Final answer:
Lofexidine, a medication used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, can have side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, and QT prolongation. It must be tapered slowly to avoid increased risk of seizures after discontinuation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lofexidine is used primarily to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are trying to reduce or discontinue their use of opioids. It can have several side effects, including hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slowness of the heart rate), syncope (fainting), QT prolongation (a heart rhythm condition that can cause erratic heartbeats), increased CNS (central nervous system) depression, and increased risk of seizures after discontinuation. The challenge with discontinuing lofexidine is that it must be tapered over 2 to 4 days to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A) Seizures.
It's important to note that the information provided suggests a risk of withdrawal and potential seizures when certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and opioid-related medications, are discontinued rapidly. Withdrawal from lofexidine, being a medication used during opioid cessation, is similar to opioid withdrawal and can present with problems such as seizures, indicating the correct choice is seizures.