The Progression of Oxycodone Withdrawal

Oxycodone is a highly abused and addictive opioid drug also known on the street as “Hillbilly Heroin”, “Kicker”, “OC”, “Ox”, “Oxy”, “Perc” or “Roxy”. Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic drug derived from opium which comes from the poppy the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Oxycodone products are in Schedule II of the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Sweating and tearing are among the first withdrawal symptoms people experience.

When taken as prescribed, Oxycodone is an effective pain relief medication but, as with many other opioid drugs, long-term oxycodone use causes physical and psychological dependency which can lead to addictions.

Dependency to Oxycodone can occur rather quickly and when the user suddenly stops or drastically reduces their usage, Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms occur. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms are much like the flu, but depending on the user, the duration of their Oxycodone use, and their dosage levels, the symptoms can become more severe.

Early signs of Oxycodone withdrawals include symptoms of:

• Yawning
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• tearing or crying
• runny nose
• goosebumps
• Increased respiratory rate
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Restlessness

As the user refrains from using Oxycodone, advanced Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms begin to occur. These symptoms typically last for several days and many people give up trying to detox from the drug and relapse to using Oxycodone.

Advanced Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle aches and pain
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure)

Why Does Oxycodone Withdrawal Happen?

Oxycodone is widely abused for the effects of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation that it produces. This “high” comes from changes in the way opioid receptors work in the brain. Oxycodone disrupts the brain’s communication system by flooding the opioid receptors with dopamine. These neurotransmitters in the brain control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.

As the user continues to uses Oxycodone, naturally occurring dopamine production is reduced and the brain adapts to these changes to the point that the only way an addict can feel “normal” is to use Oxycodone or another opioid substance. Every time that Oxycodone is used, the reward systems in the brain tell the circuits “things are ok”.

Reducing or eliminating the use of Oxycodone creates havoc in the brain’s circuits and the neurotransmitters produce responses of shock to the body. Increased tolerance can cause other psychological issues and mental health becomes a concern during Oxycodone withdrawal. Anxiety, depression, and panic symptoms can become dangerous in cases of chronic abuse.