Updated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday cleared for use an electrical nerve stimulator designed to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

The device, made by privately held Innovative Health Solutions Inc., is placed behind the patient's ear for up to five days during the acute withdrawal phase.

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The FDA authorized the device, known as NSS-2 Bridge, after 73 patients experiencing opioid withdrawal saw a reduction of at least 31 percent in their symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal include sweating, tremors, sweating, stomach upset, joint pain and anxiety.