Percocet, also known as Oxycodone, is an opioid commonly prescribed for treating moderate to severe pain. Percocet works on the central nervous system. It tells your brain that you are not in pain by making you feel happy and relaxed. Percocet has a very high potential for abuse and misusing it can lead to addiction. Percocet abuse can have several harmful effects. Some of these harmful effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe constipation
- Slowed breathing
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
If you’re addicted to Percocet, it’s important to get professional help as soon as possible before it’s too late. At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we offer a safe opioid drug detox program that has helped men and women get off Percocet and other powerful opioid-based drugs.
Duration of Percocet Withdrawal
Percocet, like any other opioid medication, is extremely difficult to successfully get off of due to the severe physical and psychological discomfort that the withdrawal symptoms produce. Once a person is addicted, most will continue to use the medication to just feel “normal” and avoid the intense uncomfortable, and painful withdrawal symptoms. The duration of this withdrawal can vary depending on several different factors. How long has the individual been taking the medication, how much they took each time, how often they were taking it, their medical and mental history, and how they took the medication (snorting, injecting, or eating). We’ve put together a general idea of what to expect as far as symptoms go during the detox process. It’s important to never attempt to detox off opiates on your own because it can lead to relapse and dangerous health-related side effects. Percocet detox should be done under medical supervision with proper clinical care and medication. If you’re ready to get off Percocet or have a loved one that is addicted to opiates, please don’t hesitate to contact us around the clock.
Percocet Detox Process and Symptoms
Day 1 of Percocet Withdrawal – Withdrawal symptoms usually appear about 5 to 8 hours after the last dose. Some of the early symptoms of Percocet withdrawal resemble cold and flu-like symptoms and include:
- Sweating
- Aches and pains
- Watery nose and eyes
- Goosebumps
- Chills and hot flashes
- Cravings
- Restlessness
A lot of individuals relapse once some of the early withdrawal symptoms occur. Percocet (Oxycodone) withdrawal is similar to heroin withdrawal; they are both opioids. Day 2-3 of Percocet Withdrawal – On days 2-3 after the last dose, the withdrawal symptoms peak in severity and intensity. The individual will experience flu-like symptoms and the symptoms above along with some additional withdrawal symptoms. These additional withdrawal symptoms include:
- Severe aches and pains
- Abdominal cramping
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
The worst of the physical symptoms of Percocet withdrawal usually occur during this time. Day 4-7 of Percocet Withdrawal – During this time frame, the intensity and severity of the physical symptoms of Percocet withdrawal gradually start to decrease. At this stage, individuals will most likely experience strong cravings for the drug. After about a week, the physical symptoms will subside, but then strong psychological symptoms start. Cravings will increase immensely and so will anxiety and depression. Week 2 and Beyond of Percocet Withdrawal – After the first week, the psychological symptoms of Percocet withdrawal start to take effect. Depression and anxiety are huge issues to deal with and some individuals even become suicidal. Cravings intensify as well. If the individual has been taking Percocet for a prolonged period, these withdrawal symptoms can last for months. PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms) – The first stages of Percocet withdrawal include most of the physical withdrawal symptoms. This is known as the acute withdrawal phase. Any symptoms that last beyond a week are considered post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Most of these symptoms are psychological, and they can last up to 18-24 months after the last dose was taken. Symptoms do slowly subside after time and as the individual learns to cope with them. Some of the common PAWS symptoms include the inability to feel pleasure, increased anxiety and depression, poor concentration, mood swings, lack of energy, irritability, poor sleep, and agitation.
Treatment for Percocet Withdrawal
Treatment for Percocet or any opioid withdrawal is best done in a detox facility. The physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction are intense and severe, so getting help from a medical professional is ideal. Detox facilities can give you different medications to help relieve some of the intense withdrawal symptoms. Also, in this day and age of addiction, you do have options when it comes to detoxing. Many places now offer MAT (Medication-Assisted Therapy). Some medications are used to help an individual with opioid addiction; Suboxone, Subutex, and Naltrexone are just a few of them. If you or someone you love is struggling with a Percocet or other opioid addiction call and speak to an addiction specialist at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset today. Our solution-focused addiction-treatment is key to long-term recovery. Stop struggling and let us help you today!
