Percocet, which is a blend of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is used to treat pain. If an individual is taking Percocet daily for longer than a few weeks, they can experience withdrawal.
Percocet Withdrawal
When withdrawal occurs, it means the central nervous system is attempting to regulate the body without the presence of oxycodone. Usually, Percocet withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, but they are not dangerous. However, since Percocet is one of the stronger opioid medications available, the body can develop a need for it quite rapidly. So, is Percocet withdrawal dangerous?
Yes, it can be. What makes is dangerous is that it can depress the individual’s heart rate leading to difficulty breathing as well as difficulty in regulating the respiratory system. This is dangerous, especially if the individual also has other health problems. Therefore, Percocet withdrawal should always be conducted under medical supervision.
Percocet Withdrawal Methods
Using Prescription Drugs
Doctors can prescribe a variety of drugs to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Some of the drugs that could be used are:
- Clonidine (reduces anxiety, agitation, vomiting/diarrhea)
- Buprenorphine (has been said to shorten the time frame of Percocet detox)
- Methadone (used as replacement therapy for those who are suffering addiction and need help in treating drug craving)
- Tramadol (treats underlying pain and regulates mood)Using Over the Counter Medication
There are also over the counter medicines that an individual can purchase which can go a long way towards treating single withdrawal symptoms. Some of these medicines could be muscle relaxers, flu medication and sleep aids. And these can be used without the individual being at risk of developing a dependency.
Tapering
Tapering is probably the most effective way to withdraw from Percocet. Tapering is done by slowly reducing the dose of the drug over time, thus minimizing the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Recommended dose reduction is in increments of 10% to 25%, depending on the level dose the individual takes and how severely they are dependent. Medical supervision is strongly suggested if an individual wants to try tapering to get themselves off Percocet.
Clinical Detox
Finally, if the individual is unable to withdraw on their own, or find that they try withdrawing multiple times, but end up relapsing, then they may want to consider going for a clinical detox. A clinical detox is often an inpatient treatment where the individual is monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms and professional medical help is on hand if relapse is a possibility.
The Villa Treatment Center offers individualized and hands on recovery processes. We invite you to explore all that we have to offer to make a lasting change.