Starting day 5 coming off 100 mgs oxycodone (prescribed for back pain)

[overeasy]

I think I am basically done with the acute phase of withdrawal- the anxiety is pretty much gone, the flop sweat has stopped except for nights, stomach problems have disappearred but the fatigue and sleeplessness has set in.  I actually was able to sleep for a few hours last night but when I woke up I felt worse than before I fell asleep.  Is that typical?

Second question- My pain has increased quite a bit and I believe its due to rebound pain.  How long do I have to wait to re-evaluate my pain level?

Thanks in advance.

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

The next few weeks will likely have bad days and less-bad days superimposed on slow, gradual improvement.  Yes-- you will have times when it seems like the withdrawal might be almost over... and then the next day it will be back again.  That is typical for the first few weeks.

The fatigue and insomnia will be the last to go--  along with loss of appetite.  Expect things to be mostly normal by 6-8 weeks, although then you will have some reconditioning to do.

As for pain, I would wait the same amount of time-- 6-8 weeks-- at least, before evaluating pain level.  I say that because receptors remain abnormal for at least that long, as evidenced by what happens when a person with a few weeks of sobriety takes naltrexone (i.e. it still precipitates withdrawal even at that point).  

[overeasy]

Thanks for the information.  I am doing fine- tired but fine.  I hope that at the end of this I will be able to manage my pain with chiropratic care, execise, bath and some OTC meds.  Your information was very helpful- thanks again.

Overeasy