Medical and Nonmedical Ways to Treat Your Insomnia During Oxycodone Withdrawal
Oxycodone is an opioid and, therefore, can cause a number of uncomfortable and problematic symptoms when a person stops using or abusing it after a long time. One of the symptoms most difficult to cope with is insomnia. Fortunately, there are both medical and nonmedical ways to treat this syndrome during oxycodone withdrawal.
Medical Ways to Treat Oxycodone Withdrawal-Induced Insomnia
There are plenty of medical options for the treatment of oxycodone’s withdrawal symptoms, and the insomnia many individuals experience is no exception. Based on the severity of your condition and your other recovery needs, one of these options may be beneficial to you.
- Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist drug that can be used to maintain an individual in opioid addiction treatment. The patient can also be slowly weaned off methadone as their withdrawal symptoms subside. The drug, when dosed correctly, minimizes one’s withdrawal symptoms and helps reduce the chances of relapse. Whatever you choose, methadone can be a helpful option, especially for those with severe dependencies on oxycodone and/or other opioids.
- Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine is another beneficial option for oxycodone addiction and withdrawal treatment. It works similarly to methadone in that it can be used as a detox or maintenance drug. However, it is less dangerous in an abuse situation, so it can be obtained through a doctor’s office instead of only from a specialized clinic.
- Those with severe dependencies on opioids, though, should not rely on buprenorphine, as its effects are not as helpful as optimal dose methadone in this case (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
- Clonidine
- Clonidine is not in itself a treatment drug for insomnia, but it can treat anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and many of the flu-like symptoms caused by opioid withdrawal. As a result, it may be able to help a person going through oxycodone detox sleep better (National Library of Medicine).
- Over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that can be used to minimize the issue of insomnia. Melatonin is a supplement that can also be taken as an insomnia treatment. Still, a person MUST discuss the idea of taking one of these medications with their doctor before doing so, especially when something as serious as opioid withdrawal is also involved.
Nonmedical Ways to Treat Oxycodone Withdrawal-Induced Insomnia
There are also plenty of ways to reduce your issues with insomnia without the use of drugs or supplements. These can include
- Getting on a regular sleep schedule
- It is likely that, because of your substance abuse, your sleep schedule has not been as rhythmic as it once was. This is one reason why it is important to get on a regular schedule, retraining your body to expect to be in bed when it is dark and for at least 7 hours a night.
- Holistic treatments
- There are many holistic methods that are used to treat a number of different opioid withdrawal-induced symptoms. Acupuncture, meditation, massage therapy, and yoga can all be extremely helpful in allowing the body to relax and slow down.
- Take a bath before bed
- One of the best ways to let your body know it’s time to wind down is to take a hot bath a few hours before bed.
- Have a sleepover
- Invite one of your friends or family members over to have a sleepover with you. This can help take some of the pressure off when you’re not lying in bed alone and unable to sleep.
It can also help immensely to cut out caffeine, exercise regularly, and eat healthy meals. Though insomnia is a common side effect of oxycodone withdrawal, there are many of ways you can fight the issue, and eventually, get back to the kind of sleep you need.
Are You Looking for Oxycodone Addiction Treatment?
For more information about methadone safety and to find out if medication-assisted treatment is right for you, call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today.