What is "Normal" Oxycodone Withdrawal

[toketeeman]

I had knee replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. From that point in time I was prescribed a daily dosage of oxycodone that averaged about 15 mg/day, a relatively low dosage. After finishing several weeks of physical therapy, I started my cold-turkey withdrawal 4 days ago - no more drug, period. So this is a very typical profile of a person who has had NO other addictions to any drugs and does not have any chronic pain problems that requires continual usage of oxycodone.

I have endured the typical withdrawal symptoms - shivers, sweating, anxiety, tingling, and depression - as reported by many others. But I could not find good comments for other oxycodone withdrawal questions with this typical profile since many of the commenters have admitted to extensive oxycodone use in the past.

My question: what's ahead for me? Am I over the bad part, or is there a lot more bad stuff to come? How long does the withdrawal effects last? Physically? Mentally? Surely there are many of you in a very similar limited-first-time-with-oxycodone-for-surgery situation who can give advice. Thanks for any info and help.

[toketeeman]

Well, day 15 was a bust. I woke up directly into some anxiety, and then it mostly disappeared but I could feel the edge of down-ness all day long. I immediately followed your suggestion and contacted my doc whom I had just met with the day before, and he proscribed 20mg daily of citalopram on a temporary basis. I will see the doc again now in 2 weeks to monitor the situation. I was assured that I would not become addicted again from this short exposure. We will see ... what a disappointment.

And I have been researching citalopram (i.e. celexa) to see how bad it can be ...

Thanks for giving me advanced warning of this possibility.

[toketeeman]

Hi Vicki

My excuse was to watch the long season finale of Greys Anatomy! But I also have the usual almost-expected should-be-assumed wd insomnia like so many others do ...  so I'm often up at all hours now, too. But I'll take insomnia over depression any day. And I intend to avoid any anti-depressants if at all possible - I'm very addiction-shy right now!
Yep, almost there I think.

- toketeeman

[vicki595]

Hey~  You're up late!  I couldn't sleep which is unusual for me. What's your excuse?

Day 15 will be fine because you will make it that way!!  I think your brain chemicals will calm down very soon.  If they don't...call him up. Sometimes,as I've said,they need a little help via antidepressant(short term).
You're doing great!

Vicki xo

[toketeeman]

Ending day 13, I received another very mild wave of loneliness for a few hours in the evening after having a day of normalcy.

Day 14, I saw my doctor. He was quite satisified with the wd progress and emphasized to me that it is "exceedingly rare" that permanent brain chemistry damage occurs. But again in the evening for a few hours, another little wave.

Boy, this stuff gives up very, very slowly. Will day 15 be the first completely normal day for me? I will soon find out.

[JED1974]

I can tell you bro from my experience a year ago I was taking about 8-12 10mg oxy's a day and I had enough and quit cold turkey on a Sunday night. Wednesday was the worst night, but by Thursday, I was starting to feel better by noon. I was on a happy but on an emotional roller coaster ride because I had beat it on my own for about a week ,but no hurting or nausea or diareha. I felt better than I had for a long time.

Good luck
It will pass
Jed

[vicki595]

Hey Big Guy~~~  YOU did all the work!!  But,I'm happy if I helped in any way and you've been a very compliant "patient" !!!  LOL

Good! You have an appt. with the doctor...you'll feel reassured after speaking with him/her and getting a quick check up.  You've done well and I know it hasn't been easy.
I've been there,my friend...
Keep posting here AND post to others. You have a lot to offer!!
Vicki  xo