Imodium
Imodium Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Table of Contents
What is Imodium?
Loperamide is an over-the-counter and prescription diarrhea medicine sold under the brand name Imodium. Although it is an opioid (the only opioid available without a prescription), it is considered safe with a low potential for abuse, unless it is taken in extremely high doses.
Prescription loperamide is typically used to treat ongoing diarrhea while the over-the-counter version is usually self-administered after a person has experienced a loose bowel movement. The maximum recommended daily dose for over-the-counter loperamide is 8 mg per day and 16 mg per day for prescription loperamide. However, people who abuse this drug often consume anywhere from 50 to 400 pills a day.
When taken as prescribed or directed on the over-the-counter packaging, Imodium produces few side effects. Additionally, many people may not realize the serious risks of misusing it simply because it’s an over-the-counter medication. However, when Imodium is taken in very large doses, it can produce dangerous side effects like heart dysrhythmia and heart attack.1 It may also cause an overdose.
Although the individuals that abuse Imodium are typically using it to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, chronic misuse of Imodium can also cause dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those of other opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers.
Slang for Imodium
The following terms are street names or slang for Imodium:
- The poor man’s methadone
How Common Is Imodium Addiction?
According to the FDA, there has been an increase in Imodium misuse and abuse since 2015.1 This trend is largely driven by opioid abusers who take large quantities of Imodium to self-medicate for opioid withdrawal symptoms.2
Researchers discovered a 71 percent increase in loperamide abuse-related calls to poison control centers across the U.S. between 2011 and 2014. There was also a 10-fold increase in web forum posting about abusing Imodium and 70 percent of those postings discussed using it to self-treat opioid withdrawal. Twenty-five percent of web postings about Imodium abuse talked about using the drug to get high.3
While these online forums provided many details about abusing loperamide in various ways, the short-term and long-term side effects of abusing this anti-diarrhea drug are rarely noted. Imodium may be sold over-the-counter, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to abuse. Any misuse of loperamide can cause serious side effects, physical dependence, addiction, overdose, or even death.
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.
What Are the Side Effects of Imodium Abuse?
Common side effects of Imodium abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Severe respiratory
- Depression
- Cardiac arrest
- Overdose4,5
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Imodium Addiction?
If someone is addicted to loperamide or abusing it, he or he may display some of the following signs and symptoms of addiction:
- Taking very large doses of Imodium
- Buying large quantities of Imodium
- Being secretive or lying about using Imodium
- Being unable to stop using
- Imodium despite the negative consequences
- Needing more Imodium to feel the same effects
Imodium Detox and Withdrawal
Although people often abuse Imodium to self-treat for opioid withdrawal symptoms, loperamide can cause withdrawal symptoms of its own. Imodium withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Sweating
- Cravings
Unmanaged loperamide or Imodium withdrawal can make it very difficult to get sober because the symptoms of withdrawal can become very uncomfortable. The safest and most effective way to detox from opioids or loperamide is to complete a medical detox program. Medically-assisted Imodium detox provides 24/7 medical care and assistance to ensure your comfort and safety at all times.
Medical detox may also provide helpful diagnoses for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and PTSD that may help you further understand the causes of your addiction and address the underlying issues.
Treatment for Imodium Addiction
Overcoming Imodium addiction will require more than just completing a detox program. Although medical detox addresses the physical aspects of Imodium withdrawal and can help you get sober, Imodium rehab is often necessary to maintain a sober lifestyle and address the underlying causes of your substance abuse.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends at least 90 days of continuous addiction treatment for the best results.6 This extended amount spent completing Imodium treatment allows for real, genuine change, and time to process complex emotional and psychological issues that influence addictive behaviors.
During Imodium rehab, clients work closely with trained addiction treatment professionals and their peers to achieve certain objectives, such as:
- Understanding the disease of addiction and the recovery process
- Working through the 12-Step Program or a similar recovery program
- Learning how to cope with high-risk situations, triggers, and cravings
- Gaining important life skills
- Healing physically and emotionally
Imodium rehab programs use a variety of evidence-based treatment methods, behavioral therapies, and specialized therapies to help clients achieve these objectives, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Educational lectures
- 12-Step facilitation therapy
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Physical exercise
More Time. More Joy. More You. Start Now.
WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES
Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Imodium Addiction
Inpatient drug rehab and outpatient drug rehab are two common types of treatment programs for Imodium addiction. If you’re looking for an Imodium rehab program that will help you overcome your Imodium addiction or opioid use disorder, you may want to consider the qualities of each type of program to determine which is best for you. A doctor or addiction treatment specialist can also help you determine which type of program may be most effective for you.
Here is a quick look at the differences between an inpatient drug rehab program and an outpatient drug rehab program for Imodium treatment.
| In residential rehab, clients: Live at a rehab facility during treatment Adhere to a structured daily schedule Attend individual and group therapy sessions Participate in various treatment methods, therapies, and group activities daily Have immediate access to clinical care and medical treatment | In outpatient rehab, clients: Attend outpatient treatment sessions while living at home or in a sober living home Independently complete homework assignments outside of group sessions Maintain personal obligations like work or school while completing treatment Have limited access to clinical care and medical treatment |
Although both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment options are equally focused on recovery, one type of rehab may cater to your treatment needs more than the other. Regardless of which type of drug rehab program you choose, there are many different ways to pay for treatment and or reduce your out-of-pocket costs, such as:
- Health insurance benefits
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Financed healthcare loans
- Credit cards
- Crowdfunding
- HSA funds
Continued Care Options for Imodium Treatment
Imodium addiction or opioid use disorder are chronic, relapsing brain disorders that require ongoing treatment to overcome. Fortunately, there are several different types of ongoing care options for Imodium treatment that are designed to help people maintain a sober lifestyle and adjust to life without drugs. After Imodium withdrawal, detox, and rehab, these programs can provide continued support.
Sober Living Programs
Sober living programs are designed to help people transition out of rehab and start living a more independent lifestyle as they adjust to sobriety. Sober living homes offer structure and support during the early stages of recovery and can also be great resources during transitional and challenging times, such as after a relapse.
Although all sober living homes are different, many also provide additional recovery support services, such as:
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Tiered recovery programs
- Educational planning
- Employment assistance
- Volunteer assistance
- Personal monitoring programs
- Peer support programs
Often, a person may not have a supportive, safe, and sober environment to return to after rehab. Or, they may need additional recovery support to successfully transition back into everyday life. In these cases, sober living programs can be very helpful.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are another form of continued care for people in recovery. These outpatient programs provide weekly group meetings for people in all stages of addiction recovery and a safe space to discuss recovery-related issues. Aftercare programs also provide opportunities to invest in the lives of other sober people, build positive, healthy relationships, and share and receive advice for personal issues in recovery.
If you or a loved one is abusing Imodium to cope with opioid withdrawal symptoms, there is another way out and you don’t have to continue down the road of addiction. Call Nova Recovery Center today to learn more about Imodium treatment programs that can help you achieve a satisfying and fulfilling sober life.
Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.
Treatment Options
Treatment Locations
Call Us Now and Begin Healing at (512) 605-2955
Or text us and we will call you right back.
Not quite ready for a call? You can fill out the form below.
What Makes Us Different
- Gender-specific treatment
- Evidenced-based treatment
- 12-Step immersion
- 90-day residential treatment
- Family program
- Full continuum of care
- Insurance and private pay
100% Confidential Guarantee
Confidential Consultation
Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation.
One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.
Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation. One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.
Imodium (Loperamide) Addiction FAQs
Yes. While intended for diarrhea relief, loperamide can produce opioid-like effects in extremely high doses, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction
Some use it to self-manage opioid withdrawal or to seek a cheap euphoric effect, since high doses can cross the blood–brain barrier and mimic opioids
Key warning signs include taking larger-than-recommended doses, preoccupation with usage, using despite harm, cravings, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and muscle aches
Overuse—and especially over 100 mg/day—can lead to deadly heart problems (arrhythmias, prolonged QTc, torsades de pointes), respiratory depression, and even death
Recommended OTC doses are up to 8 mg/day (16 mg under prescription). Abusing at 50–300 mg per day is common among users seeking opioid effects and is extremely dangerous.
Withdrawal may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, sweating, irritability, anxiety, depression, and muscle aches—similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms .
It’s relatively rare but rising. Reports to poison control and case studies of loperamide toxicity have increased significantly since around 2014.
Treatment may involve tapering protocols, cardiac monitoring, and sometimes medically supervised therapies. In severe cases, opioid-replacement therapies like buprenorphine–naloxone have been successful.
High doses can cause cardiac arrhythmias, QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes, fainting, and sudden death—even in individuals without prior heart issues.
Encourage them to seek medical evaluation (especially cardiac), support tapering strategies, and consider substance use treatment. Empathy and access to professional help are critical.
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-serious-heart-problems-high-doses-antidiarrheal
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-crack-down-misuse-of-diarrhea-drug#1
- https://www.jabfm.org/content/jabfp/30/6/832.full.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment
More Time. More Joy. More You. Start Now.
WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES
If you’re struggling with Imodium addiction, you’re not alone—and it’s more urgent than you might think. Misuse of loperamide (commonly found in Imodium) beyond recommended doses—sometimes as high as 50–400 pills a day—can lead to serious health risks including dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and respiratory depression. At Nova Recovery Center, we understand the complexity of Imodium misuse, offering medically supervised detox, expert therapy, and a full continuum of care tailored to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of Imodium addiction
Take back control before the consequences deepen. Call Nova Recovery Center for a free, confidential consultation and insurance check—available 24/7. Our dedicated team is standing by to guide you toward safe detox, effective treatment, and lasting recovery from Imodium addiction. Your path to freedom begins with that first call.
Our Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services in Texas
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.
Nova’s Comprehensive Continuum of Care Plan
90-Day Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Our 90-day residential drug and alcohol rehab in Austin center provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for you to heal, learn, and recover. Unlike other 30 or 60-day programs, our long-term rehab program gives you more time to adjust to a new way of living, more time to practice the mental and spiritual tools you will use outside of rehab, and more time to acclimate into a recovery community. This 90-day time span promotes genuine and lasting change for sobriety that lasts long after inpatient rehab ends.
Drug and Alcohol Detox
Our medical detox programs treat all kinds of addictions and are tailored to meet your individual needs. We use a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized detox program that will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal process. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin individual and group therapy to address any emotional issues and prepare for the transition into a rehab program. We believe this process provides the best foundation for continued sobriety.
Aftercare Program and IOP
Our Intensive Outpatient and Aftercare programs are designed to assist those who have graduated from our inpatient residential facility. Group sessions are available in Austin and Houston and provide structured addiction treatment sessions and recovery counseling in a safe, clinical setting. The first year of recovery can be difficult, but these support groups provide consistency, accountability, and peer support at a time when it’s needed most.
Sober Living Apartments
The transition from a residential rehab center into independent sober life is littered with obstacles. For this reason, we provide sober living homes and support programming for clients who need continued support as they make the transition. With regular drug and alcohol screenings, one-on-one sobriety coaching, and a safe, comfortable place to practice relapse prevention strategies, our sober living program is key to achieving an independent, substance-free life.
More Time. More Joy. More You. Start Now.
WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES
