Upon switching from opioids to acetaminophen with codeine, which of the following steps is recommended if withdrawal symptoms appear?

When transitioning from opioids to acetaminophen with codeine, it is advisable to monitor for any withdrawal symptoms that may arise. If withdrawal symptoms do occur, initiating clonidine is a recommended step. Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that can effectively alleviate various symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, agitation, and certain physical signs like sweating and increased heart rate. By reducing these symptoms, clonidine can help stabilize the individual during the transition period.

In cases where withdrawal symptoms manifest, it is essential to provide supportive care and manage discomfort effectively. Clonidine's role in this process is to ease withdrawal symptoms, making the experience more manageable for the patient.

Other potential actions, such as switching back to opioids or increasing the opioid dosage, could lead to prolonged opioid use and dependency rather than addressing the withdrawal symptoms appropriately. Administering naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, would not be suitable in this context, as it may precipitate withdrawal or complicate the situation. Thus, initiating clonidine is the most effective and appropriate response to manage withdrawal symptoms in this scenario.