Percocet is an opioid used to treat pain; it is actually a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It has a half-life of about four hours which means that it moves through your system rather quickly. Opioids can alter your brain chemistry even after short-term use. That means that when the user stops taking them, they feel the withdrawal symptoms fairly soon. The stages of withdrawal may be different for every person but they can generally be broken down into three distinct stages.
Early Stage
This stage may begin within hours of the last dose. Anxiety begins to take over as emotions become unstable. You may experience sleep trouble, muscle aches, and pain all over your body. This stage may last around two to three days. Many people experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Headache/body ache
- Restlessness
Peak Stage
Once the first stage passes, the symptoms reach their peak of intensity. Users tend to experience an increase in heart race because opioids are a depressant that slows down respiratory functioning. Your body may also begin to sweat profusely as it attempts to regulate itself. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur as your body is also trying to rid itself of waste. These symptoms can last for several days and may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle and Stomach Cramping
- Chills
- Shaking of limbs
Late Stage
This is the last stage of Percocet withdrawal. This stage tends to be more psychological than physical but the user may still experience pain. These symptoms can last as long as two weeks and include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Drug cravings
- Mood swings
When compared to other opioids such as heroin and Oxycontin, Percocet is considered to be much weaker. Therefore, the withdrawal symptoms may not last as long as they would normally for opioids.
These withdrawal symptoms may often be so intense for individuals that they end up relapsing, so it is often advised that people seek professional assistance so that they may have a more long-term solution and recovery.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
