Like other narcotics, Opana has a high potential for use. Taking large or frequent amounts of oxymorphone can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and detox. Currently, in the U.S., an estimated 1.7 million people suffer from substance use disorders related to drugs like oxymorphone.
When a person becomes dependent on oxymorphone, their body needs the substance in order to function properly. If they stop taking the drug abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and nausea.
Opioid withdrawal is known to be uncomfortable, but the symptoms are not usually life-threatening. In fact, these symptoms are the body’s way of detoxing (clearing the drug from its systems).
Sometimes, people experience withdrawal when they don’t take a high enough dose of the drug. This happens due to opioid tolerance, where the body needs increasing amounts of the substance in order to get the same effects.
Many people are able to detox successfully with the help of a medically supervised detox program. At Vertava Health, we provide therapeutic support and medication-assisted treatment at our rehab centers across the U.S.
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Symptoms Of Oxymorphone (Opana) Withdrawal And Detox
When it comes to oxymorphone dependence and withdrawal, people can have varying reactions. Because oxymorphone is a powerful narcotic, some people suffer from withdrawal even if they take the medication exactly as prescribed.
The initial signs of opioid withdrawal include yawning, tearing eyes, and a sense of unease. People may begin to feel anxious about obtaining their next dose of the drug. These feelings may persist for several hours and will eventually lead to flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting.
People suffering from oxymorphone withdrawal may also experience symptoms that include:
- abdominal cramps
- nausea
- feeling of panic
- trouble falling or staying asleep
- loss of appetite
- heavy sweating
- shakiness or tremors
- strong cravings for opioids
Some people may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, depending on the amount of oxymorphone they were taking. Severe withdrawal symptoms include depression and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there).
How Long Does Oxymorphone (Opana) Withdrawal And Detox Last?
Oxymorphone is a potent opioid. People who are dependent on this drug may feel withdrawal symptoms as soon as several hours after last use. Opioid withdrawal typically lasts about a week, but some people can continue for up to two weeks.
During the detox process, people may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. It can be very hard to detox on your own, and many people return to the drug (“relapse”) to avoid and prevent further withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, experts agree that the safest way to detox is in a medically assisted detox program.
What Are The Risks Of Oxymorphone (Opana) Withdrawal And Detox?
Oxymorphone withdrawal is not as dangerous as detoxing from other drugs like alcohol and benzodiazepines. However, there are still risks associated with the opioid detoxification process, including:
Dehydration
If left untreated, the flu-like symptoms of opioid detox are known to cause severe dehydration. If a person is unable to keep fluids down, they are even more likely to become dehydrated. When this happens, people suffer from increased discomfort and are also at a higher risk of infection.
Decreased Tolerance
Many people who stop using oxymorphone and go through detox will be left with a much lower tolerance. If a person relapses and attempts to use their previous dose of oxymorphone, they could experience an accidental overdose.
Overdose
Once a person has detoxed, their body is unable to handle the amount of oxymorphone they were previously taking. Strange as it seems, this means that opioid detox can actually increase a person’s risk of overdose. This is why it’s highly recommended to detox under medical supervision.
People who use oxymorphone recreationally (take the drug without a prescription) are also at risk for overdose. Without a health care provider monitoring your dosage, people can easily ingest a lethal, toxic amount of the drug. In 2016, more than 11 million people reported recreational use of opioids.
If you or someone you love is taking oxymorphone with or without a prescription, it’s possible to get off this drug for good. If you have a prescription, talk with your doctor about your desire to stop. Your physician may suggest a tapering schedule, which allows patients to gradually lower their dose in order to avoid acute withdrawal.
Others may benefit from entering directly into a rehab program that offers on-site detox services. Medical detox programs are especially helpful for those who suffer from co-occurring mental health conditions, or who have been on significant doses of the drug.
Finding Treatment For Oxymorphone (Opana) Withdrawal And Detox
Every day in the U.S., more than 130 people die as a result of an opioid overdose. One of the ways we can reduce these rates of fatal overdose is by combating dependence and withdrawal. Opioid addiction is a chronic, progressive disease — but it is also highly treatable.
Vertava Health’ rehab centers provide on-site detoxification programs, along with a range of comprehensive treatment services. These include traditional therapies such as individual counseling, group therapy, and 12-step support meetings. Our rehab programs also offer alternative treatment services, including yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness practice.
Millions of people with opioid use disorders have also found lasting recovery with the help of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). At Vertava Health, our medical support staff creates personalized oxymorphone treatment plans for each patient, including the use of buprenorphine-based medications. This form of MAT helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, which can enhance a person’s chance of finding long-term recovery.
To learn more about oxymorphone withdrawal and detox, or to find a rehab program near you, contact an Vertava Health treatment specialist today.
