Percocet withdrawal treatment: How to treat Percocet withdrawal

To treat Percocet withdrawal, experts recommend slowly tapering dosage over the course of a few weeks, followed by symptomatic treatment. More on how to treat Percocet withdrawal here.

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Percocet is a brand name drug containing oxycodone mixed with acetaminophen, prescribed to treat pain. Sometimes people will use Percocet for recreational reasons. But whether Percocet is being abused or used for pain relief, withdrawal occurs when you stop taking Percocet after a period of daily use for more than 3-4 weeks.

So, how can you withdraw from Percocet? Here, we’ll look at the effects of Percocet withdrawal, withdrawal symptoms that are likely to occur, and the ways you can treat Percocet withdrawal Then, we invite your questions about how to help Percocet addiction or dependence at the end.

Effects of withdrawal from Percocet

Percocet alter the opiate receptors in the brain. In order for you not to feel pain, Percocet blocks the body’s ability to feel pain. Simultanesouly, this action also effects mood and can give you an overall pleasant, euphoric feeling. But why does Percocet withdrawal happen and is Percocet withdrawal dangerous? Plus, when are effects of withdrawal from Percocet triggered?

The longer you use Percocet, the more your body develops a need for the drug. That is, over time Percocet becomes part of the overall functioning within the body as the central nervous system adapts to its prescence. And if you discontinue Percocet after a period of regular dosing, the body (which has adapted new functions to account for the depressant effects of Percocet), “rebounds” and works to regulate. That is why withdrawal symptoms manifest. It is also why your body experiences such discomfort during withdrawal from Percocet.

Withdrawal from Percocet symptoms

Symptoms of withdrawal from Percocet increase in intensity and severity with prolonged use and higher doses. So what are withdrawal from Pecocet symptoms like? Symptoms of withdrawal from Percocet are like having the flu and the stomach flu simultaneously. Dependence to Percocet can make withdrawal not only painful but mentally difficult. If you are attempting withdrawal from Percocet, the symptoms you may experience include the following:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • heart palpitations
  • flushed skin
  • increased heart rate
  • insomnia
  • irritation
  • restlessness
  • tingling and numbness of the limbs

Not to worry, there are ways you can treat Percocet withdrawal symptoms so you are not effecting the full effects and ease the pain and discomfort. In other words, there are ways to minimize the length and intensity of withdrawal from Percocet symptoms.

How to treat Percocet withdrawal symptoms

The ways you can treat withdrawal include but are not limited to:

1. Medically assisted treatment. There has been extensive research done on opiates/opioids and ways to treat withdrawal from these types of drugs. There are several medications out there to help shorten withdrawal, ease symptoms, and help take care of drug craving and dependence. Popular medications include: Nalotxone, Clondine, and Methadone. Buprenorphine has been more commonly prescribed in recent years and the primary medication used to treat Percocet withdrawal.

2. Treating symptoms naturally. There are natural remedies out there that can help you treat symptoms as they arise. Massage therapy and acupuncture have shown some promise in clinical trials in treating symptoms of Percocet withdrawal. Additionally, you can treat your withdrawal with flu and cold medications you can easily get at the pharmacy. Ginger and peppermint teas can address symptoms of nausea and gastro intestinal upset. Lastly, many people recommend hot baths, hot pads, and hot/cold creams during Percocet withdrawal to address muscle aches.

3. Medical detox. Detox is a process that is designed to help rid your body of Percocet. During a medically supervised detox, medical staff address symptoms as they occur, and sometimes you are treated with medications.

4. Tapering doses. The single best plan to minimize symptoms of Percocet withdrawal is to taper your doses before eliminating Percocet from your body. Visit your prescribing doctor for an individual tapering plan and s/he can help you work out a gradual reduction in Percocet doses that would work best for you.

Best way to withdraw from Percocet

In general, the best way to withdraw from Percocet is after a doctor approved taper. It’s recommended that you decrease your doses of Percocet over period of several weeks at a rate of around20%-25% every week. But you should never taper Percocet at a rate of 50% or more, as this can trigger withdrawal symptoms. It’s not recommended that you stop taking Percocet cold turkey unless dependency is mild. Still, there are times that cold turkey Percocet withdrawal may be best for some people and those who have a strong desire to stop taking Percocet.

If you’ve been abusing Percocet you may also want to seek out a detox or treatment facility. You may need more then pharmacological help to safely withdraw from Percocet, especially if any underlying mental conditions are present.

Percocet withdrawal treatment questions

The process of withdrawal has a great effect on your physical and psychological wellbeing. Not only are you combating physical pain , but withdrawal from Percocet can be hard on your psycho-emotional being because of drug craving.

Still have questions about Percocet withdrawal treatment? Please leave your questions in the commentssection below. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Reference Sources:  SAMHSA: Use of Buprenorphine
National Institute of Drug Abuse: Medication Assisted treatment
NCBI: Acute Pain Management
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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