Percocet Withdrawal: Side-Effects, Timeline, & Signs Of Addiction

Percocet is an opioid pain medication regularly prescribed for various painful conditions and has been used in both short-term and long-term pain management. Unfortunately, one of the most significant risks of taking Percocet for any length of time, like all opioid medications, is that Percocet can cause both chemical dependence and addiction in the people who use it.

Using Percocet responsibly is essential, but it won’t prevent a chemical dependence from forming. You may become addicted even if you’re using Percocet responsibly.

Because anyone who takes the medication can become dependent or addicted to it, it’s essential to be familiar with Percocet withdrawal symptoms, the timeline for withdrawal, possible complications, and safe ways to withdraw from the drug after developing a dependence.

Ideally, you should be aware of the risks, symptoms, and side effects of Percocet withdrawal before you start taking the drug, but it’s important to learn even if you’re already taking it.

People who take Percocet irresponsibly by taking more than prescribed or using Percocet recreationally are especially vulnerable to chemical dependence and addiction. That means withdrawal is more likely if you’ve taken Percocet irresponsibly.

If you’re concerned about the addictive potential of Percocet or have a history of developing chemical dependence on prescribed medications, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about alternatives that might be safer for you.

Let’s talk about the side effects of Percocet withdrawal, the timeline, and everything else you need to know to handle a Percocet withdrawal safely.

What Are The Side Effects Of Percocet Withdrawal?

To understand the symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, you must first know what Percocet is.

Percocet is a combination drug, like many opioids, that contains both an opioid and another painkiller. The two combined drugs work better than either alone and provide pain relief and mental relief to make the pain less impactful.

In this case, Percocet is made from a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

One of the reasons it’s essential to take Percocet as prescribed is that too much Tylenol can cause liver damage and, in extreme cases, liver failure.[1] Not only is that a severe symptom on its own and one that can require medical attention and long-term care, but at lower levels, it can still impact your liver’s ability to remove toxins and drugs from your body, which can lead to an extended withdrawal timeline.

The other part of Percocet, the oxycodone, is the one that provides both the opioid effects and makes the drug potentially addictive.[2] The longer you take any medication containing oxycodone, the more likely you are to develop a chemical dependence.

While chemical dependence and addiction are two different conditions, chemical dependence can make addiction more likely because you are physiologically dependent on the drug, making it easier to become psychologically dependent on the same drug.[3]

Withdrawal symptoms combine the physical symptoms of stopping taking a medication you’ve become dependent on and the psychological symptoms of overcoming an addiction if you have one.

Remember, not all psychological symptoms are necessarily signs of addiction. Many drugs have psychoactive effects, including oxycodone. But if you are addicted, you should expect more severe psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or agitation.

Now that you know a bit more about how Percocet works and why you may go through withdrawal when you stop taking Percocet, let’s talk about the common side effects of Percocet withdrawal:[4]

• Abdominal cramping
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Watery eyes
• Vomiting
• Yawning

Some people may experience more extreme versions of these side effects, especially in cases where the withdrawal takes longer than usual or if you become dehydrated or malnourished during withdrawal.[5]

Because of those serious complications, it’s essential to be prepared to get medical assistance if needed, and you should never go through withdrawal alone. There should always be someone nearby who can assist you if you need help and who can help you monitor your fluid and calorie intake to make the process safer.

There is also a small risk of unusual side effects or complications that may arise without warning, especially if you take other medications or have any underlying health conditions that impact your withdrawal or overall health.

Percocet withdrawal can be dangerous if not managed properly, so it’s a good idea to do your research, purchase supplies, including easy-to-prepare and nutritious foods, plenty of electrolyte-rich fluids, and create a plan with your friends and family to ensure you have adequate support throughout the process.

If you’re helping someone through Percocet withdrawal and they become highly agitated, seem to have seizures, or become unresponsive, it’s essential to get help immediately.

Percocet Withdrawal Timeline

Understanding the timeline for Percocet withdrawal can help you be better prepared when it comes time to go through your withdrawal or help a loved one through theirs.[6] It’s essential not only to understand the side effects of withdrawal but also how long they should last and when you should expect specific side effects to start.

If you or your loved one seems to be lingering in certain withdrawal symptoms longer than anticipated, it’s a good idea to consult with a medical care professional to ensure there isn’t something more serious interfering with the process.

Typically, opioid withdrawal lasts between 3 and 7 days and can last up to two weeks in cases of severe addiction, partial relapse, or if withdrawal is intentionally being extended to reduce the severity of symptoms.[7]

If you’re slowly withdrawing from Percocet, you should always work with a medical professional to ensure the amount you’re taking is enough to reduce symptoms and little enough to maintain withdrawal and reduce your risk of relapsing.

This is one reason your medical care provider might recommend taking Percocet at a lower dose for a while before stopping the medication entirely if you’ve been taking Percocet for a long time.

The First 8-24 Hours After Your Last Dose

Assuming you aren’t using methadone, suboxone, or other medications to manage your Percocet withdrawal, you should start feeling symptoms around 8 hours after your last dose. Symptoms should be mild at first, but may include returning pain if you’ve taken Percocet for pain control.

Agitation and anxiety are common early symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, both because of the medication leaving your system and because you may be anticipating worse symptoms.

Having comforting clothing on, comfort objects nearby, and your favorite movies, books, TV shows, or music can help ease symptoms.

24-72 Hours After Your Last Dose

During this time, your symptoms will likely worsen progressively. You may notice muscle pain you didn’t have before; you may get chills, start shivering, or have watery eyes or goosebumps for no reason.

Some people will also start having nausea and vomiting during this stage, which is a good sign because the drug is leaving your system relatively quickly, and your withdrawal may be over sooner.

Insomnia and agitation are both prevalent during this phase.[8] Try to sleep when you can, but don’t be surprised if it’s challenging to do so. Remember that any extra irritation or agitation you feel is likely because of the drug, not because of anything happening.

Days 4 – 7

Some people may start feeling better as early as day 3, but it’s more common to overcome the worst symptoms of Percocet withdrawal somewhere between day 4 and day 7 after taking your last dose.

Symptoms typically begin to ease 12-24 hours before you feel completely better.[9] The most intense period normally occurs just before symptoms start to reduce, and it’s essential to ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Remember, not everyone has all the side effects of Percocet withdrawal. So, if you’re starting to feel better, but haven’t had all the symptoms you expected, don’t worry. You are probably feeling better and just had a milder withdrawal than some.

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen during days 4-7, it may be time to consult medical professionals for additional support and to rule out any underlying issues.

It’s essential for people who take opioid medication to know that withdrawal symptoms may return suddenly for weeks or months after detoxing. The longer you take the medication, the more likely it is to happen.

Even if symptoms return a few months after initial Percocet withdrawal, they should be short-lived and milder than the acute episode. Over time, the risk of returning symptoms will decrease, and eventually, they will become a thing of the past, you’re glad is behind you.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Some symptoms of withdrawal can last weeks or months after the acute withdrawal phase, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Also known as protracted withdrawal, these symptoms are usually psychological, such as sleep disruption, depression, anxiety, and irritability, that persist long after the intense withdrawal symptoms subside.[10] PAWS doesn’t always occur with Percocet withdrawal, but it can increase the risk of relapse or a Percocet overdose.

How Withdrawal Symptoms May Point to an Underlying Addiction to Percocet

Withdrawal symptoms can signal something is wrong, especially if you’re still taking Percocet when you get them. It’s important to monitor when your symptoms start, though, because some withdrawal symptoms are also side effects of the drug.

So, if you’re becoming symptomatic shortly after taking a dose, that’s likely a side effect of the drug. However, if you’re becoming symptomatic shortly before taking the drug, and your symptoms ease when you’ve taken it, that may be a sign of chemical dependence or addiction.

It’s normal to have withdrawal symptoms when you’re stopping an opioid medication, but unexpected withdrawal or withdrawal after recreational use of Percocet can be warning signs that you’re starting to become addicted to the drug.

If you’re taking Percocet under doctor supervision, it might be a good idea to talk with them about your symptoms and concerns to see if they have any recommendations or alternative medications that may work better for you. Just be prepared that your doctor may be reluctant to continue prescribing Percocet after that conversation unless they cannot find a viable alternative medication for your situation.

How To Detox from Percocet Safely

Withdrawal is complicated, but Percocet detox is usually relatively safe. The problems come in when you aren’t supervised during withdrawal, when you have a medical complication unexpectedly, or if you have underlying health conditions that make the physical or mental stress of Percocet withdrawal more dangerous than normal.

One of the best resources for all those problems is talking to friends and family to make sure you have 24/7 support while going through withdrawal symptoms and even for a little while after.

However, if that isn’t an option, it’s a good idea to seek medical support instead. Your doctor may be willing to monitor your withdrawal from afar, with occasional check-ins to see how you’re feeling and whether you have any concerning symptoms.

Another option, and the one that offers the most support and may improve your chances of getting through withdrawal without a relapse if you’re addicted, may be going to a residential treatment center to detox and start on your path to recovery.

These centers take care of you, monitor your vitals and other important medical indicators, and may also be able to provide supportive care and medications like buprenorphine or clonidine that make opioid withdrawal symptoms more bearable. Once you’re through detoxification, you can also expect a range of treatments and therapies to help give you more coping mechanisms to deal with life and thrive without Percocet.

If you think you’re dealing with a Percocet addiction or opioid use disorder and are ready to recover from your condition, Ascendant NY is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our treatment programs, what you can expect during Percocet withdrawal, or about intake for yourself or a loved one.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more