Withdrawal of which of the following causes piloerection
So, when someone stops taking opioids, they go through withdrawal symptoms. One of those is piloerection, often called "goosebumps." The mechanism might involve the sympathetic nervous system. Opioids activate mu receptors, and when they're withdrawn, there's a rebound of sympathetic activity. That could lead to increased norepinephrine release, causing piloerection through the contraction of arrector pili muscles.
Wait, the options weren't provided, but the correct answer is supposed to be an opioid. So the options might include drugs like morphine, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or something else. Let me check. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids specifically include piloerection, while other drugs have different withdrawal signs. For example, alcohol withdrawal might have tremors or delirium tremens, not piloerection. Benzodiazepine withdrawal could involve anxiety or seizures. So the correct answer would be an opioid like morphine or heroin.
The wrong options would be other drugs where piloerection isn't a withdrawal symptom. So if the options include, say, barbiturates or antipsychotics, those are incorrect. The key here is linking piloerection to opioid withdrawal specifically. The core concept is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in opioid withdrawal. Also, knowing that piloerection is a classic sign of opioid withdrawal, not other substances.
I need to structure the explanation with the required sections. First, the core concept would mention opioid withdrawal and sympathetic activation. Then, the correct answer is an opioid, explaining the mechanism via mu receptors and sympathetic rebound. The incorrect options are other drugs without that effect. The clinical pearl would be to remember that piloerection is a key sign of opioid withdrawal. Finally, the correct answer is the opioid in the options.
**Core Concept**
Piloerection (goosebumps) during drug withdrawal is a classic sign of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation, specifically linked to **opioid withdrawal**. Opioids suppress sympathetic activity via **mu-opioid receptor** activation, and abrupt cessation leads to rebound sympathetic overactivity, including piloerection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Opioid withdrawal triggers **increased sympathetic outflow** due to **rebound norepinephrine release** after chronic mu-opioid receptor blockade. This activates **alpha-adrenergic receptors** in the arrector pili muscles, causing hair follicle contraction (piloerection). It is a hallmark of opioid withdrawal syndrome, alongside symptoms like diaphoresis, tachycardia, and mydriasis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Alcohol withdrawal primarily causes **autonomic instability** (tachycardia, hypertension) but not piloerection.
**Option B:** Benzodiazepine withdrawal may lead to **anxiety or seizures**, but piloerection is not a defining feature.
**Option C:** Antipsychotic withdrawal can cause **extrapyram