Which medication is commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal?

Clonidine is commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal because it is effective in alleviating some of the autonomic symptoms associated with withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, sweating, nausea, and increased heart rate. Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, works by inhibiting the release of norepinephrine in the central nervous system, which helps to reduce sympathetic outflow and can provide symptomatic relief for many of these withdrawal symptoms.

Other medications listed, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are primarily used for pain relief but do not specifically target the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids. Citalopram is an antidepressant that may help with mood stabilization but is not used for managing the acute symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Thus, clonidine stands out as the appropriate choice for this situation.