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How To Handle The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Oxycontin?
Question: I have been taking Oxycontin 40 mg 2X daily for 7 or 8 years for severe back pain. I have surgery scheduled in May, but, it has been canceled and rescheduled 7 times since January of last year for various reasons, by either the surgeon or my Internist. I took my last pill this morning and don't know whether I'll be able to get the script refilled today, so, I'm expecting to begin having withdrawal symptoms tonight. I don't abuse the drug and take it only as directed, but, I know my body has become dependent on it. I need to know whether I'll be able to handle this on my own at home-I really don't know what to expect. Thanks for your help
Brief Answer:
withdrawal expected; OTC drugs like advil and plenty of fluids will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
Oxycontin contains active ingredient oxycodone which is an opioid.
As the drug has been taken regularly for 7-8 years by you, abrupt discontinuation might lead to withdrawal symptoms.
The common symptoms of oxycontin withdrawal which you may experience are:
Diarrhea,
Muscle pains and weakness,
Vomiting,
sweating,
excessive yawning,
Running nose,
and psychological symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
In my clinical experience, people report muscle pain and weakness to be most distressing withdrawal symptoms.
I have some suggestions which will help you to make withdrawal tolerable:
1. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.
2. OTC medications will help in symptomatic improvement like
Tylenol or advil for muscle pain,
Benadryl for sleep,
Imodium for diarrhea.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Take care.
Thanks.
withdrawal expected; OTC drugs like advil and plenty of fluids will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
Oxycontin contains active ingredient oxycodone which is an opioid.
As the drug has been taken regularly for 7-8 years by you, abrupt discontinuation might lead to withdrawal symptoms.
The common symptoms of oxycontin withdrawal which you may experience are:
Diarrhea,
Muscle pains and weakness,
Vomiting,
sweating,
excessive yawning,
Running nose,
and psychological symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
In my clinical experience, people report muscle pain and weakness to be most distressing withdrawal symptoms.
I have some suggestions which will help you to make withdrawal tolerable:
1. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.
2. OTC medications will help in symptomatic improvement like
Tylenol or advil for muscle pain,
Benadryl for sleep,
Imodium for diarrhea.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Take care.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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