Sad looking woman thinking about the dangers of an oxycodone overdose
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Did you know that you can become physically dependent on oxycodone in just two short weeks, even when using the medication for legitimate reasons? 

While taking an opioid for a day or two usually isn’t a problem for most people, some studies show that just one dose of oxycodone can have physiological effects that can make a person vulnerable to opioid use disorder. The American Medical Association estimates that between 3% and 19% of people who take prescription pain medications develop a dependence on them. 

In Yavapai County, over 68,000 opioid prescriptions have been written so far in 2024. Some of these prescriptions will sadly lead to oxycodone dependence. Once a person develops a dependence on the medication, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back or stop. These symptoms happen because the body is trying to function without the substance it has come to rely on to feel normal.  

While many people assume that painful, distressing withdrawal symptoms are a natural part of oxycodone withdrawal, it does not have to be this way. Support is available to make this process more tolerable and comfortable, and Wolf Creek Recovery can help. Let’s learn more about oxycodone withdrawal, its signs and symptoms, and the medications available.   

Causes of Oxycodone Withdrawal

Oxycodone withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using the medication regularly either reduces the dosage or stops using it abruptly. Because oxycodone is an opioid, it’s possible for the body to become dependent on it over time. The body adapts to the presence of the substance, eventually relying on it to function normally. When use is stopped or reduced, the brain’s opioid receptors are no longer stimulated, leading to withdrawal symptoms. 

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be distressing and uncomfortable, making it difficult to quit. Fortunately, help is available to make this process more tolerable and manageable. Aside from various medications and therapies, a tapering schedule can also be helpful. The body needs time to adjust to the absence of oxycodone, and reducing the dose too quickly doesn’t allow for this adjustment. Keep in mind that withdrawal can occur even in people who are taking oxycodone for legitimate reasons. 

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical symptoms: 

  • Muscle aches and joint pain. One of the most common symptoms of opioid withdrawal is widespread body aches and joint pain. 
  • Sweating and chills. Profuse sweating and cold chills are typical signs of opioid withdrawal, and they can be accompanied by goosebumps. It’s also possible to get a high fever during this process. 
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common and can lead to dehydration if not treated. Abdominal cramping is also possible. 
  • Runny nose and watery eyes. These are similar to cold and flu symptoms and often start in the early stages of withdrawal. 
  • Yawning. Frequent yawning is a sign of opioid withdrawal and is often experienced early in the process. 
  • Dilated pupils. Pupil dilation is another sign of opioid withdrawal, whereas constricted pupils are a sign of opioid overdose.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Many people experience a rise in heart rate and blood pressure during withdrawal, contributing to anxiety and restlessness. 

Psychological symptoms: 

  • Anxiety and depression. Intense feelings of anxiety or panic are common when starting detox. Some people also experience emotional withdrawal, which can lead to periods of sadness, hopelessness, or depression. 
  • Irritability and agitation. Many people feel unusually irritable, restless, and unable to relax during withdrawal. 
  • Intense cravings. Cravings for oxycodone can be powerful, leading to a heightened risk of return to use if not managed properly. 
  • Difficulty concentrating. Cognitive function can also be impaired, making it harder to focus or make decisions. 

Two friends sitting on couch consoling each other

Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline

While each person is different, there tends to be a general timeline that people follow when they withdraw from oxycodone. Understanding this timeline can help you prepare for the process and know what to expect from each stage. 

The first stage is considered the Early Stage, and it happens 8-24 hours from the last dose. There can be a slight difference in the onset of symptoms depending on whether the person has been taking short-acting oxycodone (8-12 hours) or extended-release formulations (24 hours). Common symptoms in this stage include muscle aches, restlessness, and anxiety and irritability. 

The next stage is the Peak Stage, with symptoms peaking at 24-72 hours from the last dose. Symptoms are typically worse during this phase and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The Peak Stage is often most uncomfortable and challenging for individuals, though it’s important to remember that symptoms will subside. 

In 4-7 days from the last dose starts the Late Stage, where symptoms begin to lessen in intensity, although some withdrawal symptoms can persist, including fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and mood swings. Cravings for oxycodone can also remain, but there are medications that can help lessen them. 

It’s also important to point out that there is a Post-Acute Stage, which is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Common PAWS symptoms include mood swings, anxiety and depression, fatigue, and cravings. PAWS symptoms can last for months and sometimes even up to two years as the brain recovers from opioid use. However, the symptoms tend to subside as time goes on. 

Oxycodone Detox

Oxycodone detox refers to the process of clearing oxycodone from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Detox is often the first step in a broader treatment plan for opioid dependence and is typically done under medical supervision to ensure safety and minimize discomfort. It is not a standalone treatment, as behavioral therapies and other forms of support are necessary for addressing the psychological components of opioid use disorder and building a healthy life. 

Detox can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient detox programs provide 24-hour monitoring and support, making it an ideal fit for individuals with severe oxycodone dependence or those at risk for complications. Outpatient detox programs allow individuals to detox at home while regularly visiting the facility for support. This is more appropriate for those with mild to moderate oxycodone dependence and a stable home environment. 

While each detox program runs a bit differently, you can expect the following stages: an assessment conducted by medical professionals, a tapering schedule to minimize withdrawal symptoms, management of withdrawal symptoms using various medications, and monitoring and support to assess your physical and psychological condition. 

Oxycodone Withdrawal Medications

Several medications are used to help manage the symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal and prevent return to use. These medications are typically part of a medication-assisted treatment or medically supervised detox program and support long-term recovery.

Below are some of the most common medications used to manage oxycodone withdrawal symptoms. Additional medications may be recommended depending on the individual. 

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex). Helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing a full opioid effect. 
  • Methadone. Prevents withdrawal symptoms by working on the same receptors as oxycodone. Methadone is only used in structured treatment settings and is dispensed at specialized clinics. 
  • Naltrexone. Prevents return to use by eliminating the pleasurable effects of oxycodone. 
  • Clonidine. Reduces the fight or flight response triggered by withdrawal, managing physical symptoms like sweating, agitation, and high blood pressure.
  • Lofexidine (Lucemyra). Similar to clonidine, lofexidine reduces withdrawal symptoms by decreasing the body’s stress response. 
  • Over-the-counter medications. Various OTC medications may be prescribed to treat mild pain and body aches, gastrointestinal distress, and insomnia.  
  • Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. SSRIs and SNRIs may be prescribed to help with anxiety and depression, which can be intensified during withdrawal. 

Woman Crying During Group Therapy Session

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment in Prescott, AZ

To make the recovery process more attainable and less overwhelming, it’s helpful to break it down into various stages. The first step in oxycodone addiction treatment is medical detox, which safely removes oxycodone from the body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment combines various medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to manage withdrawal symptoms and support long-term recovery efforts.  

Once the body is stable, which typically happens in about a week or so, you can move onto a residential or intensive outpatient program. These programs provide a structured setting and various therapies such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic therapies like yoga and meditation. Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy help people change negative thoughts and behaviors, develop coping strategies, and manage emotional health. Support groups, aftercare, and other healthy lifestyle changes are also part of a robust treatment plan. 

Recovering from oxycodone dependence can feel like an immense journey, but you are not alone. Wolf Creek Recovery provides a supportive environment where individuals can heal from oxycodone dependence and co-occurring mental health disorders. Clients get to work with other individuals in recovery, including our own team members, while enjoying fun outdoor activities like pickleball, disc golf, softball, and basketball. We love spending time outside in the Arizona sun and falling in love with life again. To build a life you love, contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202.

FAQs

What is oxycodone withdrawal? 

Oxycodone withdrawal can happen in individuals who are dependent on the medication and suddenly stop or reduce their dose. As the body and brain attempt to adjust to not having oxycodone any longer, it experiences various symptoms and side effects.

What are the most common symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal? 

The most common symptoms experienced when withdrawing from oxycodone are yawning, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and joint pain, runny nose and eyes, and intense cravings.

Are there any medications to treat oxycodone withdrawal symptoms? 

Yes, there are various medications and therapies to ease withdrawal symptoms, including over-the-counter medications, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, and even medications that bind to opioid receptors to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the pleasurable effects of opioids.