Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid used to manage and treat pain. Short term and long term use of opioids change the chemistry in the brain, leading to physical and psychological dependence. This means that ceasing to use this drug will likely cause discomfort, along with painful symptoms of withdrawal.
Percocet withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as only a few hours following the last use. Emotional regions in the brain become unstable, and extreme feelings of anxiety begin to take over. You may even have difficulty sleeping, experience severe muscle aches, and feel physical pain all throughout your body.
Multiple people have reported this stage of withdrawal to be the most physically painful, and lasting for about two to three days total.
Additional symptoms of Percocet withdrawal may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
After the initial two to three days has passed, withdrawal symptoms are likely to reach their peak. Because opioids slow down respiratory functions, removing them can cause increased heart and breathing rates, resulting in feelings of worry or uneasiness.
Areas of the brain that control body temperature are also interrupted, causing you to sweat profusely. Your body is now trying to dispose of waste in any way that it can, more than likely through vomiting or diarrhea.
Symptoms can last for several days at a time, and may include:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Depression
- Shaky limbs
- Muscle and stomach cramps
The last stage of Percocet withdrawal has been found to be more psychological than physical, yet many physically painful symptoms still persist. Percocet is a weaker opioid due to being combined with acetaminophen, therefore symptoms may not continue on as long as they would with more powerful opioids (such as Oxycontin, heroin, etc.). Anxiety will also likely return, and also intense cravings for more drugs.
Symptoms may last for around two weeks and may include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Drug cravings
- Mood swings
As with every opioid, there’s the risk for protracted (prolonged) withdrawal. This part of the withdrawal phase can last for a maximum of six months. Symptoms are identified by feelings of low self worth and a poor sense of well being. Additionally, a person is likely to feel intense cravings for Percocet and other opioids.
At Asana Recovery, we understand the difficulties of recovering from addictions through our daily work striving to help those struggling most from the disease. Processes of therapy and aftercare can help you to address the psychological roots of your addiction, and assist you in establishing structures from which to better cope with everyday life without substance abuse.
The closely monitored detox programs and residential treatment in California at Asana Recovery are offered in an environment that is relaxed, yet disciplined. We are deeply committed to providing the tools for your long term recovery while leading you down the path to a much healthier and happier future. Give us a call at (949) 438-4504 to learn all about our incomparable drug and alcohol addiction treatment in California today!
