Percocet withdrawal remedies can be used to ease your symptoms so that you can start feeling better right away. Percocet withdrawal is a horrific experience.
I went through it several times in the past, and each time I did I was always frantically trying to obtain Percocet withdrawal remedies so I wouldn’t be in such agony.
I was never prescribed Percocet by a doctor. I always bought it from my drug dealer because he gave me a good deal, but the only problem was that sometimes he would run out! After 18 hours without the medication, I would start to experience some unbearable symptoms.
Percocet withdrawal remedies allowed me to feel good enough so that I could still go to work.
I’ve been clean for several years now, and I’ve since made it my life’s purpose and mission to help others recover from the opiate addiction plague that has spread throughout this world. During my time in recovery, I also became a Certified Advanced Food-Based Healing Instructor that specializes in supplements and nutrition for opiate withdrawal and recovery.
I have a deep inner-knowledge of specific foods, vitamins, herbs, amino acids, superfoods, minerals, and other natural methods for easing Percocet withdrawal symptoms.
The following list of 35 Percocet withdrawal remedies will include these, along with natural drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Prescription Medications
The most powerful Percocet withdrawal remedies are prescription medications. These will offer the most strength in easing symptoms, however, they are often difficult to come by, potentially dangerous, and you’re still treating drug problems with more drugs.
Nevertheless, these do work well, and under the supervision of a doctor for treating the worst symptoms for a few days, I believe they can be very beneficial.
1. Clonidine – A blood pressure medication that is often a doctor’s first choice for treating Percocet withdrawal symptoms. It helps with the goosebumps and chills, it can definitely take the edge off, and many people have used it to minimize their symptoms.
When I used clonidine several years ago, it worked well but made my mouth super dry, which is a common side-effect. Clonidine can be habit forming, and if used should only be taken for a short period of time, two weeks maximum.
2. Gabapentin (Neurontin) – An anti-convulsant and analgesic developed to treat epilepsy, which is also used to relieve neuropathic pain. In a study from 2011, gabapentin with a dose of 1600 mg per day was found to be effective in reducing some of the withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to opiates undergoing methadone-assisted detoxification.
3. Benzodiazepines – Medications used for anxiety such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Librium. Out of all the Percocet withdrawal remedies, I probably got the most relief from my symptoms after taking Xanax. Having 3-4 days worth of these definitely helped me relax and sleep better.
Use caution because these can be habit-forming.
I don’t recommend treating drug problems with other drugs unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then they should only be used for a few days then stopped. In detox facilities, they will often use benzodiazepines in combination with clonidine for severe Percocet withdrawal.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Loperamide HCL (Imodium AD) – One of the best Percocet withdrawal remedies due to its ability to stop diarrhea, ease gastrointestinal upset, and allow you to have somewhat of an appetite. It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine, though it does not affect the central nervous system.
This is just a fancy way of saying that it acts just like an opiate on your stomach, but it doesn’t get you high.
5. Topical Pain Relievers – Products like Bengay and Icy Hot can be used as Percocet withdrawal remedies. Rubbing these ointments on sore and aching limbs can relieve pain and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
6. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – This refers to Percocet withdrawal remedies such as Advil, Aleeve, and Tylenol, which are over-the-counter pain relievers. They can be used to help ease aching muscles and limbs. To be perfectly honest, you’re not going to get much help from these, though they will be able to reduce a fraction of your pain, and every little bit helps.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Natural Drugs
8. Marijuana – In a study published in 2005, patients reported cannabis to be effective at treating opiate withdrawal symptoms, though they found benzodiazepines such as Valium to be more effective.
Another study that was published in The American Journal of Addictions found that out of 91 patients seeking Methadone treatment, the ones that used cannabis had less opiate withdrawal symptoms.
I met a man when I lived in New York who stated that he got over his 400 mg per day OxyContin habit with cannabis alone, experiencing only mild symptoms.
9. Kratom – One of the least-known Percocet withdrawal remedies, kratom is able to ease symptoms especially well.
This beautiful tree native to South Asia (member of the coffee family) is not regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency in the United States (making it legal), has mu-opioid agonist qualities (like morphine), and can without a doubt help anyone ease their Percocet withdrawal symptoms naturally.
Kratom is NOT an opiate. Kratom, simply put, is an opioid agonist. This is just a fancy term meaning that it mimics the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone etc. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom, is a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine.
An interesting minor alkaloid of kratom, 7-hyrdoxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine.
Both kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, which is the main reason the plant alleviates Percocet withdrawal symptoms so well.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Supplements
10. Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) – A tropical legume that is native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life.
It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure.
Addiction destroys the pleasure/reward center in the brain. That’s one of the reasons the psychological terror of opiate withdrawal is so intense.
11. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – This is by far one of my favorite Percocet withdrawal remedies. DLPA is a supplement that contains both the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine.
The L- form comes from protein-rich foods and increases dopamine and norepinephrine. The D- form is made synthetically in laboratories and causes an increase in endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.
DLPA is great for Percocet withdrawal depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Furthermore, it’s the most important supplement to take for the next few months after getting off Percocet because of its ability to increase dopamine and endorphins. It’s truly a Percocet recovery all-start supplement.
12. L-Tyrosine – Another amino acid supplement, this Percocet withdrawal remedy is very similar to DLPA. It helps your body produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, so it’s extremely beneficial for Percocet withdrawal depression, fatigue and anxiety.
I much prefer DLPA, however, due to its ability to increase endorphins as well as these other neurotransmitters.
13. Passion Flower – This powerful herb is known for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety, and relieving opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is an excellent natural sedative that promotes calmness and relaxation.
Passion flower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is your brain’s natural Valium.
14. Ginseng – The name ginseng refers to any of 11 different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots. This powerful Percocet withdrawal remedy is useful for treating fatigue and acts as a natural stimulant and balances all body systems that are out of balance.
This is due to its adaptogenic properties.
Adaptogens are a class of plants/herbs that, when administered, result in stabilization of physiological functions and facilitation of homeostasis.
15. Valerian Root – Another one of my favorite Percocet withdrawal remedies, valerian is an herb that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, which has also been introduced to North America.
In the brain, this Percocet withdrawal remedy is thought to bind to GABA receptors.
By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb is able to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improve the quality of sleep that results.
Valerian is also believed to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain.
16. Ginger – A root that is used as a spice and also for its therapeutic properties, I put it on the Percocet withdrawal remedies list due to its natural ability to ease nausea and stomach aches. In Peru, ginger is sliced in hot water as a remedy for belly aches. It’s used as a folk medicine remedy for upset stomach, nausea and muscle soreness.
17. GABA – A chemical made in the brain which also comes in supplement form. It’s on this Percocet withdrawal remedies list because it can help relieve anxiety, improve mood, relieve pain, and promote sleep. GABA is the brain’s natural Valium.
Can you see why this is on my Percocet withdrawal remedies list?
18. Melatonin – A hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain, this Percocet withdrawal remedy helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Your body has it’s own natural clock and controls how much melatonin is produced.
Typically, melatonin levels start rising in the evening, stay high during the night, then decrease sometime in the early morning.
To get Percocet withdrawal remedies benefits, try eating the two highest food sources of melatonin: cherries and walnuts.
19. Vitamin C – An antioxidant that was shown in a study to ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms of heroin addicts when taken at doses of 300 mg/kg b.w/day, supplemented with vitamin E (5 mg/kg b.w/day).
20. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) – A precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel emotionally relaxed. It is also the precursor for melatonin, the hormone involved in sleep patterns of the human body.
It can improve mood, help you sleep, and instill feelings of relaxation and calmness.
21. Phenibut – A derivative of the natural neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA has inhibitory qualities which can produce tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects.The benefits of phenibut often relate to calmness and a reduction in anxiety.
Phenibut may also help to reduce stress and encourage a better sleep, making it one of the most powerful natural Percocet withdrawal remedies for taking at night before bed.
22. L-Theanine – An amino acid abundant in green tea which has been shown to have a direct influence on brain activity, such as reducing stress. It has the ability to relax the mind without causing drowsiness.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Home Remedies
23. Epsom Salt Bath – Percocet withdrawal remedies can even be found in the tub. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound consisting of sulfate and magnesium.
Both of these are easily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an ideal way to gain the following benefits during Percocet withdrawal:
- Flushes toxins from the body
- Relaxes the nervous system
- Soothes back pain and aching limbs
- Improves the absorption of nutrients
Research also shows that magnesium increases energy and stamina by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.
It helps to produce serotonin, the chemical in the brain that helps you feel emotionally relaxed.
Stress drains the body of magnesium, so it’s important to replenish it while going through Percocet withdrawal.
24. Movies – These are decent Percocet withdrawal remedies. I prefer comedies because when it comes to powerful medicine, laughter ranks at the top of my list.
A hearty laugh relaxes your entire body and triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that can reduce pain. Another genre I suggest is inspirational movies.
They can help you manifest the inner strength and courage needed to get past the first few days of Percocet withdrawal.
25. Music – It can do wonders to help Percocet withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests that music can: reduce pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, relieve depression and elevate mood.
26. Dark Chocolate – Eating dark chocolate can help your brain produce endorphins are other feel-good chemicals to elevate mood. To add this to your Percocet withdrawal remedies shopping list, make sure to get dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao.
27. Water – Percocet withdrawal remedies work best when you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day during Percocet withdrawal.
28. Gatorade – Helps you replenish electrolytes. Especially beneficial if you have diarrhea or if you’re vomiting.
29. Ginger Ale – Can help to ease stomach discomfort during Percocet withdrawal.
30. Crackers – Easy food to get and keep down, fast energy, salty crackers go well with the Gatorade.
31. Cool/Dark/Quiet Room to Sleep in – This makes falling and staying asleep much easier. Try to get to bed before 12 am to have the best chance at getting some sleep during Percocet withdrawal.
32. Exercise – Swimming, walking, jogging, lifting weights, and other types of exercise can help you produce endorphins, which are your bodies natural morphine. This is one of the most powerful Percocet withdrawal remedies and it’s totally free. I know it’s not fun to exercise during withdrawal, but if you can manage to even go for two long walks per day it will help a great deal.
33. Sunshine – I know the last thing you want to do during Percocet withdrawal is going outside and face the world. However, if you can manage to do so, spending some time outdoors on a warm sunny day can help to elevate your mood, especially if you exercise outdoors.
Percocet Withdrawal Remedies: Opiate Withdrawal Formulas
Opiate withdrawal formulas are natural supplements that are specifically designed to ease symptoms of withdrawal from Percocet, heroin, hydrocodone, Suboxone, methadone, and other opioid drugs.
If learning about all of the Percocet withdrawal remedies thus far has been a lot to take in, these withdrawal formulas can make things a lot easier for you.
They contain many of the supplements I wrote about in the right combinations and dosages to ease Percocet withdrawal symptoms.
34. Opiate Withdrawal Supplement
If you can afford it, I also highly recommend taking this awesome supplement, because the benefits are just too good to pass up.
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions about Percocet withdrawal remedies, please post them in the comment box below.
What to take for fatigue and depression. I was on prescription 5mg Oxycodone/acetaminophen for 4 years. I have been 13 days without any pills.
Marta,
I can tell you what worked for me. First my Dr put me on Welbutrin. I stayed on this for months with no relief for my symptoms. He had put me on others before this, which did not work for me either. Then I talked with a pharmacist who has also studied holistic medicine. He told me that Welbutrin works because it takes the dopamine that is being produced and distributes it in a way to where the patient’s depressed state is lifted and their energy returns. He then explained to me why it wasn’t working for me: because for most addicts who are lowering their dose or have stopped using opiods, the level of dopamine being produced is extremely low, therefore Welbutrin wasn’t working because there wasn’t enough dopamine to adequately distribute. I was advised to try to raise my dopamine levels and doing this may be all that I would need. So after much research, I learned that if I took one (or a combination of) the amino acids which helped with dopamine production (dl-phenylalanine , l-tyrosine, mucuna pruriens, l-dopa) along with a good multi-vitamin that contained the vitamins and minerals that help these aminos, I could increase my dopamine levels naturally. Doing things like exercise and meditation will help. It is also important to stop eating or drinking things (especially caffeinated soda or energy drinks) that contained sugar and carbs. These things inhibit the production of dopamine. So, after a couple weeks or so, I began to notice a difference in my emotions and my energy level. At this time, after sharing with my Dr about my usage of supplements, we decided to give Welbutrin another try. This time it worked!! I became energetic enough to feel like exercising and found the motivation to do things.
I have since learned that the supplement NAC (N-acetylcysteine) facilitates the distribution of dopamine. Learning this, I decided to stop the Welbutrin (simply bc I worry about the use of pharmaceutical medications and their side effects, and would rather work on FIXING THE PROBLEM instead of only treating the symptoms). I added the supplement NAC to the DLPA and mucuna pruriens that I had been taking….voila!! Mission Accomplished!!
While this is what worked for me, of course this doesn’t mean that it will work for you. With that being said, I still believe that lack of dopamine affects most addicts, especially when they are trying to or have stopped opiate use.
Good Luck, and please let us know if you find something that works for you.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
I am on my 13th day after my last pill. I was taking prescription 5mg Oxycodone/acetaminophen for 4 years. My only problem is lack of energy (bad!) and depression.
I am on Adderol for adhd and was wondering if taking them while going through percocet withdrawals is a good or bad idea. ….
Annie,
I’ve talked to many who have done this to help with the lack of energy during withdrawal. Be careful though, as you know they are also addictive.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Sadly, Mucana pruriens, DLPA, and Tyrosine ( especially) make me agitated and edgy and raise my anxiety and already high and difficult to control blood pressure and seem to potentiate RLS. I don’t know if a pure dopamine agonist such as Mirapex or Requip would be better or worse. Of course, they require a Rx but interestingly enough are prescribed for RLS sleep disorder. I don’t think opioid restless leg is the same as true RLS. I’ve learned that thru a sleep doctor, so technically I don’t qualify for these dopamine agonists for true RLS. ‘Nervousness’ RLS is not the same as ‘sleep disorder’ RLS according to medical community. There are examples on internet/youtube you can observe to see the difference.
I am definitely dopamine deficient and have EDS( endorphin deficiency syndrome) from years of high dose opiates prescribed for chronic pain due to injuries. I chose to get off opiates by requesting suboxone, because the opioids were affecting me cognitively and causing me severe anxiety and panic attacks. This however, in hindsight was a mistake. While I did get off all opiates including the suboxone on my own, the medical community won’t treat me anymore and act as though I’m a leper. At the time i didn’t realize the word SUBOXONE was as loaded as the word HEROIN. The stigma in the medical community is huge. Depsite having never used any street drugs, I’m treated as such by all medical professionals and now live in chronic pain at home, seldom going out. I more or less screwed myself over.
Just wondering about your thoughts on this matter, the supplements, and any suggestions.
I had chronic pain too and this book changed my life. Now I’m pain free! The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice Is Making Us Worse