Imagine you recently had surgery and are staying several days in the hospital for monitoring. To keep you comfortable, your doctor prescribes hydrocodone. However, when you leave the hospital a few days later, you notice that you’re shaking and sweating. What you are likely experiencing is withdrawal symptoms.
Opioids like hydrocodone are typically used for short-term use only, as they are associated with tolerance and dependence. If the body does become dependent on hydrocodone, you can experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit. This happens because the body relies on hydrocodone to feel normal, and when levels drop, it has to adjust.
Despite its concerns, hydrocodone is still one of the most commonly prescribed medications. Consider that Yavapai County had an opioid dispensing rate of 43.5 per 100 residents in 2022, which is quite high. While prescription opioids aren’t the primary driver of drug overdose deaths in the U.S., they do play a role.
If you or someone you care about is dependent on hydrocodone, you’re probably concerned about the potential for hydrocodone withdrawals. While this process can be uncomfortable, there are medications and therapies to make things more tolerable.
Warning Signs of Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Hydrocodone withdrawal occurs when someone who has developed a dependence on the substance stops taking it or reduces their dose significantly. Withdrawal can be both physically and emotionally challenging. The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms depend on various factors, including the dosage used, the level of dependence, and how long the person has been taking hydrocodone.
The early warning signs of hydrocodone withdrawal generally start within a day or two, peak around 48-72 hours, and then taper off around a week or so. However, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can last a lot longer. Fortunately, you are not alone when dealing with these symptoms. Medications and therapies can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that you can focus on recovery.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
While hydrocodone withdrawal is typically not life-threatening on its own, it can be very uncomfortable, and in some cases, lead to complications that can increase the risk of harm. This is why medical supervision during detox is crucial, as this ensures you stay hydrated, maintain proper nutrition, and have access to counseling and medication.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Muscle pain, tension, and joint aches
- Excessive sweating, even without physical activity
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Repeated, uncontrollable yawning
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Mental Withdrawal Symptoms
- Heightened emotional sensitivity and irritability
- Depression, sadness, or hopelessness
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline
The hydrocodone withdrawal timeline varies based on several factors, including the person’s overall health, the dosage they’re taking, and how long they have been misusing the substance. However, there is a predictable pattern that individuals go through as opioids leave the body and they adjust.
The first stage of withdrawal is when the initial symptoms pop up, typically within 6-12 hours from the last dose. People who take a short-acting formulation tend to experience symptoms sooner. Withdrawal symptoms during these initial hours are mostly physical and include yawning, muscle aches, and watery nose and eyes.
Within 48-72 hours from the last dose, symptoms go through their peak period, making this the most intense phase of withdrawal. Physical symptoms continue and also include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and intense cravings for hydrocodone. These symptoms ease up over the next week or two, with most people completing detox around 5-7 days.
Some withdrawal symptoms can linger indefinitely as a result of the brain adjusting to living without hydrocodone. It takes time for the neurotransmitters to balance out, which is why some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS. PAWS can last for weeks or months after the last dose, and symptoms are mostly psychological, including depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and cravings.
What Factors Affect the Timeline
Several factors influence the duration and intensity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms. How long a person has been using hydrocodone plays a significant role, as using the medication for longer periods of time tends to result in more intense and prolonged withdrawal symptoms. Higher doses of hydrocodone and more regular use can also increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Individual differences impact the withdrawal timeline, as factors like metabolism, age, overall health, and whether other substances were combined make a difference in how quickly hydrocodone is metabolized and eliminated from the body. Even the type of hydrocodone can make a difference, as extended-release formulations often cause symptoms to start later and peak later.
Medication for Hydrocodone Withdrawal
When someone is going through hydrocodone withdrawals, certain medications can be used to help manage symptoms and make the process more comfortable. These medications are part of a comprehensive treatment plan known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat hydrocodone dependence. Here’s a quick breakdown of the medications used:
- Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone) reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and prevents relapse.
- Methadone reduces the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and helps stabilize people as they transition off opioids.
- Clonidine is a non-opioid medication that manages withdrawal symptoms and makes the process more bearable.
- Lofexidine (Lucemyra) regulates the fight or flight response to alleviate withdrawal symptoms like chills, anxiety, and muscle pain.
- Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety and prevent return to use.
- Over-the-counter medications can alleviate specific symptoms of withdrawal, including body aches and pains, diarrhea, sleep problems, and nausea.
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications address underlying mental health issues or mood imbalances.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Treatment and Detox in Prescott, AZ
Hydrocodone withdrawal treatment and detox is a critical part of overcoming dependence. The goal of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, minimize discomfort, and prevent return to use. After an initial assessment, you will be given an individualized detox plan that may include medication, therapy, and ongoing medical monitoring. Most people spend 5-7 days in detox before transitioning to a residential or intensive outpatient program.
Completing detox is just the beginning of recovery. After the body has cleared hydrocodone, ongoing treatment is necessary to prevent return to use and support long-term recovery. Post-detox treatment may include support groups, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, family support, and the development of healthy coping skills and activities. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many tools to support your recovery and make it as successful and rewarding as possible.
Wolf Creek Recovery is a recovery center that offers personalized treatment services for substance use and mental health disorders. Our program is unique in that it’s led by individuals in recovery, so we understand what our clients are going through and how to be of support to them. We also encourage our clients to develop healthy hobbies and activities to manage stress and triggers through outdoor therapy and holistic therapy. Get in touch with Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our program offerings and how to build a life you love.
FAQs About Hydrocodone Withdrawals
What are hydrocodone withdrawals?
Hydrocodone withdrawal happens when a person who is dependent on hydrocodone stops or reduces their dose, causing the body to go into a state of shock. As the body tries to adjust to not having hydrocodone in its system, it experiences various withdrawal symptoms.
How long do opioid withdrawal symptoms last?
The acute symptoms of opioid withdrawal are usually physical and include yawning, runny nose and eyes, agitation, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These symptoms last about 5-7 days. However, psychological symptoms can persist for weeks or months later, a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
What can help with withdrawal symptoms?
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage them. This includes medication to reduce cravings and treat symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and aches and pains. Counseling and support groups can also be beneficial in providing support and encouragement.
