Opana Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Opana withdrawal can be painful and overpowering, but recovery is achievable. Detoxing from Opana, a potent opioid, is the first step toward breaking free from addiction, and professional intervention streamlines the process.

This page highlights what to expect from Opana detox, from the most common withdrawal symptoms and a typical timeline to how to engage with effective and evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction.

What is Opana?

Opana, known generically as oxymorphone, is a discontinued prescription opioid painkiller that was used to treat moderate and severe pain [1]. The medication binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating a sense of relief. Like all potent opioids, Opana is typically prescribed only for short-term use. Oxymorphone is usually indicated for those who don’t respond well to other pain medications.

While Opana can be effective for pain management, it carries a substantial risk of dependence and addiction [2]. The drug’s effects can provoke feelings of euphoria, making it prone to misuse. Some people take higher doses than prescribed, while others crush or inject the pills to deliver a more intense high. The body adapts to the drug over time, requiring more to feel the same effects—this is called tolerance [3]. When someone dependent on the medication stops using it, this triggers Opana withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Opana Withdrawal Like?

Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use of Opana causes the body to react as it struggles to function in its absence. Opana withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, often described as a severe flu combined with intense physical and psychological distress.

Withdrawal symptoms of Opana typically begin within 12 hours after the last dose and peak within two to three days. While most symptoms subside after a week, some individuals experience lingering effects for weeks or months.

Opana withdrawal happens in stages, starting with mild discomfort and progressing to more intense symptoms. The early phase often includes anxiety, restlessness, and flu-like symptoms. As withdrawals from Opana intensify, more severe effects develop, making it difficult for individuals to function or sleep. The intensity of withdrawal depends on how long the person has been using Opana, the dosage, and whether other substances were involved.

Common early symptoms of Opana withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Excessive yawning
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sweating
• Chills
• Muscle aches

Opana withdrawals peak after 2 to 3 days and include:

• Severe muscle and joint pain
• Intense drug cravings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Goosebumps
• Dilated pupils
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure

Ongoing symptoms of Opana withdrawal may include:

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irritability
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

When stopping Opana, some people experience PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). The following PAWS symptoms may linger for months [4]:

• Persistent anxiety
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Drug cravings
• Emotional numbness

Many people who try to quit Opana on their own find it almost impossible due to the intense discomfort and cravings. The physical symptoms alone can be overwhelming, but the emotional distress often makes Opana withdrawal even more challenging to endure. Depression and anxiety during withdrawal can be severe, increasing the risk of relapse. PAWS can last for months. This can make it difficult to stay motivated in recovery without proper support.

Medical detox provides the safest and most effective way to manage Opana withdrawal. Under medical supervision, symptoms can be treated with medications and supportive care, reducing discomfort and lowering the risk of complications. Detox is the first step in recovery, helping people get through the worst of withdrawal from Opana, enabling them to focus on long-term healing.

Why Opana Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Opana affects the brain’s reward system, altering how the body perceives pain and pleasure. With repeated use, the brain begins to rely on the drug to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and relaxation. Over time, natural dopamine production slows down, leaving the body dependent on the medication to feel normal.

When Opana use suddenly stops, the body is left in a state of imbalance. The brain struggles to restore normal function, leading to the distressing symptoms of withdrawal. The severity of withdrawal depends on the length of use, dosage, and whether the drug was combined with other substances. People who have used the medication for long periods or in high doses are more likely to experience intense Opana withdrawal.

Opana withdrawal can also be dangerous for individuals with underlying health conditions. Severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure can lead to medical complications. This is why it’s safest to withdraw in a controlled environment where medical professionals can manage symptoms.

What Is Detox from Opana Like?

Detoxing from Opana is the first step toward recovery, but it can be a physically and emotionally intense process. Since Opana is a powerful opioid, withdrawal symptoms can be severe, making it difficult to quit without medical supervision. Detox helps the body eliminate the drug safely while managing withdrawal symptoms to reduce discomfort and lower the risk of complications.

Opana detox is best done in a medical setting where doctors and nurses can monitor symptoms and provide support. Medical detox typically includes:

• Assessment: Upon admission, medical professionals evaluate the individual’s health, drug use history, and withdrawal risks. This helps determine the best treatment plan.
• Medication support: Certain medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These may include buprenorphine or methadone to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, clonidine to help with anxiety, sweating, and muscle aches, over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches and body aches, and anti-nausea medications to prevent vomiting and dehydration.
• 24/7 monitoring: Vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and hydration levels are closely watched to prevent complications.
• Emotional support: Nurses and therapists help individuals cope with the mental effects of withdrawal, including anxiety, depression, and cravings.

The Opana withdrawal timeline depends on dosage, duration of use, and overall health. While withdrawal experiences vary, a typical timeline unfolds as follows:

• First 12 to 24 hours: Mild symptoms of Opana withdrawal begin, such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, and muscle aches.
• Days 2 to 3 (peak symptoms): This is the most intense stage of Opana withdrawal, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, insomnia, and severe cravings.
• Days 4 to 7: Symptoms gradually ease, but fatigue, mood swings, and lingering discomfort may continue.
• Weeks to months: Some people experience ongoing emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and drug cravings.

Many people who try to detox from Opana on their own relapse because withdrawal is too challenging to handle alone. Medical detox provides the safest and most effective way to manage symptoms, ensuring individuals are as comfortable as possible. Detox is just the beginning—after withdrawal, ongoing treatment is needed to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.

What Happens After Opana Detox?

Detox is the first step in recovery—it clears Opana from the body but does not address the root causes of addiction. Without continued treatment, cravings and relapse are common, making long-term care essential for lasting sobriety.

After detox, most people enter a structured treatment program based on their needs. Options include inpatient rehab, where individuals receive 24/7 support, or PHPs (partial hospitalization programs), which offer intensive daytime treatment with evening flexibility. IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) provide therapy several times a week while allowing individuals to work or attend school. Ongoing outpatient therapy and support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) help people maintain long-term recovery.

Some people benefit from MAT (medication-assisted treatment), using medications like buprenorphine or methadone to reduce cravings. Lifestyle changes—such as setting routines, managing stress, and building a strong support network—also play a central role in preventing relapse. While detox helps with withdrawal, true healing comes from continued care and long-term commitment to recovery.

Opana Withdrawal | FAQs

What are the withdrawal symptoms of hydromorphone?

The side effects of stopping Opana (hydromorphone) are similar to those of other opioids and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, sweating, chills, anxiety, and intense cravings.

How long does it take for oxymorphone to get out of your system?

Oxymorphone has a half-life of 7 to 9 hours, meaning it can take 2 or 3 days for most of the drug to leave the body. Traces may be detected in hair for up to 90 days, though. Factors like dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism affect how long it remains in the system.

Why was Opana discontinued?

Opana was discontinued in 2017 after the FDA determined that its reformulated version was being misused through injection, triggering outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis C. The drug’s potential for abuse and public health risks outweighed its medical benefits.

What is a substitute for Opana?

Doctors may prescribe alternative pain medications like oxycodone, hydromorphone, or morphine as substitutes for Opana.

Get Compassionate and Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment at a Premier Rehab

If you need help getting off Opana or similar pain medications, contact Renaissance Recovery today. We can help you find medical detox centers near you to streamline Opana withdrawal and prepare you for treatment at our California or Florida rehab centers.

When you choose an outpatient program at Renaissance, you can continue living at home while getting first-class addiction treatment around your existing commitments. This provides a flexible and affordable pathway to recovery.

All opioid addictions are unique, so all our treatment plans are personalized to reflect this. Therapies may include:

• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Psychotherapy
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Family therapy
• Counseling
• Aftercare planning

Begin your recovery from Opana addiction by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392409011403

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[4] https://sbmi.uth.edu/heroes/documents/Post-Acute-Withdrawal.pdf