Symptoms of Oxycontin Withdrawal

Symptoms of Oxycontin Withdrawal Addiction Drug Use Opioids Print Oxycontin Withdrawal Symptoms By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 10, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 27, 2018 Pureradiancephoto / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Opioids Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery In This Article Table of Contents Expand Causes   Who's at Risk Symptoms Potential Dangers Treatment of Symptoms Withdrawal Period Long-Term Treatment   View All Back To Top Oxycontin withdrawal describes a wide range of symptoms that can occur after a person stops or dramatically reduces the medication after heavy or prolonged use. Withdrawal from Oxycontin is similar to withdrawal symptoms experienced with any opiate-based drugs such as heroin, morphine, Dilaudid, methadone, and codeine.?? Causes   Any opiate-based drug can cause physical dependence or addiction. If Oxycontin is taken over a lengthy period of time, you can build up a tolerance to it, meaning that greater amounts of the drug are needed to produce the same effect.?? If you have developed a dependence on Oxycontin and you try to stop or cut back on the amount you take, your body needs time to adjust and recover, and withdrawal symptoms can result. Whos at Risk Anyone who has taken Oxycontin over a period of time, usually several weeks or more, can experience these symptoms. It varies with the individual and can happen upon quitting or cutting down. This includes patients who have taken Oxycontin as prescribed to treat pain while recovering from surgery or an injury. Symptoms Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how much and how long you have taken the drug. Some people who have only used the drug therapeutically may not even realize that they are experiencing withdrawal; many users  report thinking that they just have the flu.?? Withdrawal symptoms usually begin six to 30 hours after the last use of the drug.?? Early Symptoms of Oxycontin Withdrawal Include: AgitationAnxietyMuscle achesIncreased tearingInsomniaRunny noseSweatingYawning Later Symptoms of Oxycontin Withdrawal Include: Abdominal crampingDiarrheaDilated pupilsGoosebumpsNausea and vomiting Potential Dangers Withdrawal from Oxycontin use can be very uncomfortable, but it is not life-threatening. However, there are complications that can occur, which do pose a  danger. Aspiration can occur if you vomit and breathe in stomach contents into the lungs, which can cause lung infection or choking. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration  and chemical and mineral disturbances in your body. The biggest danger, however, happens if you quit taking Oxycontin and decide to begin taking the drug again. Because the withdrawal process reduces your tolerance for the drug, you can overdose on a much smaller dose than you usually took.?? Therefore, most overdose deaths occur in people who have recently withdrawn or detoxed from Oxycontin start taking it again and think they can tolerate the same amount they used to take. Treatment of Symptoms If you are planning to quit using Oxycontin after heavy or prolonged use, dont try to do it on your own. At the very least, make sure someone else is around to support and keep an eye on you as you withdraw. Contact your healthcare providers and let them know that you plan to detox from Oxycontin. They will explore and recommend one of a few different regimens used for detoxification, which can include the use of Clonidine to reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping.?? They can also give you other medications for vomiting and diarrhea. Withdrawal Period The severity and length of withdrawal symptoms will vary from individual to individual. The most uncomfortable symptoms should subside within a few days to a week. However, if you find that your symptoms last longer than seven days, you should seek medical attention. If you find that you cannot quit using Oxycontin in spite of your best intentions to do so, you may need to seek a professional treatment program to help you with your dependence. Long-Term Treatment   Many people who detox from Oxycontin find that they need long-term treatment following withdrawal to stay off the drug. This can include support groups, pharmaceutical treatment, outpatient counseling, or intensive outpatient treatment and even inpatient treatment programs.??