A widely available drug is capable of preventing withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids, scientists have discovered.

Ondansetron, which is used to treat nausea and vomiting, could prevent the problems that occur in people who are addicted to the powerful painkillers.

Lead author Larry Chu, assistant professor of anesthesia at Stanford University School of Medicine, US, said that opiod abuse is "rising at a faster rate than any other type of illicit drug use".

"One barrier to treatment is that when you abruptly stop taking the drugs, there is a constellation of symptoms associated with withdrawal," he said.

Opioids cover a range of prescription and illegal drugs, including morphine and heroine. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the US, around 12.5 million Americans used prescription pain drugs for non-medical reasons in 2007.

Scientists found that ondansetron is capable of blocking certain receptors that are associated with opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Ondansetron works by limiting the activity of the vagus nerve. It also blocks serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

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