Stadol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Stadol (butorphanol) is a prescription pain medication that belongs to the opioid family. While it can provide relief for migraines and other severe pain, it also carries a risk of dependence and addiction [1]. Even those who take Stadol precisely as prescribed may find themselves relying on it over time. When the body becomes dependent, stopping or reducing use can trigger Stadol withdrawal—a complicated process that affects both the body and mind. Symptoms like nausea, sweating, body aches, and anxiety can make it hard to quit without help.

Going through Stadol withdrawal alone can be intimidating, but medical detox provides a safe and supportive way to manage symptoms. Detoxing from Stadol this way means you can access medications, clinical monitoring, and care to ease discomfort and lower the risk of complications. While detox is the first fundamental step in recovery, ongoing treatment helps address the root causes of addiction. Knowing what to expect from Stadol withdrawal and detox can help people take the first step toward lasting freedom from opioid dependence.

What Is Stadol?

Stadol (butorphanol) is a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain [2]. It is most commonly available as a nasal spray or injectable solution, often prescribed for migraines, post-surgical pain, and labor pain. Unlike some opioids, Stadol acts as both an agonist and antagonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain while also blocking some opioid effects. This unique action makes it slightly different from traditional opioids like oxycodone or morphine, but it still carries a high risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Doctors may prescribe Stadol for short-term pain relief, but using it for too long or in higher doses than recommended can lead to tolerance, dependence, and even addiction. Some people misuse the medication for its euphoric effects, similar to other opioids, which increases the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms of Stadol when they try to stop. Even those who take Stadol as prescribed can develop physical dependence, meaning their body relies on the drug to function [3]. Once dependence occurs, getting off Stadol can trigger uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms, making medical detox central to effective recovery.

What Is Stadol Withdrawal Like?

When someone dependent on Stadol stops taking it, their body reacts by going into withdrawal. Since the medication affects the CNS (central nervous system), Stadol withdrawal can be both physical and psychological, ranging from mild discomfort to severe distress. While withdrawal from Stadol is not usually life-threatening, it can be painful and difficult to manage without medical help. Some individuals may also experience hallucinations and confusion, which are less common in withdrawal from other opioids.

 Common Stadol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Psychological distress
• Dizziness and shakiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Symptoms of Stadol withdrawal typically begin within a few hours of the last dose, peak within 48 to 72 hours, and gradually improve over the course of a week or more. Some people may experience longer-lasting side effects of stopping Stadol, such as anxiety, depression, or cravings, which require continued treatment and support.

Why Stadol Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Opioids like Stadol change the way the brain and body function over time [4]. When used regularly, Stadol binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain signals and creating feelings of relaxation or euphoria. That said, the brain adapts by reducing its natural production of endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals. As a result, the body becomes dependent on Stadol to feel normal.

When someone stops taking the medication, the brain struggles to regain balance, leading to Stadol withdrawal. The severity of withdrawal depends on how long Stadol was used, the dosage, and whether other substances were used alongside it. Individuals who misuse Stadol by taking higher doses or combining it with other opioids or alcohol may face more intense and prolonged withdrawal symptoms.

 Reasons Stadol withdrawal occurs include:

1. Physical dependence: The body adjusts to the drug and struggles to function without it.
2. Tolerance: Higher doses are needed over time to achieve the same effects, deepening dependence.
3. Brain chemistry changes: The brain reduces its natural opioid production, making withdrawal symptoms worse when Stadol is removed.
4. Sudden discontinuation: Quitting Stadol abruptly provokes stronger and more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms compared to a slow, medically supervised taper.

Without proper treatment, withdrawal can lead to relapse, as many people return to Stadol or other opioids to stop the discomfort. In some cases, this can result in a dangerous overdose, especially if tolerance has decreased during a period of abstinence. This is why seeking medical detox and professional support is essential for a safe and successful recovery.

What Is Detox for Stadol Like?

Detox from Stadol is the first step in overcoming dependence, helping people safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Because opioid withdrawal can be painful and mentally distressing, a structured detox program provides the support needed to get through the process safely and with less discomfort.

 A medical detox program often includes medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Common options when detoxing from Stadol include: 

• Buprenorphine or methadone: Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal severity.
• Clonidine: Lowers anxiety, sweating, and agitation.
• Over-the-counter medications: Treat nausea, diarrhea, and muscle pain.

Inpatient detox programs provide 24/7 medical monitoring, which is beneficial for those with severe withdrawal symptoms or a history of relapse. Outpatient detox is another option for individuals with mild withdrawal symptoms and a strong support system at home. Regardless of the setting, detox alone is not a cure for addiction—it is just the beginning of recovery.

What Happens After Stadol Detox?

Once the body is free from Stadol, the real work of recovery begins. Detox only removes the drug from the system, but it does not address the underlying reasons for addiction. To prevent relapse, individuals should continue with comprehensive addiction treatment, such as:

• Inpatient or outpatient rehab: Provides therapy, education, and support
• Behavioral therapies: Helps change thoughts and behaviors related to drug use
• Support groups: Encourages connection with others in recovery

Long-term recovery requires ongoing care, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Without continued treatment, the risk of relapse remains high.

Stadol Withdrawal FAQs

How long do Stadol withdrawals last?

Withdrawals from Stadol typically last about 5 to 10 days, although some symptoms, like anxiety or cravings, may persist longer. The most intense symptoms usually peak within the first 48 to 72 hours of the last dose. The duration can vary based on dosage, length of use, and overall health. 

What are the withdrawal symptoms of butorphanol?

Butorphanol withdrawal can cause flu-like symptoms such as sweating, chills, nausea, and body aches. Many people also experience mood changes, including anxiety, irritability, and depression. In some cases, withdrawal may trigger hallucinations or confusion, which makes medical supervision highly beneficial. 

What are the symptoms of withdrawal from codeine?

Codeine withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioids and may include muscle pain, nausea, sweating, diarrhea, and insomnia. Psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and cravings, can also occur. Symptoms can start within 8 to 24 hours after the last dose and may last for a week or more.

What is the timeline for opioid withdrawal symptoms?

Opioid withdrawal symptoms typically follow a general pattern: early symptoms (anxiety, sweating, muscle aches) start within 8 to 24 hours, peak symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intense cravings) occur around 48 to 72 hours, and lingering effects (fatigue, mood swings, cravings) can last one to two weeks or longer. The exact timeline depends on the opioid used, dosage, and individual factors.

Get Help Stopping Stadol at a Premier Rehab

If you or someone you care about needs help discontinuing the use of opioids, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We can connect you with medical detox centers near you to streamline Stadol detox and prepare you for outpatient treatment at our Florida or California treatment centers.

 During our outpatient addiction treatment programs, you can continue living at home and meeting your everyday obligations while attending weekday sessions at one of our rehabs by the beach.

 The unique presentation of all addictions means all treatment plans at Renaissance are personalized. Therapies might include: 

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare planning

 Kickstart your recovery from opioid addiction by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

 [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/

 [2] https://www.rxlist.com/stadol-drug.htm

 [3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/

 [4] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/mind-matters/opioids