OxyContin goes by another name, oxycodone, and is highly addictive even after just a few weeks of use. Withdrawal will occur for individuals who quit taking OxyContin and have developed dependence or addiction. Find out how long it might last and where to seek help for symptoms.
Length of Time
Following last dose of OxyContin, withdrawal symptoms start around 6-8 hours after the drug has worn off. The longer a person was physically dependent on the drug or the higher the dosage, the longer and harder withdrawal is likely to be. The following are symptoms a person may experience during withdrawal.
- Accelerated breathing
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Faster heart beat
- Joint aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
Withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from 4-5 weeks. It is possible to experience protracted withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) which last months after the drug is stopped.
Timeline
OxyContin withdrawal symptoms may resolve anywhere between 3-8 weeks following cessation of the drug. The following timeline is a good one to follow for the cycle of withdrawal symptoms:
24-72 hours: onset of symptoms emerge and peak. The first several hours of withdrawal may be the most intense and uncomfortable for only about three days maximum.
First week
Acute withdrawal symptoms continue to peak and last into the first week after the drug is stopped. Insomnia, cravings and shakes become worse before getting better.
Second week
Symptoms begin to even out and regain level of normalcy. Onset later of symptoms can manifest later. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Third week
A few weeks into detox, the body should be feeling better. Symptoms may persist which include anxiety, depression and a lack of satisfaction with life.
Withdrawal
Every person will experience withdrawal differently and with a variety of symptoms. Some may experience shorter or longer periods of time during detox. Others may have taken the medication for a longer period of time and have more harsh symptoms which take longer to resolve. PAWS (post-acute withdrawal symptoms) may continue long past the average timeline for withdrawal symptoms. Opiate specific symptoms of PAWS includes short-term memory loss, anxiety and depression. If these symptoms come up, seek medical help right away.
Withdrawal can be an uncomfortable and debilitating process but only for a short period of time. For most individuals, withdrawal will dissipate and recovery can begin. The goal is to set one’s eyes on the goal of recovery, healthy and clean from drugs or other substances which may cloud the mind or body and disrupt normal processes. Seeking help for possible addiction is the best way to get started on the road to recovery.
The Villa knows every person has an individual situation when it comes to addiction. If you or a loved one have experienced addiction to OxyContin, call us to find out how we can help you get back on track to health and recovery.