Symptomatic Profile of Ecuadorian Patients with Withdrawal Syndrome due to Inhaled Heroin Use

Introduction: The symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome vary depending on the specific drug used, adulterants, and route of administration. This study analyzed the symptom profile of withdrawal syndrome due to inhaled heroin use in Ecuadorian patients, and its relationship with sex and age.Objective: Describe the symptom profile of withdrawal syndrome due to inhaled heroin use and its relationship with sex and age in Ecuadorian patients.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialized care unit in Ecuador from 2018 to 2022. Patients with withdrawal syndrome due to inhaled heroin use were included. Symptoms were categorized into general, neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, and cardiorespiratory. Associations with sex, age, and year of care were analyzed using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05).Results: A total of 983 patients were evaluated, 82 % were male, with a predominance of the 11–18 age group (n = 597). General symptoms predominated in all age groups except those over 35 years. The most common symptoms were rhinorrhea, anxiety, myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, diarrhea, chills, and headache.Conclusions: The symptom profile of withdrawal syndrome in Ecuadorian inhaled heroin users was consistent with established clinical patterns, without significant variations among groups.