The simple answer is that oxycodone can remain in the body for several days, depending on various factors. As an opioid medication, oxycodone is known for its potency and addictive properties. We’ll delve deeper into the specifics of oxycodone’s lifespan in your system.
Understanding Oxycodone
Following Controlled Substances Act (CSA) guidelines, doctors prescribe Oxycodone, an opioid, for managing severe or chronic pain. Several brand names exist, such as OxyContin, Roxicodone, and Percocet (when mixed with acetaminophen). Despite its legitimate medical applications, people often misuse oxycodone because it can induce feelings of euphoria.
A variety of individual factors determine how long oxycodone stays in the body. These factors include the person’s age, metabolism, overall health, body mass, and the frequency and dosage of oxycodone intake. Furthermore, a person’s genetic factors can affect the speed at which they metabolize the drug.
Testing for Oxycodone
There are different ways to test for the presence of oxycodone in the body. These include urine, saliva, blood, and hair follicle tests. Oxycodone can be detected in urine for up to 4 days after the last dose, in saliva and blood for up to 24 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. These detection times can vary depending on the above-mentioned individual factors.
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | 2-4 days |
| Saliva | Up to 24 hours |
| Blood | Up to 24 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
Effects of Long-Term Oxycodone Use
The risks associated with long-term oxycodone use cannot be overstated. Continued use can lead to a physical dependence on the drug, and over time, users may develop a tolerance, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect. This cycle can quickly lead to addiction. In addition, prolonged use can result in many health problems, including liver damage, especially when the drug is combined with acetaminophen.
What is OxyContin?
Purdue Pharma introduced Oxycontin in 1996 as a successor to their popular pain management drug, MS Contin. Since then, people have used Oxycontin to alleviate severe pain. People often use its generic name, oxycodone, interchangeably. However, considerable scrutiny has befallen Oxycontin due to controversies surrounding pharmaceutical regulation and non-medical use.
Opioid antagonists, which bind to opioid receptors in the brain and block the uptake of opioids, can effectively counteract Oxycontin. Naloxone and naltrexone are among the most efficient opioid antagonist drugs currently available. Administered orally, the typical method, Oxycontin, demonstrates an efficacy 1.5 times stronger than morphine.
How to Get Oxycodone Out of Your System
Oxycodone addiction can be dangerous to individuals over the short and long term. Addiction is a complex disease, but it’s not insurmountable. Landmark Recovery offers a solution to addiction with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs for individuals. Our approach focuses on treating the whole person, not just the addiction, through therapies, counseling, medical detox, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Opioid drugs can serve as useful tools in pain management, but they significantly possess potential for abuse and addiction. Anyone prescribed this medication, especially those battling addiction, needs to understand the duration opioids remain in the system.
If you or a loved one is grappling with oxycodone addiction, don’t wait. Get the help you need today. At Landmark Recovery, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your life from addiction. Call us now at 888-448-0302. We’re here for you every step of the way.
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