Percocet Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
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Percocet is a branded oxycodone/acetaminophen medication prescribed for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain.
There are two active ingredients in Percocet:
Although Percocet is highly effective for relieving pain in the short term, the opioid content of this medication means it also has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. If you become physically dependent on this opioid-based painkiller, you will experience extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms of Percocet in its absence. This can occur even when the medication is used as prescribed for pain relief.
In addition to alleviating pain, opioids also trigger a euphoric high, which has led many people to abuse opioids like Percocet for recreational purposes.
Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has medical utility but also a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Today’s guide outlines what to expect from the Percocet withdrawal process, highlights symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, and shows you how to begin your recovery from opioid addiction.
When you take opioids like Percocet, the drug primarily works on mu-opioid receptors in the brain. The long-term use of opioids causes these receptors to become overstimulated. The brain starts to compensate, and the body tries to restore balance (homeostasis) by developing tolerance, which can then lead to withdrawal from Percocet once chemical dependency sets in.
If you suddenly stop taking Percocet, your brain will not have the time to adjust to the absence of the opioids, and intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will develop in response.
If you have been taking Percocet or any other medication containing oxycodone, a tapered reduction in dosage can ease the intensity of the withdrawal process.
Most people find that the safest and most comfortable approach to Percocet withdrawal involves a supervised medical detox.
Percocet withdrawal symptoms are a physical and emotional response to the absence of a substance to which you have become accustomed.
Percocet withdrawal can manifest in both physical and psychological symptoms. Percocet includes physical issues like nausea and vomiting, as well as psychological complications, including anxiety.
Here is a list of the most reported physical Percocet withdrawal symptoms:
Most frequent psychological Percocet withdrawal symptoms:
If you experience withdrawal symptoms and are unable to manage them effectively, contact your primary care physician for guidance.
Now that we’ve covered Percocet withdrawal symptoms let’s look at how long withdrawal lasts.
Withdrawal symptoms from Percocet may present four hours from the last dose due to the short half-life of this medication. Those who have been taking Percocet for extended periods may experience a delayed presentation of withdrawal symptoms.
Most people detoxing from Percocet find that the process takes at least one week. Those who have been using Percocet chronically may find that withdrawal is more protracted, potentially lasting for three or four weeks.
The severity of Percocet withdrawal symptoms, the onset of symptoms, and the duration of withdrawal hinge on many factors, such as:
While all addictions are unique, and everyone will have a different experience of Percocet withdrawal, this is a typical timeline:
Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone, which can cause intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, often resembling the flu and accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Fortunately, Percocet withdrawal does not typically trigger life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. However, the intensity and severity of symptoms exacerbate the challenge of detoxing without medical supervision. Many people who attempt to detox at home are tempted to use Percocet simply to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This temptation is removed when you detox in a controlled clinical environment. Additionally, other resources (both clinical and holistic) are available to relieve withdrawal symptoms, which can increase your chances of a successful long-term recovery.
Detoxification is a natural bodily process that expels the toxins and toxic by-products of drug abuse. Those who have developed a physical dependence on Percocet will find withdrawal uncomfortable and painful.
The most common withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid detox are sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. All of these reactions expel Percocet from the body but, at the same time, cause dehydration and nutrient deficiency.
Some people refer to the symptoms experienced during opioid detox as opioid withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms can be both physically and emotionally challenging, making it difficult to detox without professional support. To manage opioid withdrawal syndrome effectively, prescription medications (like methadone) may be used as part of a medical detox. These medications not only alleviate discomfort but also reduce cravings, helping you navigate this critical phase of recovery safely.
During a supervised medical Percocet detox, a treatment team will ensure you are hydrated and maintain nutrient and electrolyte levels. Medications can be administered to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings for Percocet.
Some medications can also closely replicate the effects of Percocet in the brain, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These medications include:
While detox is a vital stage of recovery, it is only a pathway to ongoing recovery rather than a cure for opioid addiction. Once you are detoxed, you will be physically prepared to deal with the psychological aspect of Percocet addiction. We can help you with detox and ongoing treatment here at Gratitude Lodge.
Whether you are addicted to Percocet, OxyContin, or any other oxycodone product, we can help you build a firm foundation for ongoing abstinence here at Gratitude Lodge.
We have affordable luxury rehab centers located in Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego. All Gratitude Lodge treatment centers provide you with an inclusive and inspirational environment free of distractions and triggers while you detox from Percocet.
Most people grappling with opioid use disorders (OUD) find that a supervised medical Percocet detox is the safest and most comfortable pathway to early recovery. Take advantage of a clinical detox here at Gratitude Lodge and benefit from medications to mitigate Percocet withdrawal symptoms and cravings. You will also have on-demand emotional and clinical care during the seven to ten days it requires for Percocet detox.
Detox addresses the physical component of opioid addiction and prepares you for ongoing treatment for the psychological side of OUD.
Following detoxification, you can transition directly into a 30-day residential rehab program at one of our pet-friendly treatment centers in Southern California. Or, you can engage with rehab around your personal and professional commitments with our IOP (intensive outpatient program).
Opioid use disorder is a chronic condition, but it responds positively to MAT (medication-assisted treatment) delivered alongside behavioral interventions. Beyond getting treatment for symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, you will have access to these therapies at Gratitude Lodge:
Start living opioid-free by reaching out to Gratitude Lodge today at 844-576-0144.
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
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