice and other symptoms of liver disease. Any time you take fluconazole, you need to look for yellow eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, and other signs of liver damage.

Its ability to harm the liver means that fluconazole can be problematic when combined with alcohol. Studies find that roughly 5% of all people who take fluconazole end up with elevated liver enzymes. This minimal amount of damage is something a healthy liver can recover from. However, if you’re also combining it with drinking large amounts of alcohol, it can put a lot of strain on your liver. To be safe, limiting your drinking or stopping altogether while on fluconazole is better.

If you already have liver damage due to alcoholism or other health problems, it is not safe to take fluconazole regardless of how much you are currently drinking. Your doctor will typically recommend another medication to treat your fungal infection instead. It is very important to avoid fluconazole when dealing with issues like alcohol-induced hepatitis because even small amounts of additional injury can be too much for a damaged liver to deal with.

How Long Should You Wait Between Taking Fluconazole and Alcohol?

As you can see, it is usually a good idea to avoid taking fluconazole and alcohol simultaneously. Not only does alcohol make it easier for fungal infections to flourish, but the side effects of fluconazole can work with alcohol to harm your liver. How long do you need to stop drinking if you want to stay on the safe side?

Fluconazole stays in your system for a while, so it’s not as simple as waiting an hour between taking your pill and having a drink. Once you take fluconazole, it can linger in your system for up to 10 days. Conservative estimates suggest that your best option is to stay alcohol-free while taking the fluconazole and for 10 days afterward.

Meanwhile, alcohol leaves the system more rapidly. As long as your liver is in good health, you don’t need to wait days between taking alcohol and then consuming fluconazole. Instead, you usually just need to wait a few hours after alcohol consumption before you take your fluconazole dose. Remember that large amounts of alcohol take longer to clear your system. If you’ve been drinking excessively, you might need to wait at least a day before you start your medication.

How Much Alcohol Can You Safely Drink With Fluconazole?

When you’re taking fluconazole, no amount of alcohol is a good idea. If you absolutely must drink, it’s important to follow harm-reduction guidelines. First of all, try to avoid sugary, yeasty alcohols like sweet cocktails or beers. These are the types of beverages that can cause your fungal infection to flourish despite the fluconazole killing off some of the microbes.

Secondly, it is essential to avoid overdrinking. Drinking enough to harm your liver can increase the risk of you ending up with liver damage after taking fluconazole. How much is too much? Current medical research indicates that more than 30 grams of alcohol regularly per day can cause liver damage. Keep in mind that this might be less alcohol than you realize. 30 grams of pure alcohol per day equals two 12-ounce beers, 1.5-ounce shots of liquor, or 5-ounce glasses of wine.

Is Your Relationship With Alcohol Healthy?

If you’re in a situation where you’re considering prioritizing alcohol over medical attention, it might be time to reexamine your relationship with alcohol. Though having one or two drinks with fluconazole is technically safe, it’s not ideal. Most people will benefit from pausing alcohol while they take fluconazole, and being unable to do so can be a sign of an alcohol addiction.

An alcohol abuse disorder is typically characterized by drinking despite adverse consequences. A person dealing with addiction may continue to drink even though they realize that alcohol is causing personal, social, financial, or health problems. Those with an addiction often spend a lot of time thinking about, drinking or recovering from drinking alcohol, and they frequently end up drinking far more than initially attended. All of these warning signs indicate you should speak to a substance abuse healthcare professional.

Whenever you find yourself unhappy with your drinking levels but unable to cut down, Allure Detox is here to help. We provide a broad range of programs, including detox, residential rehab, and outpatient rehab. Our talented team works hard to give you the skills you need to fight addiction. Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Summary

TL;DR: It’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking fluconazole as it can increase potential side effects.

FAQ

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluconazole
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548300/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2184510/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3321494/
• https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-use-disorder-comparison-between-dsm

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Published on: 2022-09-14
Updated on: 2024-09-23