Percocet Detox
Percocet detox can be severe, uncomfortable and painful if not treated properly. Percocet is probably one of the most commonly prescribed opioid painkillers in the US. In 2020, over 10 million oxycodone and acetaminophen prescription drugs were prescribed in the US. It is also one of the most commonly misused opioid painkillers. Misuse often leads to dependence, which then leads to addiction.
When considering Percocet detox, it is recommended to taper off the medication. Under the guidance and support of a substance use disorder treatment program, patients can safely detox from the highly potent opioid drug.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription medication that consists of two active ingredients: the opioid oxycodone and the over-the-counter medication acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter analgesic called paracetamol. It is used to reduce pain and fever. It is not a habit-forming drug when taken long-term. However, it can cause liver damage.
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from opium. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for abuse and addiction. As an opioid analgesic, it acts on the central nervous system and when used long term, can cause both physical and psychological dependence.
Percocet is a powerful pain reliever often prescribed to treat moderate to severe acute pain. It is only legally available through a prescription. There are generic versions of the drug, but all forms of the drug are usually referred to by the brand name, Percocet.
It is commonly prescribed to treat pain after surgical dental procedures and to treat short-term acute pain until the immediate effects of the procedure become more tolerable. It is usually only prescribed when a non-opioid painkiller cannot be used or isn’t strong enough to treat such pain.
Common side effects of Percocet use include appetite loss, brain fog, constipation, decreased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, headache, fatigue, itching, nausea, seizures and vomiting.
How does it work?
Opioid medications work by suppressing feelings of pain and reducing anxiety. At a high enough dose, it can also produce feelings of euphoria. The painkiller relieves pain by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain. It can also stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain and induce feelings of euphoria, deep relaxation and sedation.
Percocet Abuse
Anyone who takes opioids on a regular basis over the course of a long period of time, is likely to adapt to the drug and develop a dependence. When this occurs, the user will begin to need more of the drug or higher doses of the drug in order to experience the same effects.
An estimated 30% of all abused prescription painkillers are oxycodone based drugs. In 2021, studies found oxycodone based products like Percocet were the most commonly misused prescription painkillers among Americans over the age of 12. Because of the potency of the drug, it is only recommended for short-term use and not for long-term treatment of chronic pain management.
When abused, the medication is often ground into a fine powder and snorted. Snorting Percocet increases the speed at which the drug is absorbed into the body resulting in a quicker onset of effects like euphoria. However, this method of consumption can cause negative side effects, such as risks of sinus infections and damage to the nose and mouth.
Illegally purchased Percocet can be found on the street market. Purchasing these drugs poses a high risk of danger because it is often laced with other drugs such as fentanyl or heroin. It can pose a high risk of overdose.
Percocet Detox
The start of treatment for opioid use disorder consists of detox. For a Percocet detox or detox from most types of opioid substances, medical detox under the supervision of a professional is recommended. Medical detox involves the help and care of a professional healthcare provider creating an individualized plan for detox.
The more severe your dependence on the drug, the more intense and severe your withdrawal symptoms may be. In these cases, a gradual taper off of Percocet may be able to help ease withdrawal without experiencing some of the more severe and life-threatening effects. The gradual reduction of Percocet is usually the best option for detoxing from the drug during opioid use disorder treatment.
Medical detox may also consist of the prescription of specific medications to help ease and manage withdrawal symptoms. This is also referred to as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). During MAT, patients may be prescribed medications to help with specific withdrawal symptoms. Other medications that are used trick the brain into believing that it is still receiving oxycodone and prevent and reduce the severity of withdrawal.
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Common medications used for MAT
MAT is commonly used during the detox phase of substance use disorder treatment. It can also be used to help with long-term medication management for those who have a history of chronic relapse. Some common medications used during MAT include clonidine, suboxone and naltrexone.
Clonidine. This medication helps provide a more tolerable withdrawal process and improves the chances of recovery. It helps to manage symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, anger and anxiety.
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It helps provide relief from withdrawal symptoms without the user experiencing the high from opioids. It is often used during detox to alleviate the withdrawal discomfort and helps reduce drug cravings. It can also be used for long-term management of opioid use disorder treatment.
Naltrexone. This medication is often used after drugs have been completely removed from the system and for detox maintenance because it is chemically the opposite of an opioid. It blocks the receptors in the brain that bind to oxycodone and blocks the euphoric effects. It can help reduce cravings and rebuild the chemical balance in the brain.
Percocet Withdrawal
Percocet withdrawal symptoms can occur as early as 5-8 hours after taking the last dose of medication. The immediate symptoms include muscle aches, joint pain, runny nose, watery eyes, sweating and goosebumps.
After the first 3 days of withdrawal, symptoms may begin to peak around 48-72 hours. You may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, mood swings, tremors and dilated pupils.
On days 4-7, symptoms may begin to subside with lingering psychological symptoms such as drug cravings, depression and anxiety. In some cases, these symptoms may even be more intense. The majority of symptoms should begin to lessen after a week. In more severe cases of dependence, some users might experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms, which can linger for up to a year.
Percocet vs Oxycodone
- Both of these medications contain oxycodone. But Percocet also contains the active ingredient acetaminophen.
- Both of these medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of short-term acute pain.
- Percocet can address pain in different ways because it has two active pain-relieving ingredients.
- Both medications are taken orally, but at different doses. Percocet is available in two immediate-release forms, a tablet and a liquid solution. Oxycodone is available in several forms that include immediate release and extended release.
- Both medications are available in generic forms.
- Both drugs produce similar effects.
- Both drugs are Schedule II controlled substances.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Percocet is a potent and highly addictive substance. Long-term use and abuse of the drug can lead to dependence. Percocet detox can cause painful withdrawal symptoms that if not managed properly, can be life-threatening. Professional behavioral health programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide opioid use disorder treatments.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/oxycodone/withdrawal-detox
https://www.goodrx.com/classes/opioids/oxycodone-vs-percocet