How should I take lofexidine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take lofexidine with or without food.
You may need to take lofexidine for up to 14 days. Your doctor will change your dose or stop this treatment based on your opioid withdrawal symptoms. Follow all dosing instructions very carefully.
Lofexidine may not completely prevent all symptoms of opioid withdrawal, which may include yawning, pounding heartbeats, watery eyes, feeling cold, stomach pain, feeling sick, body aches, muscle tightness, or trouble sleeping.
You may need additional forms of counseling, support, and/or monitoring as you go through opioid withdrawal.
Lofexidine can cause serious side effects on your heart or blood vessels. Call your doctor at once if you have slow heartbeats, severe dizziness, or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out). If you have these side effects, do not take your next lofexidine dose until you talk with your doctor.
You should not stop using lofexidine suddenly, or you could have a rapid increase in blood pressure and unpleasant symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture- absorbing preservative.
If you start using opioid medication after a long period of not using it, you will be more sensitive to opioid effects. This could increase your risk of overdose and death.