How Long Does Oxycodone Withdrawal Last?

Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid used to manage severe or chronic pain. While it helps treat the symptoms of pain, it is incredibly addictive. Oxycodone is only meant for short-term use because of the risks it poses.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, “Every year more than 13 million Americans abuse oxycodone.”[1]

When you suffer from oxycodone addiction, your brain and body become dependent on it. Suddenly stopping the use of oxycodone will lead to withdrawal. Even though oxycodone withdrawal is not life-threatening, it can be incredibly difficult to cope with.

To avoid relapse, you must attend a medical detox program. Symptoms can begin within 24 hours and may last for 10 days or more.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal?
• What is the oxycodone withdrawal timeline?
• How does detox treat oxycodone withdrawal?

What are the Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawal?

When you use oxycodone long-term, you become physically dependent on it. If you stop taking oxycodone, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone include:[2]

• Irritability and agitation
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Insomnia
• Trouble concentrating
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches and body aches
• Runny nose and teary eyes
• High blood pressure and arrhythmias

While the symptoms of opioid withdrawal usually aren’t life-threatening, they are hard to cope with. Without help from a medical detox center, you might relapse on oxycodone just to feel better. Relapsing on oxycodone after stopping it for a period of time increases your chances of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

What is the Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline?

The oxycodone half-life is about three hours, which means it can stay in your system for up to 15 hours.[3] Once it leaves your system, you will begin to experience the initial symptoms of withdrawal.

Oxycodone withdrawal occurs in stages, including:

Initial Symptoms- 8 to 24 Hours

The first symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal will begin within 8 to 24 hours. You might notice feelings of restlessness, anxiety, headache, and cravings for oxycodone. These symptoms are usually mild, however, you are still at risk of relapsing if you are not receiving care from a medical detox center.

Peak Symptoms- 72 Hours

Your symptoms will peak around the 72-hour mark. This means they’ll be at their most severe. You might experience intense cravings for oxycodone, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, muscle aches, and more.

Thankfully, medical professionals in a detox program can help you overcome these symptoms by providing you with FDA-approved medications.

End Stage- 4 to 10 Days

Your symptoms will slowly subside somewhere between 4 to 10 days. The symptoms that tend to persist are usually mental health-related. Side effects like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cravings can last longer than 10 days.

How is Oxycodone Withdrawal Treated?

Short-acting opioids like oxycodone can cause some intense withdrawal symptoms. Thankfully, opioid detox centers can lessen these symptoms by using medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Instead of allowing your symptoms to intensify, medical detox programs use long-acting opioid medications to reduce the effects you experience.

During medical detox for oxycodone, you might be given methadone or Suboxone. These medications prevent your symptoms and cravings from becoming severe. On top of medication, you will be monitored by health professionals consistently to ensure you remain medically stable.

Because opioid withdrawal can affect your mental health, you’ll also have 24/7 access to psychological support. Medical detox programs hire addiction counselors and psychologists to support you through feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and more. If you need regular therapy sessions or to simply talk through the emotions you are feeling, you’ll have access to the support you need.

Once you overcome withdrawal, you will work with your doctor and therapist to create a plan and discuss your treatment options. You might need inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab, or both. These programs will help you address the root causes of your addiction and develop the skills you need to maintain long-term sobriety.

Get Connected to an Oxycodone Detox Center

If you or a loved one suffers from oxycodone addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. The first step towards recovery is medical detox, a program that treats withdrawal symptoms using FDA-approved medications and treatments. At Costa Mesa Detox, we can provide you with the medicine and support you need to overcome oxycodone withdrawal.

Costa Mesa Detox is more than just a detox facility; we are a community dedicated to hope, healing, and recovery. Our holistic approach to detoxification is rooted in the belief that every person has the potential to recover and thrive. We know that the path to sobriety can be challenging, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our facility is staffed by a compassionate team of medical professionals, therapists, and support staff who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We offer a range of evidence-based detox programs, each designed to address the unique challenges you face on your journey to recovery.

Contact us today for more information on our oxycodone detox program.

References:

1. The United States Attorney’s Office: Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Local Doctor For Unlawfully Dispensing More Than 1.2 Million Oxycodone Pills
2. Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): OxyContin® tablets