Percocet Withdrawal and Detox

When someone is addicted to Percocet, it can impact behavior, mental health and their ability to function. Percocet detox is the process of the drug leaving your system and is an important first step in rehab and recovery.

Since the body is used to relying on Percocet to function, the withdrawal process can sometimes be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Knowing the process and treatment for Percocet withdrawal can make treatment seem less intimidating.

What Causes Percocet Withdrawal?

Percocet withdrawal is a series of symptoms that are a result of the drug leaving your body. Because your body has come to rely on Percocet to function normally, it has to readjust when you stop taking the drug.

Under normal circumstances, the body naturally maintains balance (or homeostasis) of different systems like body temperature or hydration. Withdrawal symptoms are experienced as the body learns to balance and function without Percocet.

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

As the body adjusts to life without Percocet, there are several physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that are common. Percocet withdrawal symptoms depend on the person, pattern and dose of Percocet use and how quickly the drug is stopped. The withdrawal symptoms from stopping Percocet can be minimized with medical or at-home treatments.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

In general, the physical symptoms of Percocet withdrawal can include feeling uncomfortable or unwell and has similar symptoms to the flu. These can include:

• Sweating
• Tremors
• Upset stomach
• Joint aches
• Nausea or vomiting 

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping Percocet can also have a psychological impact or causes changes in mood. Some of the common psychological Percocet withdrawal symptoms are:

• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia

These can be uncomfortable and make the withdrawal process difficult. Often, symptoms can be assisted by a medical or at-home withdrawal management plan.

Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) or protracted withdrawal symptoms include a set of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after stopping Percocet. PAWS can have similar symptoms to a mood disorder, and people experiencing PAWS might be depressed or anxious. Symptoms of the condition can include difficulty concentrating, irritability or depression.

Can Percocet Withdrawal Kill You?

Some of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms are caused by reducing the dose of Percocet too quickly or stopping suddenly. Stopping Percocet use abruptly can be a shock to a system that has come to rely on the drug. Percocet withdrawal can be dangerous and should be guided by a health professional, even if you’ve just been taking a small dose.

Withdrawing from Percocet can have serious side effects, like slowing breathing or heart rate to dangerously low levels. Other factors like dehydration or imbalanced electrolytes can significantly increase the risk of serious side effects or death during withdrawal.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

When prescribed for pain, the recommended Percocet dose schedule suggests taking a tablet every four to six hours to manage symptoms. However, it can take longer than this to leave your system. How long it takes for Percocet to leave your system can depend on your tolerance to Percocet and your starting dose.

Since Percocet is a combination of two types of drugs, oxycodone and acetaminophen, the time it takes for each drug type to fully leave the system is different. In general, Percocet will be out of your system in less than 24 hours but can show up on drug tests for much longer. The Percocet withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, and taking too much at once can lead to serious consequences.

Factors Affecting Withdrawal Duration

Individual characteristics can impact how long it takes for Percocet to leave the system and for withdrawal symptoms to subside fully. These can include:

• Age
• Gender
• Overall health, including liver function

The duration of withdrawal symptoms can also depend on how long Percocet has been misused and the starting dose before stopping the drug. These factors can influence Percocet withdrawal after both short and long-term use.

Percocet Detox Options

There are lots of different treatment options available for Percocet abuse that can address physical dependence and addiction behaviors. Most treatments will begin with detoxing off Percocet, which includes slowly tapering off the drug to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous side effects. There are different ways to complete Percocet detox, depending on what makes the patient most comfortable or what is medically necessary.

Medical Detox

Medical detox includes medical supervision of the withdrawal process. Doctors will monitor a patient as they detox, and can provide care that can ease the process. Some medications, like pain-relief medication, can be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms. However, medication might not always be an appropriate remedy, and doctors may offer other alternatives.

Outpatient Detox

Outpatient detox can include slowly tapering off of Percocets at home, but should still be guided by a health professional. This includes slowly reducing the dose of Percocet you are taking over a number of days or weeks. It usually involves regular check-ins with a doctor to pick up a prescribed Percocet dose.

Alternative Treatments for Percocet Withdrawal

Some patients prefer or are recommended not to take any medications and seek out alternatives for managing Percocet withdrawal. This can include things that reduce discomfort, like comfortable clothing, a cold compress, or procedures like massage or acupuncture.

Detoxing at Home

People should never attempt to detox from Percocet at home. Detoxing under the supervision of a medical professional allows clients to work through withdrawal symptoms safely. Medical detox also helps people stay accountable to their recovery goals, so they can remain sober after withdrawal symptoms have subsided.

Finding a Percocet Detox Center in Washington or Oregon

There are many different treatment centers available that offer programs tailored to suit your needs. Programs vary in length, cost and services provided so it’s important to consider and discuss what can best support your recovery. Things to consider when choosing the best detox center for you are:

• Location
• Cost
• Effectiveness
• Staff to Patient Ratio

There are safe and comfortable local options for detox and rehab around the Portland, Oregon area. Our staff can provide you with the information that can support you in making the decision that is right for you. To discuss treatment options, contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield today.

Key Points: Understanding Percocet Withdrawal and Detox

Percocet is an addictive pain medication and it can be hard to stop on your own. Percocet detox and withdrawal are the first steps to stopping Percocet use and the beginning of recovery.

• Percocet withdrawal symptoms are a result of your body and brain adjusting to life without Percocet
• Withdrawal symptoms can include physical and psychological symptoms that can last for days, weeks or in some cases months
• Detoxing is most successful when medically supervised in a hospital or detox center
• At-home detox can be dangerous
• There are many local treatment options for Percocet detox and withdrawal that can help you start your recovery journey

If you or someone you love is struggling with Percocet addiction, contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield today to discuss next steps and treatment options.