Although most people don’t think of themselves as at-risk for opioid addiction, the truth is, it can happen to anyone. The problem is so widespread that in 2018, an estimated 10.3 million Americans misused prescription opioids. Opioids prescribed for dental pain are no exception.
Our bodies become physically dependent on opioids— including those used for dental pain like hydrocodone and oxycodone— in as little as two weeks. Physical dependence is not the same thing as addiction. Physical dependence makes it much more difficult to stop taking opioids because the body experiences severe, often painful symptoms of withdrawal.
Recognizing opioid withdrawal symptoms is an important part of preventing long-term addiction.
Pain as a Symptom of Opioid Withdrawal
When you withdraw from opioids, it is common to experience increased pain — often worse than the dental pain you felt before you ever started the opioids. This is one of the most troubling symptoms of opioid withdrawal, because people experiencing withdrawal pain naturally assume it means they still need the opioids. This is far from the truth.
According to the National Pain Centre of Canada at McMaster University, pain is a normal part of withdrawal, and it usually goes away within two weeks of stopping opioids. Tapering off opioids very slowly helps minimize this pain.
Other Common Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Pain and other opioid withdrawal symptoms usually start between 6-36 hours after your last dose. The most severe symptoms often get better within three to seven days, but you might feel generally tired or “flu-like” for several weeks after stopping opioids. This is all a normal part of the withdrawal process.
In addition to pain, other symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:
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• Restlessness or anxiety
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• Trouble sleeping
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• Fatigue
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• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
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• Sweating, chills, or goosebumps
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• Headache, muscle aches or joint pain
Tremors
Rapid heart rate
Blood pressure changes
Confusion
Hallucinations or seizures
Withdrawing Safely from Opioids Used for Dental Pain
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of withdrawal from opioids prescribed for dental pain, it is important to create a withdrawal plan with your doctor. Tapering off slowly minimizes the symptoms, making the process safer and much more comfortable.
Getting Help with Opioid Addiction
Opioid withdrawal symptoms don’t necessarily mean a person is addicted. That being said, people sometimes become addicted when they keep using opioids as a way of coping with the discomfort of withdrawal.
If you or someone you know becomes addicted to opioids after dental pain treatment, help is available. You don’t have to manage it alone — talk to your doctor about safely stopping opioid use.
Or, use one of these tools for a confidential referral to a treatment program:
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SAMHSA 24-hour National Helpline: 1-800-487-4889
