If you are in an immediate emergency, call 911. If you are looking for more information on substance abuse treatment and it is not a medical emergency, call our 24/7 Oxycodone Helpline at (407) 680-1226.
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid used to help people manage moderate to severe pain. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it can lead to dependence and addiction — even when taken as prescribed. When someone with oxycodone dependence stops using the drug or reduces their dose, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
If you take oxycodone, it’s important to understand the risks of dependence and addiction. You should maintain regular contact with your prescriber in order to minimize these risks.
If you wish to stop taking oxycodone, make sure to consult your doctor ahead of time. Abruptly quitting oxycodone is not recommended; instead, you should work with your doctor or an addiction specialist to develop a tapering schedule and a long-term recovery plan before you change your dose.
How Long Is the Withdrawal from Oxycodone?
Oxycodone withdrawal usually lasts for up to five days. However, protracted withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can cause some symptoms to persist for weeks or months. It is important to remember that every person is different when it comes to oxycodone withdrawal, and the process can vary widely from one person to another.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline
Though it can vary between individuals, oxycodone withdrawal often follows a general timeline. In most cases, someone with oxycodone dependence will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours after their last dose. Symptom severity peaks between 24 and 48 hours after the last dose and tapers off within three to five days. However, protracted withdrawal symptoms can continue for weeks or months, and some people will have a longer withdrawal time frame.
Withdrawal symptom severity can be minimized by working with a professional who can create a tapering schedule. Medical supervision and medications can also help you manage symptoms.
Factors Affecting Withdrawal Duration
Many factors can affect the duration of oxycodone withdrawal symptoms. Common factors include:
- Degree of dependence or addiction
- Oxycodone dose
- Frequency of use
- Duration of use
- Age
- Genetics
- Whether other substances were used with oxycodone
- Mental health
- Physical health
- The presence of a support system (supportive family and friends)
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms can be profoundly uncomfortable, but they are usually not life-threatening. Managing oxycodone withdrawal symptoms without professional help can be very challenging, and early relapse is common among people who abruptly quit without professional care.
Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal
Physical symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal often include:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Yawning
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach pains
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Flu-like symptoms
Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal
Oxycodone is powerfully addictive, and psychological withdrawal symptoms are very common. Psychological symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure)
- Dysphoria (a sense of unease or dissatisfaction)
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Oxycodone Detox for Treatment of Withdrawal
The detox period is when all traces of oxycodone are metabolized and excreted from the body. Withdrawal symptoms begin to set in early in the detox period and persist after detox is complete. Detoxing can be very uncomfortable, especially for people who choose to do it without help.
People with moderate to severe oxycodone dependence should seek an evaluation with an addiction specialist before attempting to quit the drug. Most people will have the greatest chance at addiction recovery by participating in medically supervised detox and then beginning a rehab program that provides long-term treatment and support for oxycodone addiction.
Medical Detox
Medical detox takes place with around-the-clock supervision from medical professionals who can address complications, questions and concerns. When appropriate, medications that reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms can be provided. Medical detox often involves a dose taper schedule, which can substantially reduce the severity and duration of oxycodone withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient Detox
Outpatient detox can be effective for motivated people with mild to moderate oxycodone dependence. The first step in any outpatient detox program is to have an evaluation with a medical professional. They can provide a dose tapering schedule and a clear description of what to expect throughout detox and withdrawal.
Those who wish to begin an outpatient detox program should have strong support networks already in place. In addition, people must be realistic and honest with themselves about their ability to resist temptation and avoid triggers. If you are concerned about relapsing, an inpatient detox program may be more appropriate.
Detoxing at Home
Oxycodone detox at home is possible for people with mild dependence, but it can be very difficult. Oxycodone withdrawal involves substantial changes in brain chemistry, and physical and psychological symptoms can be overwhelming. Relapse rates are very high for people who try to quit cold turkey without professional help.
If you choose to detox at home without professional advice, you should enlist a trusted friend who can help you throughout the process. Before you stop taking oxycodone, discuss your goals and why quitting is important. If you find yourself struggling with temptation, it can be helpful to have your friend remind you of why you want to quit.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, you should have a sports drink to restore your electrolyte balance.
Quitting Cold Turkey
Quitting oxycodone cold turkey is never recommended. The most effective quitting strategy is to work with your doctor or an addiction specialist who can create a tapering plan that will gradually reduce the dose over time. Tapering is a safe and effective way to minimize withdrawal symptom severity, and it substantially increases the likelihood that someone will successfully quit.
Can You Die From Oxycodone Withdrawal?
Oxycodone withdrawal is not life-threatening in most cases, especially when done under the care of medical professionals. However, severe vomiting and diarrhea caused by oxycodone withdrawal can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and heart failure, resulting in death.
Finding a Detox Center
Oxycodone detox centers should have a multidisciplinary staff that is equipped to deal with physical, psychological and medical aspects of detox and early recovery. Oxycodone is often co-used with alcohol or other drugs, so finding a facility that can treat other forms of addiction may also be important.
Underlying mental health disorders can be a component of an oxycodone addiction. Detox and rehab facilities that provide dual diagnosis care can improve success in recovery for those with co-occurring disorders.
Other factors to keep in mind when you are evaluating a rehab facility include:
- Accreditation: Look for a program that is accredited by either The Joint Commission or CARF International.
- Treatment options: Look for a detox facility that can also provide you with residential and outpatient rehab programs after detox. Treatment plans should be tailored to suit your needs; your progress should not be expected to follow a predetermined schedule.
- Staff-to-patient ratio: Many people in detox feel more comfortable when they have reliable access to staff. Look for a program with a low staff-to-patient ratio to ensure that you will have plenty of time to discuss your case with a professional.
- Location: Although the closest program may be the most convenient, it is important to make sure that you choose the best program for you. Some people find that a detox program that is farther from home limits their access to triggers or temptations.
- Cost: Cost can be a major factor when you are evaluating detox centers. Look for a facility that works with your insurance carrier or provides grants or sliding fee scales.
How Long Does It Take To Detox?
In general, most people will complete a detox program within a week. In many cases, people who have successfully completed a detox program will transition into a residential or outpatient rehab program that can help them manage the early stages of recovery.
Medications Used in Oxycodone Detox
In some cases, a detox facility may provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help relieve some of the discomfort associated with oxycodone detox and withdrawal. Many of the medications used during oxycodone detox are long-acting opioids that interact with the same opioid receptors in the brain but do not produce the self-reinforcing high that drives oxycodone addiction.
Common drugs that are used during oxycodone detox include:
- Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid that makes the brain think that oxycodone is present, which minimizes cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some people may use methadone for years after quitting oxycodone or other powerfully addictive opioids.
- Suboxone: Like methadone, Suboxone provides the brain with a long-lasting opioid (buprenorphine) that replaces oxycodone without producing the euphoric high. Suboxone also includes a drug called naloxone, which limits its risk for abuse. Suboxone may be a long-term strategy to manage oxycodone addiction.
- Clonidine: Clonidine is used to help people manage anxiety, agitation and physical withdrawal symptoms. Because it is not an opioid, however, it will not reduce oxycodone cravings.
Oxycodone Detox in Orlando, Florida
Orlando Recovery Center is a 93-bed rehab facility located on the banks of Lake Ellenor, just outside downtown Orlando, Florida. We employ a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts that can provide 24/7 care and support as you cleanse your body of oxycodone and begin the recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling to quit taking oxycodone, help is available at Orlando Recovery Center. We understand the challenges associated with oxycodone detox and withdrawal, and our expert staff can help you return to a healthier, drug-free life. Contact us today to learn more about detox services and rehab programs that can work well for your needs.
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The Recovery Village 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.