Opana (Oxymorphone) Withdrawal | Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox

Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, an opioid analgesic (painkiller). This prescription drug treats moderate to severe pain by activating opioid receptors throughout your central nervous system and changing how your body responds to pain.

Like most opioids, Opana has a high potential for physical dependence. That means that if you take the drug for a long time or abuse it (use it in a manner not prescribed by your doctor), your body may start relying on it to function normally. 

When you stop taking it, you’ll likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Fortunately, medical professionals can help you avoid or decrease these symptoms. 

Opana Withdrawal Symptoms

The most common Opana withdrawal symptoms include:

• intense cravings for Opana
• anxiety
• irritability
• sweating
• goosebumps
• enlarged pupils
• muscle aches
• abdominal pain
• watery eyes
• runny nose
• yawning
• trouble sleeping
• nausea and/or vomiting
• diarrhea

While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they’re usually not life-threatening. To stay safe, though, you should talk to your doctor before you stop using Opana. 

Opana Withdrawal Timeline

Your experience of Opana withdrawal may vary depending on personal factors such as:

• your age
• your weight
• how frequently you’ve been using Opana
• how much Opana you’ve been using
• your health

In general, though, Opana withdrawal symptoms start within 12 to 24 hours after your last dose.

Early symptoms typically include mental health concerns like anxiety, irritability, and drug cravings. In the next few days, these symptoms may peak (reach their most intense point). You’ll also likely notice additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and sweating.

In most cases, symptoms subside after about a week.

How To Safely Detox From Opana

To avoid or decrease symptoms of withdrawal, ask your health care provider to help you taper off the drug. Tapering means gradually reducing your dose of Opana until it’s completely out of your system. This strategy puts less stress on your body than quitting suddenly (or “cold turkey”).

To protect your health and help you avoid relapse, your doctor may recommend that you attend a medical detox program. 

There, a team of medical professionals will likely monitor your withdrawal symptoms and general health 24/7. They’ll regularly check your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs to ensure you’re detoxing safely. 

They may also prescribe medications to ease certain withdrawal symptoms. These medications may include anti-anxiety medications, anti-nausea medications, and sleep aids. 

They might also include medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid withdrawal, such as:

• methadone or buprenorphine, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which is a drug that blocks the effects of opioids
• clonidine, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms but not cravings

Opana Addiction

If you’re physically dependent on Opana, there’s a chance you’re addicted to it. Also called substance use disorder, addiction is a serious disease that makes it extremely difficult to control your drug use. Common signs of addiction include:

• withdrawing from family and friends to spend more time getting and using Opana
• neglecting responsibilities at work or school to spend more time getting and using Opana
• visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions of Opana, also known as “doctor shopping”
• buying Opana off the street when you can’t get your prescription refilled

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you show signs of addiction, your doctor will probably suggest that you transition to an addiction treatment program after your complete medical detox. 

Available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, addiction treatment programs offer services like individual therapy, family therapy, and support groups. They can help you address the underlying reasons for your drug abuse, develop coping skills, and avoid relapse. 

If you or a loved one struggles with Opana abuse, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our substance abuse treatment centers provide a variety of services, including medical detox, to help you achieve and maintain recovery.