What are OxyContin withdrawal symptoms?
Thinking about detoxing from Oxycontin (oxycodone)?
Whether you want to learn more about treatment for OxyContin addiction or detoxing from OxyContin, read on here. We review which Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms you can expect during detox, as well as how long they last. Plus a section at the end for your questions about how to treat OxyContin withdrawal.
Why do Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms occur?
Oxycontin is an opioid slow-release pain killer that can relieve pain for up to 12 hours at a time. In fact, OxyContin is considered a strong narcotic with a high potential for abuse and dependence. But why do you experience Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms at all?
Withdrawal symptoms occur when people who have been using OxyContin daily for more than a few weeks suddenly stop taking OxyContin or dramatically reduce their dosage. Oxycontin binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Over time, OxyContin alters the brain chemistry to the point the brain becomes normalized on the drug and produces withdrawal symptoms when you terminate use of Oxycontin. As you continue to use OxyContin, your body slowly adapts to the prescence of oxycodone. Because oxycodone depresses the central nervous system, the body reacts by “speeding up” certain processes to keep everything in balance. In essence, withdrawal symptoms are simply the “sped up” functions of the body which become noticeable when you stop taking OxyContin.
What are symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal?
Oxycontin can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Like most opioids, Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms manifest much like the flu: chills, sweats, and fatigue are all common during OxyContin withdrawal. These symptoms usually appear a few hours after your last dose has worn off. There are several other symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal that will also affect you as your body is trying to return to normalcy. Symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal can include the following:
- accelerated breathing
- extreme dissatisfaction with life
- fast heart beat
- joint pain and aches
- loss of appetite
- runny nose
- sleep disturbances
- watering eyes
Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms: How long?
How long Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms last depends mainly on how you were using OxyContin. In fact, the time it takes for OxyContin withdrawal symptoms to subside will fluctuate. People who take OxyContin as prescribed usually get through the worst symptomsin the first 5-7 days after last dose. Those who abuse or have developed a dependency to Oxycontin can expect to experience a longer term of withdrawal. For the most part, the longer or the higher doses of Oxycontin you take, the longer and harder it is to withdraw from Oxycontin. Most OxyContin withdrawal symptoms peak in the first 72 hours after last dose. But protracted withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety can persist for weeks or months after last use.
Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms treatment
Because of the high dependency rate attritubed to oxycodone, OxyContin withdrawal can be intense and severe. It is always recommend that this process is MEDICALLY SUPERVISED and monitored. In fact, if you think you may be addicted to OxyContin,seeking a rehab or detox clinic to treat OxyContin withdrawal symptoms. This support can greatly increase the likelihood that you avoid relapse. It also takes into consideration the psychosocial aspects of withdrawal.
Overall there are two main forms of Oxycontin withdrawal treatment:
1. Supportive care/tapering
2. Doctor prescribed medication
1. Supportive care and tapering for Oxycontin withdrawal – It isn’t recommended that you suddenly stop taking Oxycontin. Instead, experts recommend that you slowly taper OxyContin doses over the course of several weeks. While each doctor will create an individualized schedule for you, opioids are generally tapered at 10% every few days, and about 25% per week. You should never reduce by 50% or more at one time. Seek supportive medical care for OxyContin withdrawal so that a doctor can monitor you and assess how long and at what doses withdrawal is best. You don’t have to be alone in the withdrawal process.
2. Doctor prescribed medication – Several medications with potential benefit can be prescribed during Oxycontin withdrawal. Clonidine is prescribed to reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle cramps, and sweating in patients. Some physiciansrecommend Naloxone or Buprenorphine to block opioid effects without causing euphoria. Other doctors might start you on methadone in cases of OxyContin abuse. Or, antidepressants may be prescribed to treat underlying issues of depression or anxiety. Medications physicians prescribe for opioid withdrawal vary, so be aware of your body, what you think it needs, and what work best to help treat OxyContin withdrawal symptoms during detox.
Oxycontin Withdrawal questions
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Still have another question about Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms? Please ask any question you have regarding Oxycontin below. We are happy to respond to you personally, and will try to answer your questions ASAP. And if we don’t know the answer, we will refer you to someone who does.