Oxycodone Withdrawal at Home: A Timeline and Symptom Guide
For many people who use oxycodone as part of their daily routine, the thought of stopping can be overwhelming. There are times when the decision to quit is a deliberate one. There are other times when the decision is forced upon an individual by circumstances such as a lack of prescription renewal or an increased tolerance that makes the drug less effective in the body.
The biggest shock for many people is that while the symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal can be uncomfortable, the biggest question for many people is how long the process will last and how to differentiate between a normal withdrawal and a more serious condition. While the process can be frightening for some people, understanding the general process that an individual goes through during oxycodone withdrawal at home can make the process less scary and easier to manage.
Table of Contents:
Why Oxycodone Withdrawal Happens
Oxycodone is an opioid drug that affects the brain’s receptors that regulate pain relief, mood, and stress. Over time, the body gets accustomed to the presence of the drug in the body. When an individual either decides to stop using oxycodone or is forced to do so by circumstances such as a lack of renewal or an increased tolerance that makes the drug less effective in the body, the brain has to get accustomed to functioning in the absence of oxycodone. During this period of adjustment, the nervous system goes into overdrive. The overdrive is what results in the symptoms that an individual feels during oxycodone withdrawal.
While oxycodone withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening on their own, they can be extremely uncomfortable. Understanding the withdrawal process can help an individual cope more easily and stay committed to the recovery process.
How Long Oxycodone Stays in the Body
Oxycodone is a short to intermediate-acting opioid. This means the drug leaves the body within a few hours. However, the body still reacts to the absence of the drug. This can happen for a few days. The withdrawal timeline depends on a number of factors. This includes the amount of the drug taken, the length of time the drug is taken, the rate of metabolism, and the use of extended-release oxycodone. When the oxycodone being taken is an immediate-release drug, withdrawal symptoms may start sooner than they do with a longer-acting drug such as methadone.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline
The withdrawal timeline for oxycodone is similar for most people. This is true regardless of the reasons they are taking the drug. Most people follow the same pattern during the withdrawal timeline.
Early withdrawal symptoms begin 6 to 12 hours after the last oxycodone dose. Early withdrawal symptoms feel similar to the onset of the flu. Early withdrawal symptoms may include restlessness, anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, and an increased need to move around or stretch. Difficulty sleeping is common. During this time, the individual may feel emotionally unbalanced or irritable. This is the time when withdrawal symptoms are mild to moderate. However, they do get worse over the next few hours.
Peak withdrawal symptoms begin 24 to 72 hours after the last oxycodone dose. This is the most difficult time. Pain in the muscles tends to increase, and people may feel chills, nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. There may be a lot of sweating and goosebumps on the skin, hence the withdrawal symptoms being likened to a severe flu accompanied by restlessness.
Sleep disturbances are also common during this stage. Anxiety or mood swings may also be experienced. Opioid cravings can also be felt during the peak withdrawal stage.
Despite the uncomfortable nature of the above withdrawal symptoms, they are temporary and start to resolve as the body continues to stabilize.
Gradual Improvement: Days 4–7
Most physical withdrawal symptoms tend to resolve gradually after the third or fourth day. The physical pain or gastrointestinal distress tends to resolve gradually. The nervous system also tends to balance itself.
However, some people may experience tiredness or sleep disturbances. Some people may feel drained during this stage, even as their withdrawal symptoms resolve gradually.
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability may also be experienced during this stage. This is because the brain is trying to readjust itself to the normal balance of dopamine or endorphins.
Most people find this stage to be the turning point for their withdrawal process.
Common Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawal
Oxycodone withdrawal can affect both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. The symptoms can be physical or mental.
The physical symptoms of withdrawal can include muscle aches, sweating, chills, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, or sleep disturbances. The latter are extremely common, especially during the first few days of withdrawal.
Mood swings, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating can also be experienced by an individual undergoing withdrawal. The brain is trying to readjust itself to normal balance during this time.
Despite the uncomfortable nature of the above withdrawal symptoms, they are temporary and resolve gradually as the nervous system continues to stabilize.
Factors That Influence Withdrawal Severity
Withdrawal experiences differ based on various factors.
Individuals who have been on the drug for a short time may experience mild withdrawal compared to those who have been on the drug for a long time.
Other factors that may influence the experience of an individual during the withdrawal process include the individual’s health status, level of hydration, sleeping patterns, and support from others.
In some instances, an individual may experience complex withdrawal symptoms when switching from one type of opioid to another.
Managing Oxycodone Withdrawal at Home
In some cases, an individual who is medically stable may undergo the withdrawal process at home with the right support. The environment should be conducive to make the experience easier.
During the withdrawal process, an individual should ensure that he or she is hydrated, especially when the body is sweating. The individual should eat light foods to ensure that he or she has enough energy to undergo the process.
When Medical Support Is Helpful
Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening. However, an individual may find it helpful to seek medical support during the detoxification process.
A doctor may prescribe a drug that helps to alleviate the experience of the individual. The doctor may also help the individual to manage anxiety and ensure that he or she sleeps well. The doctor may also help the individual to alleviate dehydration that may occur during the withdrawal process.
Physicians at Elite Home Detox assess the background and symptoms of the patient and decide whether the symptoms can be treated at home or require a more intense level of treatment.
For those who cannot get through the withdrawal process on their own, medical supervision can greatly ease the discomfort.
Understanding Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
After the end of the withdrawal period, some individuals may still be experiencing a number of different withdrawal symptoms. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
PAWS symptoms may include fatigue, moodiness, sleep problems, and trouble concentrating. This occurs because the brain is returning to normal function after being exposed to opioids for a long period.
Although the post-acute withdrawal syndrome is not as bad as the actual withdrawal symptoms, it can last for a number of weeks or months. It is essential for individuals to be aware of this stage so that they remain committed to the recovery program.
A Realistic Perspective on Oxycodone Withdrawal
Although the withdrawal from oxycodone is uncomfortable, it is also temporary. The body has the ability to heal itself once it is free from the opioids.
The hardest part of the withdrawal is usually over in a few days. After that, the withdrawal symptoms will ease up. For the patient or the individual going through the withdrawal process, it is essential for them to be aware of the duration that the oxycodone withdrawal will last.
Change does not happen overnight, but the first step towards healing begins with the individual being aware of what the body is going through and why.