What are BritLofex and lofexidine?
BritLofex is the brand name for lofexidine. It is a non-opiate treatment which is used for the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms. BritLofex belongs to a group of medicines called alpha2-adrenergic agonists.

BritLofex tablets are taken to relieve the symptoms you get when you stop taking an opiate. Symptoms may include chills, sweating, stomach cramps, muscle pain and runny nose.

BritLofex is not an opiate and is not addictive.

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How many tablets will I have to take and for how long?
Every BritLofex detox is tailored to meet each person's requirements. You should take BritLofex as directed by your prescriber. The dose may be varied depending on how bad your withdrawal symptoms are expected to be.

At the end of treatment BritLofex should be reduced gradually over a number of days rather than stopped suddenly.

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Why does the dose have to be built up at the start of the detox and gradually reduced at the end?
This is done for two reasons. Firstly, the dose is adjusted so that BritLofex can effectively manage the withdrawal symptoms you may experience. The second reason is that BritLofex may cause a blood pressure and/or pulse reduction in some people. Increasing and decreasing the dose over a few days should help your body get used to this effect.

It is important that you take the dose of BritLofex your prescriber recommends. This has been recommended for a reason. It is also important that you do not stop taking BritLofex suddenly.

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Can BritLofex cause any side-effects?
All medicines sometimes cause side-effects in some people. BritLofex tablets may sometimes cause the following:
– dry mouth or throat
– dry nose
– sleepiness
– light-headedness or dizzyness upon standing
– slow heart beat
When you stop taking opiates, the withdrawal symptoms can make you feel unwell, however if you think that BritLofex is making you feel unwell, tell your prescriber or key worker.

What if I use opiates during my detox?
Let your prescriber or key worker know as soon as possible because you may have to extend the course of BritLofex for a few days to make sure your withdrawal symptoms don’t come back.

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Will I have to take any other medications with BritLofex?
While the correct dose of BritLofex should control most of the physical symptoms ('cold turkey'), you may also be given some other medications to help.  For example, if symptoms are particularly bad you may need some extra help with muscle cramps, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. You may also need help with sleep difficulties. For information on how to cope with sleep during an opiate detox see the Sleep Guide on the Leaflets page.

Additionally, some people may also be prescribed an opiate blocker such as naltrexone towards the end or immediately after the detox. This works by blocking the effects of any opiate and helps to prevent relapse.

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How can I avoid problems with sleep during detox?
Sleep disruption can be severe when detoxifying from any opiate, regardless of the type of detox medication you may be taking. Features include inability to get to sleep, restlessness, long periods of wakefulness, vivid dreams and not feeling refreshed by sleep.

If you are depressed, anxious, in pain or have a high level of nicotine dependence, you may experience these problems to a greater degree. Some people feel that they have not slept at all because the sleep they have had is of poor quality.

Insomnia is most severe during the peak of withdrawal and sleep medication (hypnotics) may not be of much help. Psychological approaches are often preferred to reduce the risk of dependence on hypnotics.

For information on how to cope with sleep during an opiate detox see the Sleep Guide on the Leaflets page.

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Can I drink alcohol while I am detoxifying with BritLofex?
It is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol while undergoing a BritLofex detox.

In addition to taking BritLofex, is there anything that I can do to help me with my detox?
Yes, there are many things you can do. The main thing is to stay positive and relaxed. As well as this, drink plenty of fluids, eat a light diet and use any support available to you, such as family and friends. It is also important to tell your prescriber or key worker if you are feeling unwell.

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