Panacet Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Withdrawal from Panacet can be physically and emotionally overpowering. This prescription painkiller contains hydrocodone, an opioid that can trigger dependence, even when taken as directed. Once the body becomes accustomed to the medication, discontinuation can trigger intensely unpleasant Panacet withdrawal symptoms. Panacet withdrawal feels like a severe case of the flu combined with restlessness, cravings, and anxiety.

Fortunately, detox from Panacet is relatively brief, and there’s help available. This page explains how medical supervision can alleviate Panacet withdrawal symptoms and streamline the transition to ongoing treatment for opioid addiction.

What is Panacet?

Panacet is a prescription painkiller that combines two medications: hydrocodone and acetaminophen [1]. Hydrocodone is a potent opioid that changes how the brain perceives pain, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever commonly used in OTC medications like Tylenol. The combination makes Panacet effective for managing moderate to severe pain, but it also increases the risk of dependence and addiction [2].

Doctors generally prescribe Panacet only for short-term relief, such as after surgery or injury. The medication may be used to manage chronic pain when other treatments are not effective. That said, hydrocodone can provoke physical dependence, even when taken as directed. The longer someone uses Panacet, the more their body adapts to the drug, meaning that higher doses are needed to deliver the initial effects. This can prompt a dangerous cycle of increasing use, which raises the risk of addiction.

Panacet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse [3]. Some people misuse the medication by taking more than prescribed, crushing and snorting pills, or mixing it with alcohol or other drugs to intensify its effects. Misuse increases the risk of overdose, which can cause severe respiratory depression, coma, or death.

Using this medication excessively can also damage the liver due to the acetaminophen content, potentially triggering liver failure. Any form of Panacet abuse is dangerous, as people may take large doses without appreciating the harm it can do beyond opioid dependence.

What Is Panacet Withdrawal Like?

When someone takes Panacet for an extended period, their body adapts to the continuous presence of hydrocodone. If they suddenly moderate or discontinue use, the body struggles to adjust, leading to withdrawal from Panacet. Withdrawal symptoms of Panacet feel like severe flu with additional anxiety and emotional distress.

When someone takes Panacet for an extended period, their body adapts to the presence of hydrocodone. If they suddenly stop or reduce their dose, the body struggles to adjust, leading to withdrawal. The symptoms can feel like a severe case of the flu, combined with intense cravings and emotional distress.

Common symptoms of Panacet withdrawal include:

• Sweating
• Chills
• Shivering
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure

For those wondering, “How long does it take to withdraw from Panacet,” the Panacet withdrawal timeline usually unfolds as follows:

• 6 to 12 hours: Early Panacet withdrawals manifest, including sweating, muscle aches, runny noses, and anxiety.
• 24 to 72 hours: Withdrawals from Panacet peak in intensity. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and powerful cravings make this phase of Panacet withdrawal the most challenging.
• 4 to 7 days: Physical symptoms of Panacet withdrawal fade, but fatigue, mood swings, and insomnia may persist.

Panacet withdrawal is not generally life-threatening, but the discomfort can complicate discontinuation without professional support. Many people relapse simply to alleviate the side effects of stopping Panacet.

Why Panacet Abuse Causes Withdrawal

Panacet withdrawal occurs because of how hydrocodone interacts with the brain and body. Opioids like hydrocodone bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and prompting the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward [4]. This flood of dopamine creates euphoria and relaxation, which is why opioids are so addictive.

The brain adjusts to the presence of hydrocodone over time by reducing its natural dopamine production. The body becomes dependent on the drug for normal functioning. When someone stops taking Panacet or reduces their dose, the brain fights to compensate for the missing opioids. This leads to a chemical imbalance, which brings on Panacet withdrawal.

Without Panacet, the CNS (central nervous system) becomes overactive, resulting in physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Panacet withdrawal varies in intensity based on:

• Duration of use: The longer someone takes the medication, the stronger the dependence.
• Dosage: Higher doses create more severe symptoms of Panacet withdrawal.
• Method of administration: Snorting, injecting, or combining Panacet with other addictive substances can increase dependence.
• Personal health: Mental health conditions or a history of substance abuse can worsen Panacet withdrawal.

Since Panacet withdrawal is physically and emotionally draining and is associated with a high risk of relapse, medical detox is the safest and most comfortable pathway to recovery.

What Is Detox for Pancet Like?

Detox is the first and most physically demanding step in overcoming Panacet dependence. When someone stops taking the drug, their body struggles to function without it, leading to withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. Medical detox provides a controlled environment where withdrawal symptoms can be safely managed, reducing the risk of relapse and complications.

How Detox Works

Panacet detox involves removing the drug from the body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to intense cravings and severe discomfort, so detox from Panacet is generally carried out under medical supervision using one of two methods:

1. Tapering off the drug: Gradually lowering the Panacet dose over time enables the body to adjust to its absence. Tapering reduces the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and decreases the risk of relapse. The length of the tapering process is contingent on how long the drug was used, the dosage, and individual health.
2. Medication-assisted detox: Medications like buprenorphine or methadone are sometimes prescribed to help manage cravings and ease Panacet withdrawal. These FDA-approved medications attach to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing symptoms without producing a high. Other medications, such as clonidine or lofexidine, may be used to manage sweating, anxiety, or high blood pressure.

Detoxing from Panacet involves the presentation of withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 12 hours of the last use, which persist for a week or more. Psychological cravings may linger for weeks or months after detox.

Some facilities offer rapid detox, where individuals are placed under anesthesia while medications flush opioids from their system. While this may seem like an easy way to detox, it can be hazardous, leading to complications like heart issues, respiratory distress, and extreme discomfort. Most addiction specialists recommend a slower, medically supervised approach to Panacet detox instead.

What Happens After Panacet Detox?

Detox is the first step in the recovery process, but it doesn’t handle the mental and emotional aspects of substance use. Without follow-up treatment, many people relapse shortly after detox.  Ongoing care helps people build coping skills and prevent future opioid use.

After Panacet detox, people may engage with any of the following:

• Inpatient rehab: Also known as residential rehab, this is a structured, live-in program where people receive counseling, therapy, and medical care. Inpatient rehab is ideal for those with severe addictions, co-occurring mental health disorders, or a history of relapse.
• Outpatient programs: This is a flexible option where individuals attend therapy and support groups while living at home. Outpatient treatment is available at varying levels of intensity and suits those with milder addictions and strong support systems.
• Therapy: Behavioral therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) help people isolate addiction triggers, change harmful thought patterns, and develop healthy coping techniques.
• Support groups: Groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and SMART Recovery provide peer support, accountability, and encouragement during sustained recovery from Panacet addiction.

Recovering from Panacet withdrawal and addiction is achievable with the proper treatment and support. Choosing to enlist professional help will increase the chances of getting sober and staying sober long-term.

Panacet Withdrawal | FAQS

What are the withdrawal symptoms of hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone withdrawal can cause symptoms like sweating, chills, muscle aches, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms can feel like a severe flu combined with emotional distress.

How long does painkiller withdrawal take?

Most physical symptoms of painkiller withdrawal last between 5 to 10 days. Emotional symptoms, like anxiety and cravings, may linger for several weeks.

How long does it take for a withdrawal?

Withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, peaks around day 2 or 3, and starts to improve after a week. The complete timeline can vary depending on the drug, dose, and length of use.

What happens to your body when you stop taking painkillers?

When you stop taking painkillers, your body goes into shock as it adjusts to the lack of opioids. This can lead to flu-like symptoms, mood changes, and intense cravings until your system rebalances.

Get Help Stopping Panacet at a Premier Rehab

If you or someone you care about need help getting off Panacet, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We can connect you with medical detox centers near you to streamline Panacet withdrawal and prepare you for ongoing treatment.

Our outpatient programs enable you to live at home and attend therapy sessions around your everyday commitments. This provides the most flexible and affordable pathway to recovery from prescription drug misuse.

Since all addictions are unique, all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized. Therapies might include:

• Counseling
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapies
• Behavioral therapies
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to move beyond Panacet addiction, call 866-330-9449. 

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/

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

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

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546642