Oxycodone Detox
Oxycodone goes by many different terms, including Ox, Oxy, Roxy, and Perc. It is a semi-synthetic opioid that is often abused.
Detox Programs
Oxycodone Detox
Oxycodone goes by many different terms, including Ox, Oxy, Roxy, and Perc. It is a semi-synthetic opioid that is often abused.
Roughly 66 percent of U.S. adults take prescription drugs like oxycodone. Of the people taking prescription opioids, close to 20 percent of them admitted to abusing them at one point.
When to Seek Help: Signs of Oxycodone Abuse
If someone is taking oxycodone in excessive amounts, they may show some of the following signs and symptoms:
- euphoria
- feeling very relaxed
- pain relief
- sedation
- lack of energy
- shallow breathing
- suppressed cough
Although physical signs of oxycodone may be difficult to differentiate from everyday behaviors, the signs of an overdose are a clear call for help. Common signs of an oxycodone overdose include:
- muscle weakness
- confusion
- clammy skin
- extreme drowsiness
- pinpoint pupils
- dangerously shallow breaths
- slow heart rate
- fainting spell
- coma or lack of consciousness
- possibly death
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
As soon as six to 12 hours after the last dose of oxy, someone can start to experience withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are extremely unpleasant and can be difficult to deal with alone.
Possible oxycodone (OxyContin) withdrawal symptoms include:
- aggression and anxiety
- muscle pain
- watery eyes
- trouble sleeping
- runny nose
- excess sweating
- yawning even when not tired
Late-onset oxycodone withdrawal symptoms can include:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- wide pupils
- nausea and vomiting
- gooseflesh
Oxycodone Detox Timeline
How long does it take to detox from oxycodone?
Everyone will detox in their own way, depending on the severity and longevity of their substance abuse. Usually, someone going through an opioid withdrawal will experience a similar timeline to this:
Days 1 and 2: Withdrawal symptoms begin. Oxycodone withdrawal happens quickly, usually within eight to 12 hours of the last dose. Symptoms that happen at this time include watery eyes, muscle cramps, high levels of anxiety, and drug cravings.
Days 3 to 5: Withdrawal symptoms are at their worst during this time. Individuals detoxing from oxy may experience vomiting, trembling, shaking, and some psychological behaviors.
Days 6 and 7: Most physical symptoms will start to drop off in intensity. But, psychological symptoms such as severe anxiety and depression may occur.
After the first week without Oxycodone, individuals are most likely to relapse at this time, although most physical symptoms have gone away at this point.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is likely to occur and continue for weeks to years, depending on the exact situation.
MAT (medication-assisted treatment) medications are one proven effective way to help manage the symptoms of oxycodone detox and withdrawal. It is the safest way to taper off oxycodone use and prevent the body from being shocked by a lack of the drug.
Some MAT medications for oxycodone addiction include:
- Clonidine: helps to address the psychoactive symptoms of oxy detox, such as irritability, anger, and trouble deciding.
- Suboxone: Relieves oxycodone withdrawal without the same “high” effect provided by OxyContin.
- Naltrexone: reduces opioid effects by blocking opioid receptors and staving off future cravings. However, if someone has oxycodone in their system, this medication can amplify any withdrawal symptoms they may be feeling.
Vital Role of Social Support During Opioid Withdrawal
If at any point during the detox process if it becomes too difficult, consult your detox medical team right away. Individual and group counseling may be used to help individuals realize they are not alone. These behavioral therapies also teach you to identify early signs of relapse, cope with triggers, and navigate life after detox.
Most individuals with an opioid use disorder will need to complete an inpatient or residential treatment program after they are done detoxing. This continuation in treatment greatly increases someone’s chances of a successful recovery.
Stopping Oxycodone Abuse Safely
If you or someone you love has an oxycodone use disorder or is abusing an OxyContin prescription, there is hope. Southeast Addiction Center is here to assist you in taking your life back. Ready to make a change? Our team is standing by 24/7 to take your call at (888) 981-8263.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic – Tapering off opioids: When and how
National Library of Medicine – Alleviating Symptoms of Withdrawal from an Opioid
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