Suggest Ways To Wean Off Oxycodone

Posted on Tue, 20 Jan 2015

Question: how to ease oxycodone withdrawls?

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need to asses the severity

Detailed Answer:
hi,
as you may know oxycodone is an opium derivative and highly addictive, discontinuation of its use can be irksome, as I causes severe withdrawals symptoms but very possible. Usually takes two weeks for detoxification.
Any addiction requires controlled abstinence from the drug use and proper management of withdrawal symptoms.
for assessment of severity I need to know..
1) how much Oxycodone and how are you consuming?
2) what are the timing of the day you use it? and for what purpose?
3) Since how long?
4) have had previous attempts of abstinence? if yes, then what led to relapse?
5) are you having generalised body ache, watery eyes, spasms in legs, yawning, etc

I need to know answers to these questions for proper management suggestion.

thank you
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (1 hour later)

I consume orally. I went 15 hours without anything and my legs hurt so bad that i could not function. I have tapered down to about 90 milligrams a day. which horribly enough is very good for me being that I've had this problem for about 6 months now

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A case of opium dependence

Detailed Answer:
thanks for the reply.
Discontinuation of drug after that long use can precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be
1) severe pain and spasm in legs.
2) watery eyes
3) diarrhoea

these symptoms increase in severity for the first seven days gradually after the last intake. After which, the severity of pain and symptoms starts to decrease in intensity untill next one week. Therfore, the complete sequale of withdrawal symptoms last for around 20 days, the peak of severity being at 7-10th day. The intensity of pain is directly proportionate to the amount of substance abuse.
Opium withdrawal is not a life threatening condition, however a is very distressing. The management includes substituting the substance with other with low addictive potential and managing associated symptoms accordingly.
I suggest you consult a psychiatrist who can prescribe you proper medications and admission if indicated.

You can be completely free from addiction if you show bit resistance for two weeks.

thank you
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj