Oxycodone is a highly addictive semi-synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain. It is created from the poppy plant and is only available with a prescription. Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule 2 narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and, therefore, heavily regulated in the United States.
It causes feelings of euphoria in higher doses, contributing to its high potential for abuse. The oxycodone half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be expelled from the body, and this depends on many factors.
Here’s what you need to know about the oxycodone half-life and addiction cycle.
Oxycodone Half-Life
The oxycodone half-life can be between 3 – 5 hours, depending on multiple factors. Oxycodone comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. The oxycodone half-life is shorter for the immediate release medication but still may be affected by someone’s metabolism.
Every person is unique, and their unique metabolism can make it difficult to generally pinpoint an exact half-life for the drug. The oxycodone half-life can also be affected by the patient’s weight and organ function, along with the amount of time they’ve been taking the drug.
While the oxycodone half-life may only be a few hours, the drug can be present in the urine for days after the last ingestion. It can also be detected in the hair for months after the last consumption. Oxycodone is a powerful analgesic that can affect multiple organs in the body.
Oxycodone Withdrawals
The short oxycodone half-life is deceiving. The body can quickly become dependent, making it dangerous to stop taking the drug after long-term use. Withdrawals can be severe and dangerous, depending on the patient’s dependence on the medication.
Withdrawal symptoms can last from a few days to months and range from migraine headaches and sleep disruptions to severe diarrhea and more. Trying to detox off oxycodone at home without medical supervision can be dangerous. It is always recommended that a medical professional supervise any attempt to wean off oxycodone.
Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone is a powerful medication that should only be taken under the direct supervision of medical staff and then only for a short time. It is often given to cancer patients to treat their pain but has been overprescribed in recent years.
Oxycodone is habit-forming, and the body can quickly become dependent on the medication. It directly impacts how the body responds to pain. Patients can quickly become physically dependent and build a tolerance to oxycodone, requiring more to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.
Oxycodone Has a High Abuse Potential
Addiction to oxycodone has been compared to heroin addiction because the draw to the drug is powerful, and the withdrawals are severe. It has a high abuse potential and is heavily regulated in the United States. Patients who are prescribed oxycodone are closely supervised by medical professionals and monitored for any signs of abuse. Don’t let the short oxycodone half-life deceive you. Your body can become physically dependent in just a week or two.