Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms occur to people who are either using Oxycodone addictively or are prescribed Oxycodone for a chronic pain condition or illness that causes intense pain. Oxycodone is a prescription opioid drug that signals the brain to release large amounts of pain-reducing and pleasure releasing brain chemicals. These types of brain chemicals mainly include dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. Once an individual has used Oxycodone continuously for several months, their body will become adapted to the presence of the Oxycodone. Essentially their body will not actively signal the neurotransmitter that helps to release these vital brain chemicals.
Is Oxycodone Detox Painful?
Without the regular functioning of the neurotransmitters, a person’s body will not release the needed chemicals to minimize pain from more average experiences. For example, when a person first gets into a hot shower, the nerves in the skin sense the heat and release pain-reducing chemicals to enable the person to tolerate the hot water without pain. Another example is when a person bumps into a sharp corner; the body is signaled that pain has occurred and rushes the release of pain-reducing chemicals. Additionally, these same brain chemicals are also responsible for allowing someone to feel pleasure. When a person eats chocolate or has sex, their brains release the same brain chemicals- dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, and they feel good. Addiction or physical dependency on Oxycodone hijacks the functioning of these necessary brain chemicals. It disrupts how a person feels physically, mentally, and emotionally. All of these brain chemical responses are part of what’s known as the reward pathway. You can get quickly hooked on oxycodone because it produces intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria at high doses.
What to Expect from Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms are a result of the reward pathway being in a state of distress. The brain and body are no longer telling each other how to deal with a cut on a finger or how to allow someone to feel good from eating a donut or watching their favorite movie. The withdrawal symptoms from Oxycodone addiction can begin within hours of the last dose. Oxycodone is prescribed in dose amounts that range from 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg tablets for oral administration in a tablet or capsule. Many people who use Oxycodone without a prescription to get high are using the 40 mg and higher dosage pills. The withdrawal symptoms that a person experiences when their body begins to detox, meaning it has run out of Oxycodone in the blood, include:
- Runny nose, watery eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, and yawning
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Irritability
- Increased pain
- Fever chills and cold sweats
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Muscle cramping and spasms
- Body aches and bone pain
- Increased blood pressure and pulse
- Severe insomnia
- Intense cravings for Oxycodone
The only way to help someone who is experiencing Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms is to have them admitted into a medically managed detox program. A medically supervised detox program provides safe and effective medications to minimize and reverse Oxycodone detox symptoms. Most programs will prescribe buprenorphine or methadone to negate the symptoms within 30 minutes or less. Other programs also offer a taper regimen, especially for people who have legitimately prescribed opioids for a medical condition and are not abusing it.
Evoke Wellness – Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
The program that Evoke Wellness in Florida allows clients to rest and sleep while in the detox. Once they are feeling stronger, they are provided one on one counseling with a licensed substance abuse counselor. They are also encouraged to go outside and relax or engage in many lighthearted recreation activities with others in the detox. Evoke Wellness allows smoking in designated areas and provides access to snacks, food, and drinks at all times. All clients are also offered a treatment plan to guide them on what types of therapy they will need to end addiction or to help them overcome a physical dependence to Oxycodone, which can also cause emotional and mental health challenges.
