Withdrawal from oxycodone, a potent opioid painkiller, is associated with the presentation of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, aches, and pains.
Although the symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal can be effectively managed with supervised detoxification, attempts to detox from opioids at home can be dangerous and potentially deadly. Read on to discover more about the oxycodone withdrawal timeline and discover how to connect with evidence-based care.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Signs
Oxycodone, a powerful opioid contained in many prescription painkillers, rapidly leads to the development of tolerance, meaning that increased doses are required for the same pain relief.
Developing physical dependence on oxycodone means that discontinuing its use can trigger severe and possibly painful withdrawal symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms can cause some people to relapse, while others might keep using oxycodone simply to maintain a sense of normalcy and stave off withdrawal.
While the symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal are mainly physical and psychological experiences of the individual, there are some key signs that manifest as a direct result of these withdrawal symptoms. These signs are more specifically related to the withdrawal process itself, rather than broader indicators of addiction. Recognizing these signs can help in identifying when someone is going through withdrawal and may need support or medical attention. These signs include:
- Restlessness: An inability to stay still, pacing, or seeming uncomfortable, often due to body aches and anxiety.
- Appetite changes: A sudden decrease in appetite, which may lead to noticeable weight loss over a short period.
- Flu-like symptoms: The manifestation of severe flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and sweating, without the presence of an actual flu virus.
- Agitation and irritability: A noticeable increase in irritability or agitation, which can be a direct response to discomfort and distress during withdrawal.
- Sleep disturbances: Presenting as either insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings or intense nightmares.
- Yawning and sneezing: Excessive yawning and sneezing that goes beyond normal levels, which are distinct physiological reactions to withdrawal.
- Pupil dilation: Noticeable dilation of the pupils, a physiological sign that often accompanies opioid withdrawal.
- Heightened pain sensitivity: An increased sensitivity to pain, where even minor physical discomforts are felt more acutely.
- Emotional fluctuations: Sudden and intense emotional responses, including bouts of crying or despair, as part of the psychological withdrawal process.
These signs of oxycodone withdrawal are important indicators that someone is experiencing the acute phase of withdrawal and might require medical support to safely manage these symptoms. Understanding these signs helps in providing timely and appropriate care to those undergoing withdrawal, ensuring a safer and more comfortable transition towards recovery.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal of oxycodone symptoms usually start to manifest between 8 to 12 hours after the last use of opioids. The severity of these symptoms often correlates with the frequency and volume of use, with chronic, heavy use typically triggering more intense effects. Oxycodone withdrawal shares many characteristics with heroin withdrawal, presenting primarily as flu-like in nature.
The range of common withdrawal symptoms includes, but is not limited to:
- Body aches and pains
- Sweating
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- An inability to experience pleasure
Given that oxycodone is the active compound in medications like OxyContin and Percocet, the withdrawal symptoms for these drugs are similar, affecting people in comparable ways regardless of the specific brand consumed.
How long is oxycodone withdrawal, then?
Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline
The oxycodone withdrawal timeline closely aligns with the timeline associated with heroin withdrawal. Although everyone has a different experience of opioid withdrawal, this is a typical oxycodone withdrawal timeline:
Initial 48 hours
Symptoms manifest between 8 to 12 hours after the last consumption. These may include
- Restlessness and rapid breathing
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Nausea
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Days 3 to 5
This phase of the oxycodone withdrawal timeline is normally marked by the peak intensity of withdrawal symptoms that include:
- Vomiting
- Persistent nausea
- Shaking
- Cramps
- Continuing muscle aches
Days 6 to 7
As the physical symptoms subside, psychological symptoms may become more pronounced. These can include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heightened anxiety
- Emerging depression
Days 8 to 21
By this stage of the oxycodone withdrawal timeline, the body is almost fully purged of opioids, although some may still experience lingering symptoms.
The journey through oxycodone withdrawal demands a structured support system and medical oversight. Options for treatment range from inpatient or outpatient care to MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and counseling, all integral to a safe and effective recovery process. Engaging with a healthcare provider for individualized advice and support is key to navigating this challenging period with the necessary resources and care.
FAQs
How long does oxycodone withdrawal take?
The oxycodone withdrawal timeline may vary, but symptoms typically begin within 8 to 12 hours after the last dose, peak around 72 hours, and can last from 1 week to 1 month for acute symptoms. Some people may encounter protracted withdrawal symptoms, known as PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), that may persist for months.
How is oxycodone withdrawal treated?
Oxycodone withdrawal is treated through a combination of medical detox, which may include medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine to ease symptoms, and support therapies such as counseling and support groups. Treatment plans are personalized, and some may require inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs.
What is oxycodone withdrawal like?
Oxycodone withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and includes symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Psychological symptoms like depression and cravings are also common. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the duration of use, dosage, and individual health factors.
Should I go to a treatment center for oxycodone withdrawal?
Yes, seeking treatment at a specialized center for oxycodone withdrawal is often recommended because these centers provide medical supervision, which can make withdrawal safer and more comfortable. Treatment centers also offer a structured environment with access to therapy and support systems that can significantly improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Get Treatment for Oxycodone Withdrawal at Gratitude Lodge
A risk of overdose and addiction are among the side effects of oxycodone that require professional intervention. We can help you with all aspects of opioid abuse at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California.
Opioid withdrawal can be aggravating and potentially life-threatening if unsupervised. Now that you know how long will oxycodone withdrawal last, choose the safest and most comfortable pathway to ongoing recovery by engaging with medical detox at one of our pet-friendly rehabs in Long Beach or Newport Beach, CA.
Following detoxification, you can move into ongoing inpatient treatment where you will address the psychological side of opioid addiction. Expect to access personalized treatments that may include:
- Talk therapies like CBT and DBT
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Holistic interventions
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Aftercare and support
When you are committed to tackling oxycodone addiction, call 800-994-2184 for immediate assistance.
