Are you or someone you care about preparing to withdraw from oxycodone?
While oxycodone withdrawals can feel daunting, they are manageable. Most importantly, you don’t have to go through them alone.
Opioid-related deaths have risen dramatically across Texas in recent years. In Bexar County, there are more than five opioid deaths per 100,000 residents every year, which is higher than in other parts of Texas.
San Antonio Recovery Center understands how quickly oxycodone use can become a problem in someone’s life. With the largest alumni network in the area, we have become an integral part in helping people recover from oxycodone use.
Let’s learn more about oxycodone withdrawals, why they happen, and what to expect from the process.
Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. It relieves discomfort by attaching to opioid receptors throughout the brain and nervous system, disrupting pain signals and altering the body’s perception of pain. A 2024 review published by the National Institute of Health points out that oxycodone “is beneficial when used judiciously for pain management.”
While this semisynthetic opioid can be helpful for individuals managing cancer or post-surgical pain, it is not without risk. Because oxycodone affects the brain’s reward system, it can produce intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria, enticing some people to use the medication, even when they are not in discomfort.
With continued use, the body can develop a physical dependence on oxycodone, gradually adapting to the drug and making it feel essential for normal functioning. While this is more likely to happen to individuals who misuse oxycodone, it can still happen to those who take the medication as prescribed. As a result, if the person attempts to quit or cut back, the brain and body react, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone affects the brain’s opioid receptors, which are responsible for regulating pain, mood, and reward. With repeated use, the body adjusts to having oxycodone in its system. However, if the substance is removed, the body needs time to rebalance. This adjustment is what causes withdrawal.
Several key brain chemicals drop or become imbalanced during this process.For Instance:
Oxycodone also disrupts GABA (which calms the nervous system) and glutamate (which excites it). When GABA decreases and glutamate rises, the brain’s balance is thrown off, leading to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and agitation..
The good news is that these imbalances are temporary, and with the proper support, the brain gradually begins to restore and heal itself.
It doesn’t take long for withdrawal symptoms to appear, usually around 6-12 hours from the last dose. Symptoms can range from uncomfortable to severe depending on how serious the problem is, the person’s individual health, and whether other substances like benzodiazepines or alcohol are involved.
Most physical symptoms will subside within about a week, but some psychological and behavioral symptoms may persist. Fortunately, you will have plenty of support to help you get through these challenging moments.
Below are the common oxycodone withdrawal symptoms to expect:.
| Category | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Physical Signs of Withdrawal | Muscle aches and joint pain, sweating and chills, runny nose or watery eyes, persistent yawning, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea), increased heart rate and high blood pressure, fatigue or exhaustion. |
| Emotional/Psychological Impact of Withdrawal | Anxiety (racing thoughts, chest tightness, restlessness), depression (hopelessness, sadness, emotional flatness, tearfulness, lack of motivation), irritability, mood swings, insomnia, racing thoughts, anhedonia (lack of motivation or pleasure), brain fog (difficulty concentrating, making decisions, focusing). |
| Behavioral Changes + Red Flags of Withdrawal | Restlessness or pacing, social withdrawal (avoidance, isolation), cravings for oxycodone (manipulative actions to find relief), mood instability (crying, hopelessness, alternating moods), sleep and appetite changes. |
While the oxycodone withdrawal experience can vary from person to person, most people start feeling better in about one week. While not all symptoms disappear immediately, the heaviest burden often lifts, allowing you to engage in therapy and begin building a new life.
Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms typically start within 12 hours of the last dose, peak around one to three days, and then taper off around the fourth day, but it’s different for everyone. It’s normal for fatigue and emotional symptoms to linger past a week, a condition known as PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). Even though the oxycodone is out of your system, it can take time for your brain chemicals to return to normal. PAWS reflects the brain’s gradual healing process.
Detoxing from oxycodone can be physically and emotionally demanding, but starting strong can make all the difference. The early days of withdrawal are typically hardest because this is when you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, restlessness, and cravings. However, with the right approach, you can minimize discomfort, stay safe, and establish a solid foundation for recovery.
The most effective (and safest) way to ease the process is to detox in a supportive medical environment. Medical detox facilities can provide medications, monitor your vital signs, and offer emotional support when needed. While detox addresses physical dependence, therapy helps you work through the emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns that contribute to oxycodone use in the first place. Without this deeper healing, the risk of relapse is high.
If you or a loved one is experiencing oxycodone dependence, know that oxycodone addiction treatment is available whenever you are ready. You do not have to go through withdrawal on your own, and there are plenty of medications and therapies that can support this process, ensuring your comfort and safety.
After detox is complete and your body is physically stable, you can move on to long-term recovery, which involves therapy, support groups, and ongoing medical care. Behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are especially helpful, as they address the emotional and psychological reasons behind the oxycodone use.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications to reduce cravings, prevent return to use, and support recovery. Aftercare treatment services also help with transitioning back to daily life. Whether it’s adjusting to life back home, settling into work, or gaining custody of your children, 12-step meetings, sober living housing, alumni networks, and ongoing counseling can be vital pieces to your recovery.
San Antonio Recovery Center can help you find your path to healing. We are a leading treatment center in the region, with the largest alumni network. Our programs encompass medical detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient care, and aftercare services. Our team is available seven days a week to provide assessments and information, ensuring we are there for those who need it most. Contact us today at 866-957-7885 to get started.
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