Oxymorphone Withdrawal & Detox

Oxymorphone is a powerful, generic drug, classified as an opioid or narcotic. This semi-synthetic drug is intended to be prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxymorphone has a high misuse and addiction potential because of the euphoric effects it creates and the effects on the central nervous system. Dependence can also occur with oxymorphone. When someone uses oxymorphone for a period of time, it activates their opioid receptors and causes changes in how their brain functions as a result. This leads to dependence, and when someone stops using oxymorphone suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms indicate the brain and body are trying to readjust to a sense of normalcy without the presence of oxymorphone. Common oxymorphone withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Tears
• Chills
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Joint and muscle pain
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Frequently yawning
• Abdominal pain
• High blood pressure
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Changes in heart rate
• Changes in breathing

The oxymorphone withdrawal timeline represents how long someone might experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop using this drug. There are a number of factors that play a role in how long withdrawal symptoms last, including how long someone used oxymorphone, whether they stop suddenly or gradually and whether or not they’re also going through withdrawal from other substances. Generally, oxymorphone withdrawal symptoms will begin anywhere from 14 to 18 hours after the last dose is taken. Following that, peak symptoms of oxymorphone withdrawal will usually occur around two days after the last dose. The initial oxymorphone withdrawal symptoms are usually similar to having a mild case of the flu and may also include anxiety, insomnia, agitation and opioid cravings. During the peak time of oxymorphone withdrawal, a person may experience more intense symptoms such as nausea, chills and severe cravings. Within the first week, most people’s oxymorphone withdrawal symptoms will start to subside. Some people do have longer-lasting oxymorphone withdrawal symptoms, however. These ongoing symptoms are typically psychological. For example, for weeks or months following the acute oxymorphone withdrawal phase, a person might experience depression or anxiety.

When someone is dependent on oxymorphone, the best thing to do is speak with a medical professional. There are certain ways that symptoms of oxymorphone withdrawal can be managed. For example, rather than stopping cold turkey, it might be advisable to reduce the dose of oxymorphone used gradually. This is called tapering down. Whether someone is misusing oxymorphone or using it exactly as prescribed, they might be medically advised to taper down their dosage of the drug. Another option for managing symptoms of oxymorphone withdrawal is a medical detox program. What’s not advisable is for someone to try and manage the symptoms of oxymorphone withdrawal at home, on their own, without medical help. While oxymorphone withdrawal isn’t likely to be deadly, the discomfort level can be high. When someone tries to manage the symptoms of withdrawal on their own, they’re more likely to experience recurrence of use or complications.

Since oxymorphone is an opioid, there are drugs that can be provided as either opioid substitutes or as a way to block the effects of opioids if someone does experience recurrence of use. Two opioid substitutes, also called maintenance drugs, are methadone and buprenorphine. Both are similar to opioids, but with milder effects. By giving someone methadone or buprenorphine, withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings are reduced, making it more likely that individual can participate in an addiction treatment program. Naltrexone is another option used during opioid detox. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and it doesn’t replace the effects of opioids, but it does block the effects of opioids if someone does experience recurrence of use. Naltrexone can also reduce drug cravings. In addition to these FDA-approved opioid withdrawal medications, there are others that can be used to treat symptoms as needed. For example, clonidine is a prescription drug often used in detox to reduce symptoms that are physical and psychological.

When people feel they have a problem with oxymorphone, more often than not, they’re going to benefit from a professional detox. At a medical detox facility, patients receive constant medical care and attention. Their symptoms can be treated, including physical and psychological symptoms of opioid dependence. Then, following detox a person can move into addiction treatment. If the detox facility is part of the addiction treatment center, it makes the transition much easier for most patients. A detox program might last for a few days or weeks, while addiction treatment usually lasts for a minimum of 28 days in an inpatient setting.

If you have questions about detox and other treatment options, we’re happy to answer them or just provide you more information. Call The Recovery Village anytime.