Overcoming opioid addiction is extremely difficult. Physical withdrawal symptoms, ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to chills and increased heart rate, can be debilitating and last several days. 

 

While medications are available, many people are hesitant to take medications like Suboxone and methadone because they don’t want to be physically dependent on another opioid. Lucemyra is a different type of medication that can be a safe and effective alternative for people who don’t want to take opioid-replacement medications. 

Overview of Lucemyra

Lucemyra (a brand name for lofexidine) is a non-opioid medication used to treat withdrawal symptoms in people who have abruptly stopped using opioids. It is not designed to treat addiction and won’t prevent a relapse. It is used to reduce the severity of certain opioid withdrawal symptoms to make the withdrawal process more tolerable. 

Safety and Efficacy of Lucemyra

When taken as directed, Lucemyra is considered to be a safe medication to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Lucemyra typically mitigates withdrawal symptoms but does not prevent them or make them completely go away. 

Who Can Take Lucemyra?

Lucemyra is approved for adults 18 and older to reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, it should not be used by individuals taking certain medications (including sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, etc.) or with specific health conditions (including low blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, etc.). It is crucial to tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medications you’re taking before starting Lucemyra.

Side Effects and Warnings

Lucemyra can cause mild to serious side effects, including:

  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate
  • Chest discomfort
  • Fainting

To avoid very severe side effects, it’s crucial not to drink alcohol or take certain medications while taking Lucemyra. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider of all the medications you take before starting Lucemyra. 

How Does Lucemyra Work?

Taking opioids for an extended period of time leads to lower production of the hormone norepinephrine. When you stop taking opioids suddenly, excess levels of norepinephrine are released into the body, stimulating the nervous system and causing symptoms like restlessness, irritability, body aches, increased heart rate, and insomnia. Lucemyra helps balance levels of norepinephrine in areas of the brain that get overstimulated and cause withdrawal symptoms.

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

The cost of Lucemyra without insurance or assistance ranges from $225 for a generic brand to $850-$932 per month. However, some insurance plans may cover payment, and patients may be eligible for low—or no-cost prescriptions from Lucemyra’s support and savings program. 

Will My Opioid Use Disorder Go Away?

Lucemyra isn’t designed to treat opioid addiction and, therefore, will not make an opioid use disorder go away. It works by decreasing the severity of withdrawal symptoms to make the withdrawal process go more smoothly. 

Detox Programs Incorporating Lucemyra

Lucemyra is typically used as part of a detoxification program in an inpatient environment. This type of treatment program includes supervision by a medical professional and intensive care. DeCoach Recovery Centre focuses on only inpatient programs for Lucemyra to provide the best care possible for our patients.

Inpatient Approaches

  • Inpatient Treatment: Conducted in a safe place and monitored by medical health professionals, inpatient withdrawal management is continuously supervised.

Patient Resources and Support 

Lucemyra and other medications to treat opioid addiction are only available with a prescription. Lucemyra is often prescribed as part of a complete treatment program and must be taken exactly as directed by your physician. If you’re struggling with an opioid addiction, there are several ways you can reach out for help. You can contact your doctor to inquire about a referral to a rehabilitation clinic, contact a rehabilitation center directly, or reach out to a recovery center like DeCoach Recovery Centre. 

These resources can help you learn more about where to get help for opioid addiction and using Lucemyra to reduce the impact of withdrawal. 

Get Help – Contact Us Today

Various personalized treatment plans are available to Ohio residents struggling with an addiction at DeCoach Recovery Centre. We offer a range of professional inpatient and partial hospitalization program treatment services for opioid addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, call our offices to speak to a member of our team or reach out to us online today.

 

Image Credit/Shutterstock:New Africa

Published On: January 23rd, 2025 / Categories: Medication-Assisted Treatments /