How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

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The elimination half-life of Percocet is about 3.5 hours. This means that 3.5 hours after taking a Percocet pill, half of the drug will be eliminated from your system. 

It takes from 4 to 5 half-lives for a substance to be eliminated completely from your body. This means that Percocet stays in your system for 14 to 17.5 hours after the last use, depending on the variables listed below.

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What Factors Influence How Long Percocet Stays in Your System?

For those wondering how long does a Percocet stay in your system, the following factors all influence elimination time: 

  • Dosage of Percocet: The higher the dose of Percocet, the longer the opioid-based drug will stay in your system.
  • Frequency of opioid use: If you take Percocet regularly, it will take longer to leave your system than if you only took one Percocet pill.
  • Age: Seniors typically metabolize drugs more slowly, which can result in a longer duration of action for Percocet and other opioids.
  • Body mass: Those with a higher body weight tend to metabolize drugs more rapidly than those with a lower body weight.
  • Metabolism: Everyone has a unique metabolism and this can affect how long drugs like Percocet stay in your system.

Drug Testing for Percocet

Drug testing for Percocet may involve a urine, blood, saliva, or hair test. Each type of test has a different detection window – the amount of time that the drug can be detected after it was last taken. 

Here are the typical detection windows for each type of test: 

  • Urine test: Percocet can be detected in urine for up to 2 days after the last use.
  • Blood test: Percocet can be detected in blood for up to 24 hours after the last use.
  • Saliva test: Percocet can be detected in saliva for up to 4 days after the last use.
  • Hair test: Percocet can be detected in saliva for up to 30 days after the last use. 

It’s important to note that these detection windows may vary depending on the factors highlighted above.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Percocet

The sustained use of Percocet causes physical tolerance and dependence to form. Those who are dependent on Percocet will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the medication. 

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can be aggravating, dangerous, and potentially life-threatening. It is advisable to detox from Percocet under medical supervision to prevent complications or relapse derailing the withdrawal process before your recovery gets traction. 

Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms from Percocet include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle aches
  • Cravings for Percocet

Withdrawal symptoms may manifest just a few hours after the last dose of Percocet and may last for a few days or several weeks. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on: 

  • Duration of your dependence on Percocet
  • History of substance abuse
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders.

How Can You Manage Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms as the Drug Leaves Your System?

The optimum pathway to Percocet withdrawal involves a supervised medical detox. Detox programs provide medical supervision and support to help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. 

Some common treatments administered during Percocet withdrawal include: 

  • Medications: Certain medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug. These may include medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or clonidine.
  • Counseling: Counseling can help address the underlying causes of addiction and provide coping skills to manage cravings and triggers. 

While detox is a vital step toward recovery, it is only the first step. If you kickstart your recovery from Percocet here at California Detox in Laguna Beach, you can benefit from supervised detoxification before moving directly into ongoing treatment.

Combat Percocet Addiction at California Detox

If you have developed physical dependence or a diagnosable addiction to a prescription medications like Percocet, we offer a variety of treatment programs at California Detox in Laguna Beach. 

Take advantage of the smoothest pathway to inpatient or outpatient rehab with our supervised medical detox program. Access medications to streamline Percocet withdrawal and mitigate cravings. Detox addresses the issue of physical dependence, allowing you to transition into one of the following treatment programs: 

  • Inpatient program (residential rehab)
  • PHP (partial hospitalization program)
  • IOP (intensive outpatient program)
  • OP (outpatient program)
  • Virtual IOP (remote rehab program)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment program (for co-occurring disorders) 

All California Detox treatment programs provide individualized treatment that combines evidence-based interventions and holistic therapies for a whole-body approach to addiction recovery. These include: 

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Group counseling
  • Individual counseling
  • Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapy 

When you complete your California Detox treatment program, you can step down to a less intensive form of treatment or move back into day-to-day life. You will have an aftercare plan that includes relapse prevention techniques to maximize your chance of sustained recovery from addiction. Call admissions at 949.694.8305 for immediate assistance.

FAQs

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can last for several days to several weeks, depending on factors that include duration of use, metabolism, and the severity of physical dependence. Symptoms typically peak within the first few days and gradually improve over time.

You should avoid driving at all if you are taking Percocet. Painkillers in general can lead to motor vehicle crashes.

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