OPIOID SWITCHING AND TAPERING. Long term opioid use results in physical (and potentially psychological) dependence. Opioids should be discontinued whenever possible by a slow taper to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal symptoms include: chills, fever, body aches, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle pain, dilated pupils, sweating, anxiety, nausea and more. NOTE: switching to and from fentanyl patches follows a different protocol #opioid #pain #tapering #switching #pharmacology #conversion #management #Guide
