Question

The patient has been taking oxycodone (OxyContin) for 8 weeks for a back injury he sustained at work. He has stopped taking the medication. How many hours after he last takes his medication does the nurse anticipate his withdrawals symptoms will begin?

a. 6-12 hours
b. 24-48 hours
c. 48-72 hours
d. 72-96 hours

Answer 1

Opioid withdrawal symptoms typically start within 8-12 hours after the last oxycodone dose, with the peak of symptoms around 72 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The withdrawal symptoms from opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin) typically begin within 8-12 hours after the last dose and peak around 72 hours. For a patient who has been taking oxycodone regularly for a sustained period such as 8 weeks, one can generally anticipate that withdrawal symptoms will likely begin within the 8-12 hour window. These symptoms can include cravings, anxiety, nausea, muscle aching, and an increased heart rate.