You want to stop, you know you can’t keep going on like this. But every time you try, the nausea is terrible, the sweat never seems to stop, and the pain in your joints is just too much. The only thing that makes it go away is taking another PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen), the very thing you are trying to stop in the first place.
You are not alone, and withdrawal can be scary. In 2022, the national opioid dispensing rate was 39.5 per 100 people in the United States. Though these numbers have been dropping in recent years, there is still a concern with prescription opioids such as Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) and developing substance use disorders.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, we understand the unique challenges that opioids cause. Let’s talk about Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) withdrawal and what you need to know if you or a loved one is experiencing it.
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Understanding Percocet® (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen) Withdrawals: What You Need to Know
PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is an opioid made up of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain. When regularly taken for an extended time, the body becomes dependent on the medication. After Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen)’s effects wear off, the brain sends signals throughout the body denoting the need for more. This is called withdrawal, and it is often the main reason people keep taking Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen).
Withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. Pain, cramping, and flu-like symptoms are common during the withdrawal phase. These symptoms progressively get worse the longer Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is not present, but eventually do go away.
Withdrawal alone does not mean that someone has an opioid use disorder. It’s important to note how someone responds to it and the circumstances surrounding it, too.
Percocet® (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen) Withdrawal Symptoms: The Body and Mind in Turmoil
Withdrawal symptoms do not only affect the body, the mind can experience negative symptoms as well. Though these are not pleasant, withdrawal will run its course and symptoms will improve over time. Let’s take a look at the physical and mental side effects of withdrawal.
The Physical Toll: What Happens to Your Body
As withdrawal begins, physical symptoms become prominent. These include runny nose and eyes, insomnia, abdominal cramping, nausea, and general feelings of being unwell. Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) can cause constipation during use, and stomach and bowel distress are common during withdrawal. Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) also blocks pain during use, and experiencing joint and muscle pain during withdrawal is also common. Flu-like symptoms will occur, adding to the feelings of physical discomfort.
Mental Strain: Psychological Symptoms During Withdrawal
The mental symptoms of withdrawal can be more dangerous than the physical. Feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation, and distress can all occur during the withdrawal process. On top of that, cravings for Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) will be at a high. This is especially dangerous because once withdrawal has started, the body is ridding itself of PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen). Going back to taking it again increases the risk of experiencing an overdose because the body is no longer used to having Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen).
Combined with not feeling well physically, mental health can take a toll during withdrawal. This can lead to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others. If you are experiencing these thoughts seek medical attention immediately. Detoxing at a facility can help manage both physical and mental health symptoms of withdrawal in a safe environment.
Percocet® (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen) Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect, Day by Day
Not everyone will experience the exact same timeline when it comes to Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) withdrawal. In general, symptoms begin in the first 24 hours after the last dose of PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen) and last for around 7 days.
The First Hurdle: Day 1-3 – The Beginning of the Storm
Depending on how much and how often you were taking PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen) will affect when withdrawal begins. This can range from 8 hours since the last dose up to 30 hours. During the first day, symptoms will begin at a mild rate, often still tolerable. Runny nose, yawning, nausea, and joint pain are the first signs that withdrawal is beginning.
The Peak: Day 3-4 – When the Body Fights Back
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak around day 3, meaning they are at their worst. Nausea can turn to vomiting and diarrhea. Aches and pains become more prominent and cause discomfort. Mental health is not as strong during this time as cravings begin to set in. Day 3-4 of withdrawal is when the most support will be needed to stay the course and not return to use. If you do not have a strong support system, consider detoxing from Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) at a licensed facility or hospital. This ensures you receive proper care and management of withdrawal symptoms.
The Road Ahead: 7 Days and Beyond – Healing and Recovery
After day 3-4, withdrawal symptoms begin to dissipate, typically ending around day 7. The body begins to return to a normal state. The person begins to feel better physically and mentally. After withdrawal is complete, it is imperative to seek a treatment program. Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) use disorder is life-long, and even though you feel better, there can be underlying factors that could spark a return to use. Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) use disorder didn’t begin overnight, and identifying the root causes behind it will increase the chances of success in recovery.
Some experience a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This is where withdrawal symptoms continue well beyond the normal timeframe. These symptoms can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. When left untreated, PAWS can be a large factor in returning to use. Though the condition is under-researched, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help with PAWS symptoms in the long run.
The Key Factors That Can Make Withdrawals Worse
Some factors can influence the severity of withdrawal. One is the frequency and potency of the Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) you were taking. Those following a prescription from a doctor will likely experience a less severe form of withdrawal that the doctor can help manage. Those taking Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) illicitly will experience withdrawal symptoms on a larger scale, especially if they were taking other opioids with Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen).
Another factor is your metabolism. The average half-life of Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is 3.5 hours. This means half the substance is metabolized after that time. Those who have a fast metabolism will need more Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) sooner than someone who has kidney or liver problems or has a slower metabolism. This can make withdrawal start sooner and become more severe.
Percocet® (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen) Use Disorder Treatment in Tennessee
Experiencing withdrawal from Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is uncomfortable, but it is the first step to begin the road to healing. Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) addiction rehab will provide a safe space to detox and learn about how your use began. Through therapies and medication-assisted treatment, you will have the tools needed to leave Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) behind and move forward with your life. It’s not too late to reach out for help, and support is always available.
If you or someone you love is managing a Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) use disorder, help is here in Appalachia. ReVIDA® Recovery provides treatment options for all opioid use disorders, including Suboxone treatment along with daily therapies. Each of our facilities accepts commercial insurance as well as Medicaid, easing access to treatment for all throughout Tennessee and Virginia. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.
Reclaim your life.
FAQs
What medications are used for Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) withdrawals?
There are different medications that can be used for Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen) withdrawals including Suboxone, buprenorphine, and anti-anxiety medications.
