As a Percocet user, you know the drug can provide welcome pain relief. But if you’ve tried to stop, you’ve likely experienced the difficult symptoms of withdrawal. Understanding what to expect during Percocet detox can help you get through it safely.
Over the next section, you’ll be shown some common physical and mental effects of withdrawal. You’ll learn ways to help reduce your discomfort. And you’ll find where to go for professional help to complete detox successfully.
Percocet withdrawal symptoms
If you’ve been taking Percocet regularly for an extended period of time, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts. The most common symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, and involuntary leg movements. The severity of symptoms depends on factors like dosage amount and length of time using Percocet.
- Severe dehydration: This can be caused by vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and even death.
- Seizures: These are more common in people who have a history of seizures or who have been taking Percocet for a long time.
- Psychosis: This can cause hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
- Heart attack or stroke: These are rare, but they can happen in people who have underlying heart problems or who are at high risk for stroke.
While Percocet withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable.
Medical detox
For some, medical detox is the safest way to stop using Percocet. Under the care of physicians and therapists, medications and other treatments can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This also helps avoid dangerous complications and provides monitoring during the detox process.
Treatment and next steps
Successfully detoxing from Percocet is a major accomplishment, but detox alone does not treat the underlying addiction. Comprehensive addiction treatment, like therapy, counseling, and support groups are usually needed to achieve long-term sobriety. The most effective programs provide a customized treatment plan based on your unique situation and needs. Making positive lifestyle changes and learning coping strategies for cravings and triggers can help you stay committed to your recovery.
With the right treatment and determination, you can overcome a Percocet addiction and go on to live a happy, healthy life without relying on opioids. The road to recovery begins with the decision to make a change.
If you have been struggling with Percocet addiction and withdrawal symptoms, seeking professional guidance is critical and vital. Still Detox Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment Facility in Boca Raton Florida at (561) 556-2677 can assist. Our knowledgeable physicians and therapists can ensure your security and maximize your potential for a successful recovery. Reach out to us presently to get started on the road to long-term sobriety and wellbeing. You’ve already taken an important first step by gaining knowledge – so call us now and move ahead in reclaiming your life and health.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid pain medication that contains oxycodone, an addictive narcotic, and acetaminophen, a mild pain reliever. Percocet pills typically come in dosages of 2.5 to 10 milligrams of oxycodone. The oxycodone provides potent pain relief by attaching to opioid receptors in your brain that help regulate pain and emotions.
A Highly Addictive Opioid
Oxycodone, the main ingredient in Percocet, is classified as an opioid, making Percocet highly addictive. When taken repeatedly or in high doses, Percocet can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This contributes to its high potential for misuse and addiction.
Effects and Side Effects
When taken as prescribed by a doctor, Percocet’s effects include:
- Relief from moderate to severe pain
- Feelings of calmness and wellbeing
Common side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking
- Constipation
- Slowed breathing
In high doses or when misused, Percocet can cause dangerous side effects like extreme sedation, confusion, and even overdose.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking Percocet suddenly after long term use or high doses, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. These may include restlessness, muscle aches, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and anxiety. Percocet withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, so medical detox is often recommended. With the help of doctors and medication, detox can help ease your withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to functioning without Percocet.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
Once you stop taking Percocet, withdrawal symptoms can start manifesting within 6 to 30 hours. The acute withdrawal phase tends to peak around 72 hours after the last dose. During this time, you may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms as your body adjusts to the lack of opioids.
Physical Discomfort
Your body has become dependent on Percocet, so removing it from your system can cause discomfort. You may experience muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and insomnia. These flu-like symptoms occur as your body rebalances itself in the absence of the drug. Staying hydrated, resting, and using over-the-counter medications can help relieve these temporary discomforts.
Anxiety and Irritability
Percocet acts on the opioid receptors in your brain that regulate mood and stress response. When the drug is removed, you may feel increased anxiety, restlessness, and irritability as your brain takes time to adapt. Deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and therapy can help you cope during this difficult time.
Cravings
As your body withdraws from Percocet, intense cravings can arise and persist for weeks or months. It’s important to avoid relapsing, as this will only prolong the withdrawal process and make symptoms more severe. Stay busy and distracted, connect with your support network, make lifestyle changes, and consider medication or therapy specifically for cravings to help you through this challenging stage.
The acute symptoms of Percocet withdrawal tend to subside within 7 to 14 days after stopping the drug. However, psychological symptoms like cravings and mood changes can continue for months. With commitment to your recovery, support, and coping strategies, you can overcome Percocet addiction and withdrawal. But if symptoms become severe or last more than two weeks, consult your doctor about medically supervised detox options.
How Long Do Percocet Withdrawals Last?
Percocet withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 72 hours after last use and can last 1-2 weeks. However, some effects may linger for a month or more. The severity and duration of withdrawal depends on factors like:
Dosage and Frequency of Use
The higher the dosage and more frequent the use, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms will be. Someone who has been taking high doses of Percocet for a long time will experience worse withdrawal than someone who has only been taking it occasionally in lower amounts.
Individual Physiology
A person’s physiology and body chemistry also plays a role in the withdrawal process. Factors like metabolism, weight, age, and overall health can affect how quickly the body can detoxify itself from the drug. Those who are older, in poor health, or have a slower metabolism may have a harder time withdrawing from Percocet.
Mental Health
A person’s mental health and psychological dependence on the drug impacts the severity of withdrawal. Those who have been relying on Percocet to cope with mental health issues like anxiety, depression or trauma will likely struggle more during detox. Psychological withdrawal symptoms like cravings, restlessness and trouble sleeping may last longer.
The acute physical withdrawal symptoms from Percocet tend to subside within 7-14 days. However, psychological withdrawal and cravings can persist for weeks or months. Many people continue to experience difficulty sleeping, changes in mood, and low energy for some time. Staying committed to a recovery plan and making healthy lifestyle changes can help ease the transition and reduce the risk of relapse. With time and perseverance, withdrawal will pass and you can move on to build a life free of Percocet.
Curious about how long Percocet stays in your system?
Seeking Professional Help for Percocet Detox
Medical Detox
The safest way to detox from Percocet is under medical supervision. Doctors can prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and monitor you for complications. They may decide to slowly taper your dosage over time instead of stopping abruptly. Either way, medical detox provides the highest chance of success.
Inpatient Rehab
For severe addictions or co-occurring disorders, inpatient rehab may be recommended. This involves staying at a treatment facility for weeks or months while undergoing intensive therapy and counseling. Inpatient rehab removes you from environmental triggers and provides round-the-clock medical and emotional support. Success rates tend to be higher for inpatient programs versus outpatient.
Percocet Withdrawal FAQs Answered
How long does Percocet withdrawal last?
The acute withdrawal phase typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks. However, protracted withdrawal symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and insomnia can persist for months. The withdrawal timeline depends on factors like:
- How long you’ve been taking Percocet and the dosage
- Your metabolism and body composition
- Whether you tapered or quit cold turkey
Detox and withdrawal are difficult processes, but the good news is that the worst symptoms are typically over within the first couple of weeks. Staying focused on your recovery goals can help you push through this challenging time.
What are the symptoms of Percocet withdrawal?
Common withdrawal symptoms from Percocet include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Restlessness and irritability
- Goosebumps and chills
- Insomnia and fatigue
The symptoms tend to peak within 72 hours of the last dose and gradually improve over the following week or two. However, psychological withdrawal effects like cravings, depression, and anxiety may persist for months. Seeking professional help from medical detox or rehab programs can help make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable.
Is Percocet withdrawal dangerous?
Percocet withdrawal can be dangerous without professional medical supervision. Complications like severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure, and cardiac events can potentially be life-threatening. A medical detox program can provide 24/7 monitoring and medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce health risks. They may use medications like buprenorphine, methadone, clonidine, or other drugs to make the detox process safer and less painful.
Going through withdrawal is challenging, but with the right help and support, you can overcome your Percocet addiction and start new healthier life. Seek advice from medical professionals on developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including counseling and aftercare. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Conclusion
You now have a deeper understanding of the painful and dangerous process of Percocet withdrawal and the available paths to recovery. Should you or a loved one face withdrawal, know that you don’t have to endure alone. Seek out compassionate medical care and counseling at our facility in Boca Raton Florida to create a customized detox plan. The road ahead may be difficult, but take comfort in the fact that thousands recover from opioid addiction every year. You have the strength within to overcome this challenge.
