In the early days of rapid opiate detoxification the procedure was plagued with significant diarrhea.
Fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract, both upper and lower, was large enough to produce possible
fluid and electrolyte problems. The odor and volume of the liquid feces made the procedure objectionable
and the bacteria produced made the procedure inappropriate for an ICU setting with open wounds.
Dr. Colin Brewer in London noted that AIDA patients with refractory diarrhea were benefitting from
octreotide. He began using it in his rapid detoxification procedure and noted a remarkable decrease
in gastrointestinal secretions. He communicated these findings to other practitioners. At
Dr. Brewer's suggestion, small group of these practitioners collected and measured the secretions
from the nasogastric tube during rapid opiate detoxification in sedated patients. They found a
70-90% decrease in such secretions. The diarrhea also abated.
In patients with abstinence syndrome, as well as post precipitated withdrawal procedure, the waxing
and waning abdominal pain is also relieved with the use of octreotide.
