#498 Opioid Withdrawal with Dr. Ashish Thakrar

#498 Opioid Withdrawal with Dr. Ashish Thakrar

Author: The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast September 15, 2025 Duration: 1:17:15
Grow your management tools for opioid withdrawal in the hospital. Investigate how to decide between methadone and buprenorphine, additional medications to manage symptoms and how and when to use short-acting opioids for management of withdrawal. We’re joined by Ashish Thakrar, MD at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!
By listening to this episode and completing CME, this can be used to count towards the new DEA 8-hr requirement on substance use disorders education.

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Show Segments

  • Intro, disclaimer, guest bio
  • Guest one-liner
  • Case from Kashlak; Definitions
  • Symptoms of opioid withdrawal
  • Medications for the management of opioid withdrawal
  • Buprenorphine precipitated withdrawal
  • Starting Buprenorphine: Experiences and Strategies 
  • Titrating Methadone: Dosage and Adjuncts
  • Adjunctive short-acting opioids
  • Emerging Trends in Drug Supply: Xylazine and Medetomidine
  • Outro 

Credits

  • Producer, Show Notes: Zina Huxley-Reicher
  • Infographics: Zina Huxley-Reicher MD and Zoya Surani
  • Hosts: Carolyn Chan, MD MHS, Zina Huxley-Reicher MD, Shawn Cohen, MD
  • Reviewer: Payel Jhoom Roy, MD, MSc
  • Showrunner: Carolyn Chan, MD, MHS
  • Technical Production: PodPaste
  • Guest: Ashish Thakrar, MD MHSP

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Tune in to The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast for a direct line to practical clinical knowledge and the ever-evolving art of patient care. This isn't a dry lecture series; it's a dynamic conversation among practicing physicians who break down complex topics into actionable insights you can use. Each episode delves into the nuances of internal medicine, from managing common chronic conditions to interpreting the latest guidelines and navigating diagnostic dilemmas. You'll hear honest discussions about challenges at the bedside, evidence-based debates, and expert interviews that go beyond textbook summaries to reveal how medicine works in the real world. The podcast serves as both a continuing education resource and a professional companion, offering thoughtful analysis and clinical pearls that resonate whether you're a seasoned hospitalist, a resident in training, or a primary care provider. The focus is consistently on deepening understanding and improving daily practice, making the rounds or the clinic day feel a little less daunting and a lot more informed. Listen for a blend of curiosity, camaraderie, and a genuine commitment to mastering the craft of medicine, all delivered through engaging dialogue that feels like consulting with a trusted colleague.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast
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