How long does Percocet withdrawal last?

How long Percocet withdrawal lasts depends on frequency and amount of use. But an average case of Percocet withdrawal lasts from 5-10 days. More here on what to expect during Percocet withdrawal here.

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Are you preparing for Percocet withdrawal?

Percocet dependence time takes a few weeks to develop.  And typically, withdrawal from opioids like Percocet usually resolves within five (5) to ten (10) days after cessation. However, the number of symptoms you experience, how long you experience them, and how severe the symptoms of Percocet withdrawal all depend on your body’s individual response to withdrawal, how long you’ve been taking the medications and the dose of oxycodone you’ve been taking.

More here about how to quit taking Percocet, the withdrawal process from Percocet, and what you can expect over the course of a few weeks. We also invite you to ask any questions about Percocet withdrawal you may have at the end.

How long until Percocet withdrawal starts?

Once you have decided to stop taking Percocet, Percocet stays in your system for a couple of days.  However, you will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms about four (4) to six (6) hours after the effects of Percocet have worn off in the body. In other words, withdrawal starts when you body expects the next dose of Percocet…and you do not oblige. As the withdrawal process begins, you may notice that it hits you like you are experiencing a cold/flu and the stomach flu at the same time. There are, of course, other symptoms which encompass the spectrum of Percocet withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

  • anxiety
  • cold flashes
  • depression
  • flushed skin
  • heart palpitations
  • increased heart rate
  • insomnia
  • irritation
  • nausea/vomiting
  • restlessness
  • tingling and numbness of the limbs

How long do Percocet withdrawal symptoms last?

Withdrawal symptoms from Percocet detox will start about 6 hours after the last does has worn off. But the time it takes for withdrawal to resolve fluctuates from person to person. Acute, intense and uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal usually resolve within the first week of withdrawal. And most symptoms should even out in and be gone within about 4-5 weeks. But, there are chances you can develop protracted withdrawal symptoms which can last months after you have stopped taking Percocet.

Percocet withdrawal timeline

For chronic users of Percocet, the first days of withdrawal are usually the most intense and uncomfortable. During this time it is advisable that you be monitored and under medical supervision so that you can benefit from the addition of prescription medications to help ease symptoms, and to be monitored and supported during this time.

24 – 72 hours Percocet withdrawal: Percocet withdrawal is not life threatening, but it is not pleasant, to say the least. At about 72 hours after last Percocet dose, symptoms tend to peak in severity and intensity. The physical sickness can make this process of withdrawal daunting and frustrating but it will subside and pass.

Week 1 Percocet withdrawal: Acute withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone will last into this week. Cramp, chills, insomnia are symptoms can be present in this time frame. You may also experience drug seeking behavior and drug craving, thinking you need Percocet in order to return to normal.

Week 2 Percocet withdrawal: Your body should begin to feel a little more normal after a couple of weeks into withdrawal, though you may still have aches and pains. You will still feel drained and tired, possibly needing more sleep. Emotions of anxiousness and depression may be particularly hard at this time.

Week 3-4 Percocet withdrawal: Protracted withdrawal symptoms may be present and continue to linger long past the first month of withdrawal. This is more likely to happen to chronic users or Percocet abusers then those who were taking Percocet properly. Insomnia may also still be an issue.

Percocet withdrawal: how long?

In general, the longer you have been taking Percocet, or the more you have abused oxycodone, the greater the intensity of withdrawal will be. But most symptoms should dissipate after the first week of withdrawal. The human body is an amazing thing as its ability to adjust and adapt is quite remarkable. If you are not experiencing a “typical Percocet withdrawal” like other people you know or have read about, don’t worry. Everybody’s system is different and will experience withdrawal in its own way. And keep in mind that other health concerns do play a role in recovery.

It is also important to mention another possible condition present during Percocet withdrawal called “PAWS”, or post-acute withdrawal symptoms. The condition of PAWS is a set of persistent symptoms that can last for several weeks or months after you have stopped taking Percocet. Theses symptoms usually show up because of prolonged drug abuse. During a case of PAWS for Percocet, the body just takes longer to adjust to life without oxycodone. These symptoms are usually more psychological in nature and can include: short term memory loss, anxiety, and depression.

How long Percocet withdrawal questions

If you have any more questions regarding withdrawal from Percocet, please ask. We do our best to respond to your questions accurately and promptly.

Reference Sources: The National Pain Foundation: Abrupt Withdrawal from Pain Medications — Information and Caution
Social Work: OxyContin in Missouri
Daily Med: Oxycodone and Acetaminophen
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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