Hydrocodone Detox in Orlando

Hydrocodone Withdrawal

Hydrocodone is  one of the most commonly prescribed opioids in the United States. It’s. Hydrocodone is an effective pain reliever, but its use is associated with significant risks as well. There are possible adverse side effects, like nausea and vomiting. Dependence and an addiction can develop with regular hydrocodone use. This is reflected in its drug scheduling. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hydrocodone is classified as a schedule II substance. Schedule II substances are believed to carry a risk of being habit-forming.

Hydrocodone dependence can occur if someone is using the drug exactly as prescribed or if they’re abusing it. Being dependent on hydrocodone doesn’t necessarily mean someone is addicted, but the two often go hand-in-hand. Dependence on an opioid occurs primarily because of the effects these substances have on the central nervous system. When someone uses hydrocodone, their body becomes used to its presence. The longer or more heavily someone uses an opioid like hydrocodone, the more likely a dependence is to form, because the body becomes more accustomed to the presence of the drug.

For someone with a hydrocodone dependence, if they try to stop using the substance suddenly or lower their dosage, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. As with other opioids, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Hydrocodone withdrawal can last for anywhere from a week to 10 days. There are individual factors that play a significant role in how severe hydrocodone withdrawal is and the length of the hydrocodone withdrawal timeline. These factors can include:

  • The length of time someone used hydrocodone
  • Whether other substances were used simultaneously to hydrocodone
  • Genetic factors, such as underlying physical or mental health issues
  • The dose of hydrocodone someone was regularly using

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Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can be similar to flu symptoms. If someone has been using hydrocodone for a long period of time or regularly uses large doses, their symptoms may be more severe. The symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal can be similar to heroin withdrawal.

Some of the most common hydrocodone detox symptoms may include:

  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia
  • Shaking
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Cravings
  • Goosebumps

Symptoms can be psychological as well as physical. For example, people often experience depression as part of hydrocodone withdrawal. The psychological symptoms can last longer than the physical symptoms of withdrawal. It can also be difficult for a person to feel pleasure as they go through opioid withdrawal, because of how these substances affect the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.

If someone took hydrocodone orally as prescribed, withdrawal symptoms may be less severe than for someone who dissolved hydrocodone and injected it regularly. Underlying mental and physical health conditions can also affect withdrawal symptoms, as can having gone through opioid withdrawal previously.

Hydrocodone Detox in Orlando

For people who are struggling with hydrocodone dependence, the fear of going through withdrawal can often be a deterrent to receiving treatment. The best option is a medical hydrocodone detox. During a medical detox, patients can be provided with around-the-clock medical care and treatment. Their vitals can be monitored to ensure they stay safe. Patients in a medical hydrocodone detox may also be able to receive prescription medications for any physical or mental symptoms they’re experiencing. Unlike many substances, opioids do have several medications specifically approved for use during detox. Some of the medications that might be used during hydrocodone detox include:

  • Methadone: Methadone is a controlled substance, as is hydrocodone. As a weak opioid narcotic, methadone = can be used to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings. There is controversy surrounding the use of methadone, Methadone has its own addiction potential, so it may not be the preferred medication during hydrocodone detox.
  • Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the same receptor sites as hydrocodone, but there is a ceiling effect. After a certain point, buprenorphine won’t have increasing effects. For example, using a high dose of buprenorphine won’t cause a euphoric high. While the medicationis a schedule II controlled substance, it can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Suboxone: Suboxone is a brand-name medication that can be used to help treat hydrocodone detox symptoms. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. The naloxone in the medication blocks opioids from attaching to receptor sites. If someone relapses and tries to use opioids while on Suboxone, there won’t be any effects. Naloxone is added to Suboxone as an abuse deterrent.
  • Lofexidine: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new medication for opioid detox called lofexidine. Lofexidine is marketed under the brand-name Lucemyra. It can help with opioid withdrawal symptoms including aches, pains, spasms, cramps, sleep problems and nausea.

Hydrocodone Detox Timeline

How soon after using the last dose do signs of hydrocodone withdrawal start? How long does hydrocodone withdrawal last? These are common questions. The answers can vary from person-to-person, but in general for most people, the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal start to subside after ten days. For many people, the signs of hydrocodone withdrawal last only five to seven days.

The signs of hydrocodone withdrawal usually begin anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after someone’s taken the last dose of the drug. Within 72 hours after the last dose, peak symptoms typically occur. Then, within the first 5 to 10 days, most people see that their symptoms will start to decline. However, people who used hydrocodone for an extended period of time could experience some symptoms for several weeks. The longer and more ongoing symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal are usually psychological. For example, someone might experience depression or cravings for weeks or months.

If you would like to learn more about hydrocodone detox in Orlando, and the options available, contact Orlando Recovery Center today.

Medical Disclaimer: Orlando Recovery Center aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.