Oxycontin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

OxyContin withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and demanding. This powerful opioid painkiller changes how the brain works, provoking physical dependence and intense cravings. When someone stops using OxyContin, their body reacts with withdrawal symptoms ranging from flu-like discomfort to severe depression and anxiety. OxyContin withdrawal can be mitigated with medical supervision.

Detoxing from OxyContin involves more than clearing the drug from your system and requires ongoing treatment. This page explores what to expect from the process and how to connect with effective and compassionate care when stopping OxyContin.

What is Oxycontin?

OxyContin is a prescription opioid painkiller containing oxycodone, a potent narcotic used to manage severe or chronic pain [1]. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and addiction [2]. Doctors typically prescribe it for those dealing with post-surgical pain, injuries, or long-term illnesses such as cancer. When taken as directed, OxyContin can help people manage pain effectively, but misuse can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence.

What makes OxyContin different from other opioids is its time-release formula. Instead of delivering immediate relief, it slowly releases oxycodone into the bloodstream over several hours, providing long-lasting pain control. That said, many people abuse the drug by crushing the pills and snorting or injecting them. This bypasses the slow-release mechanism, causing an intense, euphoric high similar to heroin. Because of this effect, OxyContin helped drive the U.S. opioid epidemic, leading to widespread addiction and overdose deaths.

Dependence can develop quickly, even for those taking the drug as prescribed. The longer a person uses OxyContin, the more their body adapts to its effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. The brain and body rely on the drug over time, making it difficult to function without it. When a person tries to quit, they often experience painful OxyContin withdrawal symptoms, making it incredibly difficult to stop without professional help.

What Is Oxycontin Withdrawal Like?

OxyContin withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using the drug regularly stops taking it. Because the body has become dependent on the opioid, suddenly removing it can cause intense physical and emotional symptoms. The severity of withdrawal depends on factors such as the dose, duration of use, and whether the person quit suddenly or tapered off gradually.

Symptoms usually begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, peak around 48 to 72 hours, and can last a week or more. Psychological symptoms like cravings and depression may persist for months, making long-term recovery challenging without proper support.

What are the symptoms of withdrawal from Oxycontin?

Common early OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Intense cravings
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Runny nose
• Sneezing

When withdrawal symptoms of Oxycontin peak, they include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Tremors
• Dilated pupils

Later withdrawal symptoms OxyContin include:

• Fatigue
• Reduced energy
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle pain
• Appetite loss

While withdrawals from OxyContin are not usually life-threatening, they can be remarkably uncomfortable. Many people relapse during withdrawal to stop the pain, which is why medical supervision can make a huge difference. In a professional detox setting, medications and supportive care can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

For some, PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) can continue for weeks or months [3]. This includes ongoing anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and cravings. These long-term effects make continuing treatment and support essential for maintaining sobriety.

Why Oxycontin Abuse Causes Withdrawal

OxyContin withdrawal happens because long-term use changes how the brain functions [4]. Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and prompting the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain stops producing dopamine naturally, relying on the drug to create those feelings.

When a person stops taking OxyContin, the brain is left in a state of imbalance. Without the drug, dopamine levels plummet, and the nervous system goes into overdrive, causing symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal. The body reacts with muscle pain, nausea, chills, and intense cravings as it struggles to function without the opioid it has become dependent on.

Several factors can influence the severity of withdrawal:

• Dosage and duration of use: Higher doses and long-term use make withdrawal more severe.
• Method of use: Snorting or injecting OxyContin can cause a faster and more powerful addiction, leading to worse withdrawal.
• Individual biology: Genetics, metabolism, and overall health can affect how OxyContin withdrawal symptoms manifest.
• Polysubstance use: Using other substances, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can complicate OxyContin withdrawals.

The longer a person misuses OxyContin, the more difficult it becomes to quit. This is why medical detox for OxyContin is recommended to manage symptoms safely and reduce the risk of relapse. Professional treatment can provide medications, medical supervision, and emotional support to help individuals get through withdrawal and begin their recovery journey.

What Is Detox for OxyContin Like?

Detoxing from OxyContin is the first step in breaking free from opioid dependence. This process involves clearing the drug from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Since OxyContin affects the brain’s opioid receptors, stopping it suddenly can cause intense cravings, severe discomfort, and even dangerous health risks.

Medical detox is the safest and most effective way to go through withdrawal. In a professional setting, doctors monitor symptoms and may use medications to ease discomfort. Without medical support, withdrawal can be unbearable, increasing the chances of relapse. This is a typical OxyContin withdrawal timeline:

• First 24 hours: Mild symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal begin, including anxiety, sweating, muscle aches, and restlessness.
• Days 2 to 3: Symptoms peak, becoming more intense. Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and intense drug cravings are common. Many describe this stage as feeling like a severe flu combined with extreme agitation.
• Days 4 to 7: Symptoms gradually ease, but fatigue, depression, and trouble sleeping often persist.
• Weeks to months after detox: Some people experience PAWS, where cravings, anxiety, and mood swings linger.

To ease symptoms, OxyContin detox programs may offer medications like buprenorphine or methadone, which help reduce cravings and withdrawal effects. Non-opioid medications, such as clonidine for anxiety or anti-nausea medications, may also be used. The goal of detox is to make OxyContin withdrawal as manageable as possible, increasing the chances of moving forward into long-term recovery.

What Happens After Oxycontin Detox?

Detox is an invaluable step in recovery, but it is not a cure for addiction. Once the body is free of OxyContin, the real work begins—addressing the mental and emotional aspects of opioid dependence. Without proper treatment, the risk of relapse remains high, as cravings and psychological withdrawal symptoms can persist for weeks or even months.

Treatment after detox typically includes:

• Inpatient rehab: A structured environment where people receive 24/7 medical care, therapy, and support. This is often recommended for those with severe addictions or a history of relapse.
• Outpatient programs: For those who cannot commit to inpatient care, outpatient programs offer therapy and medical support while allowing individuals to continue their daily responsibilities.
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment): Medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone can help prevent relapse by reducing cravings and blocking the effects of opioids.
• Therapy and counseling: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), group therapy, and family counseling help individuals develop coping strategies and rebuild relationships damaged by addiction.

Long-term recovery requires ongoing effort. Many people find success through support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous), sober living homes, and lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being. Staying engaged in treatment, building a strong support system, and learning new ways to handle stress are central to remaining abstinent from OxyContin long-term.

Oxycontin Withdrawal | FAQs

What happens when a person stops taking oxycodone?

The side effects of stopping oxycodone include withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug. This can trigger intense cravings, flu-like symptoms, and emotional distress.

How hard is it to come off OxyContin?

Withdrawal from OxyContin can be highly challenging due to the intensity of symptoms and cravings. Many people relapse without medical support because the discomfort can feel unbearable.

What are two examples of withdrawal symptoms for someone who abruptly stops taking opioids?

Common withdrawal symptoms include severe muscle aches and intense nausea or vomiting. These symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and last for about a week.

How long does it take for oxy to leave your system?

Oxycodone typically stays in the body for 24 hours, but traces can be detected in urine for 3 days and in hair for 90 days.

Get Effective and Evidence-Based Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you care about needs help getting off OxyContin, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We can help you find a medical detox center near you to help you detox from Oxycontin and prepare yourself for ongoing treatment at one of our Florida or California rehabs.

Our outpatient programs offer an affordable and flexible pathway to recovery from opioid addiction, enabling you to live at home while attending therapy sessions around your existing commitments.

The unique aspect of all opioid addictions means all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized. Therapies might include:

• MAT
• Counseling
• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Aftercare

Kickstart your recovery from oxycodone addiction by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4018705/

[2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html

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

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2851054/