Percocet is a popular, opioid pain medication. This drug contains oxycodone, which means that the risk of abuse and dependence is extremely high, especially after a period of sustained use that lasts for two or more weeks.
If you, or a loved one is addicted or taking Percocet, understanding the withdrawal process, what it entails, signs of it and possible treatments can be beneficial. Here you can learn more about this process and what to expect if you or someone you know is going through it.
1. Symptoms of Percocet Withdrawal
The withdrawal symptoms a person experiences after they stop taking Percocet can vary depending on the amount of the drug they took and how often they took it. Some of the most common symptoms that are seen when withdrawing from this drug include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Vomiting, upset stomach and nausea
- Cravings
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive yawning
- Insomnia
- Sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose
- Irritability or restlessness
- Hair that stands on end
The withdrawal effects of Percocet are very rarely so extreme that they become life-threatening; however, if someone has been abusing the drug for a long time, it may be wise to seek the help of a medical facility or addiction treatment service to manage possible complications that come up and to help prevent a relapse.
2. The Potential Risks Associated with Percocet Withdrawal
The Percocet withdrawal process can lead to a number of potential health risks and complications. While these vary from one person to another, some of the most common include:
- Depression and anxiety: During withdrawal from the drug, people may experience anhedonia, depression and anxiety.
- Dehydration: Due to excessive diarrhea and vomiting during the withdrawal period, some may suffer from electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
- Overdose or relapse: Some users will take their normal dose of the drug in order to ease the withdrawal symptoms, not realize that withdrawal will reduce their tolerance. This can increase the risk of them suffering an overdose.
3. The General Timeline for Percocet Withdrawal
The withdrawal from Percocet may begin within just a few hours after the person last used the drug. During the withdrawal period, the user is going to go through several stages. A general outline of these stages includes:
- Between six and 12 hours after the last dose was taken, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear. At first, cravings may appear and then irritability and restlessness. These may then be followed by a runny nose, tearing and sweating.
- Between one and three days the effects are going to be at their most severe. The symptoms that may occur during this time include coughing, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea and body aches.
- Between five and seven days, the symptoms will start to subside; however, less severe symptoms, including depression, anxiety and anhedonia may last for several weeks, or even months for long-time users.
4. Treatment Options for Percocet Withdrawal
The withdrawal treatment that is used will be based on the level of a person’s addiction, the severity of the symptoms, the mental and physical state of the person and the recommendations provided by a doctor. In most cases, the treatment options are going to begin with the detoxification process. This is when the body is cleared from the drug. In most cases, this detoxification process will also include medication assisted therapy, group and individual counseling and other types of support.
When it comes to Percocet withdrawal, it is something that a person who is addicted should not attempt on their own. The fact is, you or your family can find help and information on Percocet withdrawals by visiting drugtreatmentcenterfinder.com. When you are informed and know what options are available you can manage and overcome your Percocet addiction. Keep in mind, you don’t have to do this alone as there is quite a bit of help available to those who ask for it.
Useful Apps
In this period of fast paced life, and with technology touching nearly every aspect of our lives, it would be a wise decision to try to benefit from such technologies in drug withdrawal, especially that the drug withdrawal process could be a hard and daunting task.
With most of us carrying a smartphone, mobile apps became a way-to-go tool for issues like drug withdrawal, and hereby are listed some mobile apps you can use for drug withdrawal:
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