How Long Will Oxycodone Withdrawal Last?

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. But like many prescription opioids, it carries a high risk of dependence—even when used exactly as directed. If you’re considering quitting oxycodone, it’s natural to ask: How long will oxycodone withdrawal last?

The short answer is that withdrawal typically lasts one to two weeks, though the intensity and duration can vary. At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we help people through every stage of this journey—starting with detox and continuing through comprehensive recovery care. Let’s break down what to expect, why withdrawal happens, and how to manage it with the right support system.

Why Does Oxycodone Withdrawal Happen?

Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, altering your body’s pain response and producing euphoric effects. Over time, your brain gets used to this artificial stimulation and stops producing its own natural pain-relieving chemicals. When you suddenly stop taking oxycodone, your nervous system becomes unbalanced, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

This physical and neurological shift can feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. While withdrawal itself isn’t always dangerous, it can become severe without medical oversight—especially for individuals who have used oxycodone in high doses or for extended periods.

What’s the Typical Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline?

Oxycodone withdrawal unfolds in stages, beginning soon after the last dose. While the physical symptoms typically taper off within one to two weeks, emotional and psychological effects can linger much longer.

• 6–12 Hours After Last Dose – Early Onset: The first signs of withdrawal can begin within half a day. Common early symptoms include muscle aches, restlessness, anxiety, excessive yawning, and trouble sleeping. These are the body’s initial reactions to the absence of oxycodone as it begins adjusting to the loss of opioid stimulation.
• Days 1–3 – Peak Withdrawal Phase: This is typically the most intense period of withdrawal. Individuals often feel like they have the flu, experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, sweating, and abdominal cramps. Emotionally, people may feel irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. Cravings for oxycodone can be particularly strong during this time.
• Days 4–7 – Physical Symptoms Begin to Subside: While discomfort may still be present, physical symptoms usually start to ease by this point. Appetite often returns, sleep improves, and energy levels slowly begin to recover. However, some lingering fatigue and restlessness are still common.
• Weeks 1–2 – Emotional Recovery Begins: By the second week, most physical symptoms have significantly diminished. However, psychological challenges like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cravings may still be present. These symptoms often require therapeutic intervention and should not be ignored.
• Weeks to Months – Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): Even after detox, some individuals continue to struggle with what’s known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. PAWS includes persistent symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These can last for several weeks or even months and highlight the need for ongoing mental health support and structured recovery planning.

Factors That Influence Withdrawal Duration

Several personal and medical factors affect how long oxycodone withdrawal lasts and how intense the symptoms become. At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we consider all of these to tailor your treatment plan for safe, effective detox.

• Length of Oxycodone Use: The longer you’ve been using oxycodone, the more your body has adapted to its presence. Long-term use typically leads to a deeper level of dependence, which can result in a longer and more difficult withdrawal process.
• Dosage and Formulation: Higher doses place greater stress on the body, and extended-release versions of oxycodone stay in your system longer. Both factors can prolong the onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
• Method of Use: How the drug is taken also matters. Snorting, injecting, or recreational misuse tends to create more intense physical dependency, making withdrawal symptoms more severe and harder to manage.
• Co-occurring Mental or Physical Health Conditions: If you have existing health issues—such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or other medical conditions—withdrawal can be more complex. These conditions may worsen during detox and require additional medical and therapeutic care.
• Polysubstance Use: Using other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants along with oxycodone can complicate withdrawal. It may increase risks, introduce additional symptoms, and make treatment more intensive.
• Metabolism and Genetic Factors: Everyone’s body processes substances differently. Some people metabolize opioids more slowly, which can extend withdrawal, while others may experience a faster but more intense onset of symptoms.

At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we take all of these variables into account to design a customized detox plan that supports your physical and mental wellbeing throughout every step of the withdrawal process.

What Happens After Detox?

Once your system is free of oxycodone, recovery truly begins. That’s because addiction isn’t just physical—it also has emotional, psychological, and behavioral roots.

At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we help you transition into long-term care that addresses all aspects of healing. Some clients benefit from the structure and intensity of inpatient rehab, while others may be ready for outpatient programs that provide flexibility. We also specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, which supports people dealing with both addiction and mental health conditions like PTSD or anxiety.

Recovery doesn’t end with detox, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. We’ll help you build a support system, plan for triggers, and stay connected to care long after you leave our doors.

Let’s Begin the Recovery Process Together

So, how long does oxycodone withdrawal last? For most, it’s about one to two weeks—but every person’s journey is different. The important part is that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we provide safe, supportive, and medically sound detox services that help you start your recovery with confidence.

Take the first step today. Call us to learn more about how we can support you through withdrawal and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oxycodone Withdrawal