Oxycodone Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Detox

Key Takeaways

• Oxycodone is a potent opioid painkiller that can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
• Withdrawal from oxycodone can be intense, increasing the likelihood of relapse.
• Both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 hours, with psychological effects potentially lasting months or even years.
• Medical detox offers relief during the initial withdrawal phase, facilitating a smoother transition to long-term recovery.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a prescription opioid prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain, typically when other pain relief methods are ineffective. Despite its medical use, oxycodone prescriptions have surged over the years, peaking in 2012 with over 255 million prescriptions filled. Although prescriptions have decreased to around 142 million in 2020 due to the opioid overdose crisis, oxycodone remains widely prescribed.

Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, oxycodone has a high potential for abuse and physical dependence. Prolonged use can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly stopped or the dose is reduced. To safely discontinue oxycodone, it is crucial to collaborate with a healthcare provider to create a comprehensive plan, enhancing the chances of successful long-term recovery.

What Happens During Oxycodone Withdrawal?

Long-term oxycodone causes the body to adapt, creating a dependency on the drug. Oxycodone affects dopamine, which activates the brain’s pleasure centers and influences mood, and noradrenaline, which triggers the “fight or flight” response, leading to increased heart rate and rapid breathing associated with anxiety.

With consistent oxycodone use, the body decreases dopamine production and increases noradrenaline levels. When oxycodone intake ceases, the resulting dopamine deficiency and excess noradrenaline lead to withdrawal symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Medical supervision during withdrawal is essential to prevent severe imbalances. Psychological and social support during and after initial treatment helps build and reinforce coping skills for managing depression and anxiety, which are critical for addiction recovery.

Can Oxycodone Withdrawal Be Fatal?

While oxycodone withdrawal is primarily uncomfortable and painful, it can sometimes result in life-threatening complications. Severe dehydration from persistent nausea and diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalances, potentially leading to kidney failure, seizures, or even death. Medical oversight during detox minimizes these risks by addressing electrolyte issues and other serious symptoms, ensuring a safer withdrawal process.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from oxycodone typically follows a predictable timeline for short-acting opioids, though individual experiences may vary:

1. Onset of Symptoms: Physical and psychological symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose.
2. Peak Symptoms: Symptoms usually peak within 36 to 72 hours.
3. Tapering Off: Most physical symptoms subside within four to seven days.
4. Post-Acute Withdrawal: Psychological and emotional symptoms may continue for an extended period, requiring ongoing support.

Medical supervision during the acute phase ensures safety and allows individuals to start addressing long-term recovery needs. Engaging with therapists, support groups, and trusted family members enhances the recovery journey.

Duration of Oxycodone Withdrawal

Acute physical withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone generally last between four to seven days. The duration and intensity of withdrawal depend on factors such as the length and frequency of oxycodone use and the degree of dependence. Additionally, individuals may experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), characterized by lingering psychological and emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, and fatigue, which can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Continuous support is vital for managing these long-term effects and maintaining stability during recovery.

Factors Influencing Withdrawal Duration

Several factors can affect how long oxycodone withdrawal lasts, including:

• Usage Patterns: Length, frequency, and level of dependence.
• Dosage and Form: Whether oxycodone is taken in extended-release (Oxycontin) or immediate-release forms.
• Concurrent Substance Use: Other medications or substances being used.
• Genetics: Individual metabolic rates and enzyme activity.
• Age and Health: Older adults and those with existing health conditions may experience longer withdrawal periods.
• Mental Health: Pre-existing mental health conditions can impact withdrawal duration.
• Support System: The quality of social and emotional support available at home.

Discussing these factors with a healthcare provider can help tailor a withdrawal plan to individual needs, ensuring a more effective and safe detox process. Continuous psychological and social support is crucial for managing ongoing symptoms during recovery.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from oxycodone encompasses both physical and psychological symptoms:

Physical Symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Rapid or pounding heart rate
• Muscle spasms and tension
• Abdominal pain
• General aches and pains
• Tremors or shaking
• Excessive sweating
• Goosebumps
• Runny nose

Psychological Symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Depression
• Difficulty managing underlying mental health issues

While physical symptoms typically resolve within the acute withdrawal phase, psychological symptoms may persist, necessitating ongoing support and therapy to manage these challenges effectively.

Managing Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Coping with withdrawal can be daunting, but implementing strategies to support both mental and physical health can ease the process. Alongside professional medical assistance, consider the following steps for personal healing:

• Engage in Light Exercise: Walking or gentle exercises can help alleviate some physical discomfort.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, especially if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods and reduce processed foods to support overall nutrition.
• Join Support Groups: Participating in community support can provide emotional encouragement and understanding.
• Practice Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help manage anxiety and stress.

Balancing these activities is important. Avoid forcing yourself to exercise if you’re feeling unwell, particularly during the initial stages of withdrawal. Prioritizing hydration is essential to counteract the effects of dehydration from withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxification for Oxycodone Dependence

During the detoxification process, oxycodone is naturally eliminated from your system. Medically supervised detox aims to help you handle withdrawal symptoms while ensuring your safety and comfort. As your body continues to process oxycodone when withdrawal begins, symptoms can emerge rapidly. Therefore, it is essential to undergo a medical assessment before ceasing use to guarantee continuous support throughout the process.

Recovery involves a gradual process. Transitioning to long-term treatment after detox significantly lowers the risk of relapse. This transition is tailored to each individual, emphasizing psychological and social support. Recognizing personal stressors or triggers and developing the skills and confidence to manage them without opioids are vital for sustained recovery.

Inpatient Medical Detox

Residential or inpatient medical detox is often recommended because it offers 24/7 support and timely access to necessary medications. Personalized dose-tapering schedules are typically implemented, gradually decreasing oxycodone intake to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Outpatient Detoxification

Outpatient or ambulatory detox allows individuals to remain at home while regularly attending medical appointments. Several factors determine if ambulatory detox is suitable, including:

• The extent of opioid dependence
• Ability to consistently attend appointments, such as having reliable transportation
• A supportive home environment

Ideal candidates for outpatient detox usually have mild to moderate opioid dependence and can reliably attend appointments and access medications. Inconsistent access to therapy can increase the risk of complicated withdrawal or relapse.

Home Detoxification

Undergoing detox at home without professional assistance is possible in some cases but generally not recommended. Gradually tapering oxycodone can help reduce withdrawal effects. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so staying hydrated and using sports drinks to replace electrolytes is important if experiencing these symptoms.

A robust support network is essential when stopping opioids at home. Involve family or friends to offer emotional support and assistance if withdrawal symptoms become overwhelming. It is also crucial to remember that opioid tolerance can reverse in as little as a week, significantly increasing the risk of fatal overdoses if a relapse occurs at previous dosages.

Abrupt Cessation (aka “Cold Turkey”)

Quitting oxycodone suddenly without tapering will trigger withdrawal in those dependent on opioids. This method is not advised, especially without medical supervision. Utilizing a tapering strategy can minimize withdrawal symptoms, making the transition less likely to result in relapse.

Selecting a Detox Center

Recovery is a multifaceted process with various challenges. It is crucial to choose treatment centers that offer a comprehensive approach, addressing both medical and psychological aspects with professional support. A multidisciplinary strategy also allows for flexibility and personalization to meet individual needs, such as addressing underlying mental health issues or multiple substance use.

Consider the following factors when selecting a quality program:

• Cost: Treatment costs can be a major barrier. Inquire about:
  • Insurance coverage options
  • Available grant programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and eligibility criteria
  • Sliding scale payments and clear information on expected costs
• Accreditation: Look for accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission and CARF International, which ensure high-quality patient care standards.
• Staff-to-Patient Ratio: A lower ratio typically means more personalized and attentive support for each individual.
• Treatment Options: Avoid programs with rigid timelines or one-size-fits-all approaches. Effective programs tailor treatments to individual needs.
• Location: While proximity is important, consider the quality of care and whether the location helps remove you from environments that may trigger relapse.

Detox Duration: How Long Does It Take?

Medical detox programs for oxycodone typically conclude within one week. Following detox, moving into an outpatient or residential rehab program provides additional support during the critical early stages of recovery.

Medications for Oxycodone Detoxification

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a widely recommended approach for opioid use disorder due to its long-term effectiveness. Common medications used include:

• Suboxone: A long-acting opioid that offers pain relief without causing euphoria.
• Methadone: A long-acting opioid that serves as a substitute for oxycodone.
• Clonidine: A non-opioid medication that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, thereby decreasing anxiety and some physical symptoms, though cravings may persist.

These medications help ease initial withdrawal and provide more stable symptoms if discontinued later.

Oxycodone Detox in Salem, OR

Deciding to stop using oxycodone can be daunting, but it also opens the door to regaining control over your life. Support during recovery is essential, and high-quality assistance is available at The Recovery Village Salem. Our facility offers personalized treatment with experienced staff at every stage of your recovery journey. Medical detox is provided in a safe, comfortable setting with 24/7 support and same-day admissions available.

We manage transitions to various levels of care based on your unique needs, using a multidisciplinary approach to address all aspects of your physical and mental health. If you or a loved one is struggling to stop oxycodone use, you are not alone. Contact us today to learn more about our customized services and take the first step toward a healthier future.