Post Surgical Tips - Oxycodone Withdrawal
- jim41209
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
One of the final challenges I faced while recovering from hip replacement surgery was with the painkiller I selected which was Oxycodone (10mg). I’d used it previously while recovering from another recent surgical repair and I didn’t experience any problems or issues.
What I didn’t take into consideration was that with my first experience, I was on Oxycodone for a few days. During recovering from hip replacement surgery, I was on Oxycodone for a total of eight weeks, tapering off its use over the last three weeks.
The day I quit taking Oxycodone altogether started fine but gradually deteriorated to the point where I began to experience most of the symptoms of withdrawal without actually understanding what was taking pace.
When I started to add up all the symptoms that I was experiencing, it became clear that I was in withdrawal. I reached out to my surgical team and they agreed. I was given a prescription of Buprenorphine and within 60 mins of taking this medication I started feeling so much better.
Thankfully, there are more pain relievers available to treat post-surgical pain that we can select from. Knowing what I know now, I think I’ll select a different pain reliever if I find myself on the surgical table again.
Anyway, here is some information concerning the withdrawal symptoms associated with the use of Oxycodone.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within hours to a few days after discontinuing the use of opioids. The symptoms can last for several days or even weeks, depending on the type of opioid and duration of use.
Sources:
Overview of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using opioids regularly stops or reduces their intake. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and vary in severity based on several factors, including the type of opioid used and the duration of use.
Common Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
Anxiety: Increased feelings of restlessness and agitation.
Muscle Aches: Discomfort and pain in muscles and joints.
Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress that can lead to dehydration.
Diarrhea: Frequent loose or watery stools.
Sweating: Excessive perspiration as the body adjusts.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary:
Type of Opioid | Onset of Symptoms | Duration of Symptoms |
Short-acting opioids | 6 to 12 hours after last dose | 4 to 10 days |
Long-acting opioids | 24 to 30 hours after last dose | 10 to 20 days |
Additional Considerations
Symptoms typically peak within 72 hours after the last dose.
Some individuals may experience lingering psychological effects, such as cravings and mood swings, for weeks or even months after the acute withdrawal phase.
Understanding these symptoms and their timeline can help individuals prepare for the challenges of opioid withdrawal and seek appropriate support.
Sources:
What are the most effective treatments for opioid withdrawal symptoms?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is commonly used for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms, as it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal effects. Other treatments may include alpha 2-adrenergic agonists like clonidine and lofexidine, which can also alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Sources:
Comments