Oxycodone is a highly addictive opioid narcotic that is usually prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. It was developed as a safer alternative to morphine and heroin but became a major health problem in the United States in the 1960s due to abuse. In 1995, OxyContin was introduced as a time-released form of oxycodone but drug abusers quickly learned to crush the pills to snort or inject the powder, exposing themselves to potentially fatal overdoses. When abused, oxycodone/OxyContin becomes a dangerous mind-altering drug similar to morphine and its euphoric effects and prescription availability have made it one of the most abused prescription drugs.
Things to Know About Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Centers, Signs, Symptoms, ...Emmanuel Okeke
Informational resource on finding oxycodone drug abuse treatment facilities, recognizing the different warning signs & symptoms, and the long & short term effects if not treated on time.
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from opium poppy. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or administered rectally. Short term effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and drowsiness. Long term use may lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and slowed brain function. Treatment involves medication-assisted detoxification and maintenance, behavioral therapies, and support groups. An estimated 7 million people in the US have misused oxycodone non-medically.
OxyContin is a semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from opium poppies. It was first synthesized in 1916 and was initially seen as a "wonder drug" for pain relief due to its time-release formulation. However, crushing or dissolving the tablets defeats the time release and produces a stronger high risking addiction. As OxyContin prescriptions increased, so did abuse and addiction, leading to a devastating epidemic. Combining OxyContin with alcohol can have deadly effects by slowing breathing and circulatory functions. Addiction symptoms include preoccupation with the drug, withdrawal symptoms, and a desire for more.
Oxycontin is an opioid pain medication that is usually prescribed in pill form to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce euphoria. Side effects include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, sleepiness, and itching. Addiction is more likely among those with chronic pain or mental health issues. While addiction rates are not as high as believed, dependence can still develop with prolonged use as the brain adapts. Treatment options include inpatient or outpatient rehab, detox, and medications like Vivitrol to block opioid receptors.
Oxycodone is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. You might hear about it from a doctor in case of serious pain treatments or if the non-opioid treatment is not showing any betterment in the situation. Oxycodone is an opioid drug that can lead to habit formation and abuse. It should not be taken as a normal pain substitution medication it is for some exceptional cases only. It is an opioid analgesic that changes the way the brain responds to pain. Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibruprofen. Before using such combinations be sure to read the ingredients and take the prescription from a doctor or pharmacist.
The document discusses Oxycontin, an opioid pain medication that is prescribed to individuals suffering from chronic or temporary pain. It is usually taken in pill form in small doses. Side effects include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, sleepiness and itching. Addiction is more likely for those with depression or other substance abuse issues. Oxycontin attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and creating euphoria. Dependence can develop with extended use as the brain adapts. Treatment includes rehab, detox, and medications to block opioid receptors.
The opioid crisis in the US has been driven by over-prescription of opioids like OxyContin. Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin as having a low risk of addiction by promoting the false concept of "pseudo-addiction" and paid medical groups to promote pain as the "5th vital sign". This led to a massive increase in opioid prescriptions and misuse, fueling the rise of heroin and synthetic opioid overdoses claiming over 100 lives per day in the US currently. Certain factors like fractures of the pelvis or tibia plateau carry higher risk of long term opioid dependence. Multimodal treatment and prevention strategies are needed to address this ongoing public health crisis.
Things to Know About Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Centers, Signs, Symptoms, ...Emmanuel Okeke
Informational resource on finding oxycodone drug abuse treatment facilities, recognizing the different warning signs & symptoms, and the long & short term effects if not treated on time.
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from opium poppy. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or administered rectally. Short term effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and drowsiness. Long term use may lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and slowed brain function. Treatment involves medication-assisted detoxification and maintenance, behavioral therapies, and support groups. An estimated 7 million people in the US have misused oxycodone non-medically.
OxyContin is a semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from opium poppies. It was first synthesized in 1916 and was initially seen as a "wonder drug" for pain relief due to its time-release formulation. However, crushing or dissolving the tablets defeats the time release and produces a stronger high risking addiction. As OxyContin prescriptions increased, so did abuse and addiction, leading to a devastating epidemic. Combining OxyContin with alcohol can have deadly effects by slowing breathing and circulatory functions. Addiction symptoms include preoccupation with the drug, withdrawal symptoms, and a desire for more.
Oxycontin is an opioid pain medication that is usually prescribed in pill form to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce euphoria. Side effects include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, sleepiness, and itching. Addiction is more likely among those with chronic pain or mental health issues. While addiction rates are not as high as believed, dependence can still develop with prolonged use as the brain adapts. Treatment options include inpatient or outpatient rehab, detox, and medications like Vivitrol to block opioid receptors.
Oxycodone is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. You might hear about it from a doctor in case of serious pain treatments or if the non-opioid treatment is not showing any betterment in the situation. Oxycodone is an opioid drug that can lead to habit formation and abuse. It should not be taken as a normal pain substitution medication it is for some exceptional cases only. It is an opioid analgesic that changes the way the brain responds to pain. Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibruprofen. Before using such combinations be sure to read the ingredients and take the prescription from a doctor or pharmacist.
The document discusses Oxycontin, an opioid pain medication that is prescribed to individuals suffering from chronic or temporary pain. It is usually taken in pill form in small doses. Side effects include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, sleepiness and itching. Addiction is more likely for those with depression or other substance abuse issues. Oxycontin attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and creating euphoria. Dependence can develop with extended use as the brain adapts. Treatment includes rehab, detox, and medications to block opioid receptors.
The opioid crisis in the US has been driven by over-prescription of opioids like OxyContin. Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin as having a low risk of addiction by promoting the false concept of "pseudo-addiction" and paid medical groups to promote pain as the "5th vital sign". This led to a massive increase in opioid prescriptions and misuse, fueling the rise of heroin and synthetic opioid overdoses claiming over 100 lives per day in the US currently. Certain factors like fractures of the pelvis or tibia plateau carry higher risk of long term opioid dependence. Multimodal treatment and prevention strategies are needed to address this ongoing public health crisis.
Local anesthetics work by blocking sodium channels in nerves, preventing impulse transmission and sensation. The document traces the history of local anesthetics from ancient use of coca leaves to modern drugs like lidocaine. It discusses the development of cocaine as the first local anesthetic and its replacement by safer amide-based drugs like procaine and lidocaine due to cocaine's high toxicity and potential for addiction. The mechanisms of action, factors affecting onset and duration, and properties of common dental anesthetics are also outlined.
Opioids relieve pain by reducing pain signals to the brain and affecting brain areas controlling emotion. Common opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. Cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors in brain cells to repress neurotransmitter release. They include endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body and phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from coca leaves that is used as a local anesthetic but also illicitly for its euphoric effects. Heroin is a potent narcotic made by acetylating morphine that is prohibited for medical use in the US but used illicitly for its euphoric effects
This document discusses oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever. It lists the generic and brand names, describes how it works to relieve pain and its side effects. Potential signs of abuse are provided, such as doctor shopping or changing moods. Treatment options for addiction like buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone are presented. Shocking statistics on overdose deaths and over-prescribing of opioids are shared, as well as a quote on the need to curb the epidemic.
The document discusses drugs used in endodontics, including classifications of drugs based on timing of administration and route of administration. It focuses on analgesics like NSAIDs and acetaminophen used to manage endodontic pain, as well as corticosteroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that can be administered intracanally or systemically to reduce post-treatment pain and inflammation when used as an adjunct to endodontic therapy. Clinical studies show corticosteroids significantly reduce the incidence and severity of post-operative endodontic pain within 24 hours when administered either intracanally or systemically.
The document discusses medical and recreational drugs. It begins by explaining that medical drugs are used to treat diseases and relieve symptoms, and are obtained via prescription or over-the-counter. Recreational drugs are used for leisure purposes and cause changes in mood, behavior or perception. The document then discusses drug development and testing processes, different types of recreational drugs like stimulants and depressants, and specific drugs like tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and antibiotics. It stresses the importance of controlling drugs and finishing antibiotic courses to prevent resistance.
Cocaine originated from coca leaves, which were used by ancient Incas and Native Peruvians. In 1859, cocaine was isolated by German chemist Albert Niemann. In the 1880s, psychologist Sigmund Freud promoted cocaine as a treatment for depression and sexual impotence. Cocaine is administered by snorting, smoking, or injection and causes numerous short-term effects like increased heart rate and long-term effects such as cardiovascular damage.
Cocaine originated from coca leaves, which were used by ancient Incas and Native Peruvians. In 1859, cocaine was isolated by German chemist Albert Niemann. In the 1880s, psychologist Sigmund Freud promoted cocaine as a treatment for depression and sexual impotence. Cocaine is administered by snorting, smoking, or injection and causes numerous short-term effects like increased heart rate and long-term effects such as cardiovascular damage. It is classified as a central nervous system stimulant.
Ways to Deal with Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop Using OpioidsHarlem East Life Plan
This document discusses opioid addiction and withdrawal. It outlines the most addictive opioids like OxyContin, Demerol, Percocet, and Vicodin. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, nausea and more. Seeking medical help can ease withdrawal symptoms through medications or treatment programs. Intensive outpatient treatment programs aim to help patients develop coping skills, self-awareness, and support systems to overcome addiction.
This document discusses drugs used for pain management, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and adjunctive medications. It covers the pathways of pain and inflammation, describing how nociceptive and neuropathic pain arise. It details the mechanisms of common drug classes like opioids, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. Key topics include the arachidonic acid cascade, prostaglandin functions, COX enzyme inhibition, and the differences between non-selective and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Adverse effects, drug interactions, and considerations for specific pain types are also addressed.
Detailed product presentation about OxyFit Oxygen Inhalation Products. Produced by Newpharm a Swiss Manufacturer. If you are interested to distribute this product line contact us: info@fibd.biz
The document discusses different types of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. It describes the origins, components, effects and risks of each substance. Marijuana is obtained from cannabis plants and its main psychoactive component is THC. Cocaine is derived from coca plants and acts as a stimulant. Alcohol is a depressant that is absorbed through the stomach and broken down by the liver. Continued use of these substances can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms and pose serious health risks.
Codeine or 3-methylmorphine (a natural isomer of methylated morphine) is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, antianxiety, sedative and hypnotic properties
This document discusses the use of ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It provides information on how ozone works in the body to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It outlines how ozone therapy has been used successfully to treat various conditions like cancer, arthritis, AIDS, and more. The document also discusses the use of these therapies in countries like Germany, Cuba, and India. It provides examples of how ozone generators can be used to purify air, water, food and disinfect areas.
This document provides information about cocaine. It begins by describing cocaine as a crystalline alkaloid prepared from coca leaves that is odorless, white and bitter. It then discusses cocaine's classification as a schedule II drug and its most harmful forms. The document outlines cocaine's mechanisms of action, routes of administration, effects on the body including the central nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. It also covers cocaine addiction, treatment including psychosocial and behavioral therapies as well as medications.
This document discusses natural astaxanthin as the most versatile nutrient for eye health. It begins by summarizing the early research on astaxanthin's protective effects for the eyes conducted in France in the 1940s-1950s. It then discusses how astaxanthin is quantitatively and qualitatively a much stronger antioxidant than other nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and vitamin E based on numerous studies. Specifically, astaxanthin has been shown to be over 500 times stronger than vitamin E and over 10 times stronger than beta-carotene at eliminating singlet oxygen. The document also notes that astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties and can cross the blood-brain
Oxycontin Teachback discusses the drug Oxycontin, an opioid pain medication. It notes common side effects like constipation, nausea, and drowsiness, as well as greater risks of abuse and addiction. Symptoms of abuse are grouped into behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial categories. The document compares Oxycontin to heroin, finding their pure forms to be essentially the same chemically. However, heroin is perceived as more dangerous due to potential cutting by dealers. It costs less than Oxycontin, contributing to people switching to heroin abuse. The document questions whether Oxycontin needs closer monitoring.
This document summarizes information about the prescription pain medication Oxycontin. It describes Oxycontin as an opioid pain reliever and muscle relaxer that is also commonly abused and sold illegally under street names like "Oxy" and "Oxycotton." The document outlines both the intended medical effects when taken as prescribed and the risks of abuse, such as addiction, overdose, and disease transmission from shared needles. It notes the difficulty of withdrawal from Oxycontin and questions whether it should continue to be prescribed given the high rates of abuse and overdose.
This document discusses opioids and opioid overdoses. It begins with an introduction to opioids and their history of medical use. It then provides objectives which include discussing the pharmacology, epidemiology, and treatment of opioids. The presenter is introduced as having 15 years of paramedic experience. Various resources for educating oneself on opioids are provided, including Erowid.org and SAMHSA data on drug abuse. Statistics on the epidemiology of opioid overdoses from these sources are presented. Common opioids like heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone are described. Naloxone is discussed as the first-line treatment for opioid overdoses. Considerations for naloxone administration
Dextroprorpoxyphene is an opioid analgesic used to treat mild pain, cough, and muscle cramps. It acts as an agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, reducing the perception of pain. However, it can cause dependency among recreational users and has a narrow therapeutic index. A clinical study of 60 patients compared the effects of dextroprorpoxyphene to traditional non-opioid drugs for various conditions like pain, depression, and bronchitis. The study aimed to evaluate dextroprorpoxyphene's adverse effects and judicious use.
Local anesthetics work by blocking sodium channels in nerves, preventing impulse transmission and sensation. The document traces the history of local anesthetics from ancient use of coca leaves to modern drugs like lidocaine. It discusses the development of cocaine as the first local anesthetic and its replacement by safer amide-based drugs like procaine and lidocaine due to cocaine's high toxicity and potential for addiction. The mechanisms of action, factors affecting onset and duration, and properties of common dental anesthetics are also outlined.
Opioids relieve pain by reducing pain signals to the brain and affecting brain areas controlling emotion. Common opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. Cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors in brain cells to repress neurotransmitter release. They include endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body and phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from coca leaves that is used as a local anesthetic but also illicitly for its euphoric effects. Heroin is a potent narcotic made by acetylating morphine that is prohibited for medical use in the US but used illicitly for its euphoric effects
This document discusses oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever. It lists the generic and brand names, describes how it works to relieve pain and its side effects. Potential signs of abuse are provided, such as doctor shopping or changing moods. Treatment options for addiction like buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone are presented. Shocking statistics on overdose deaths and over-prescribing of opioids are shared, as well as a quote on the need to curb the epidemic.
The document discusses drugs used in endodontics, including classifications of drugs based on timing of administration and route of administration. It focuses on analgesics like NSAIDs and acetaminophen used to manage endodontic pain, as well as corticosteroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that can be administered intracanally or systemically to reduce post-treatment pain and inflammation when used as an adjunct to endodontic therapy. Clinical studies show corticosteroids significantly reduce the incidence and severity of post-operative endodontic pain within 24 hours when administered either intracanally or systemically.
The document discusses medical and recreational drugs. It begins by explaining that medical drugs are used to treat diseases and relieve symptoms, and are obtained via prescription or over-the-counter. Recreational drugs are used for leisure purposes and cause changes in mood, behavior or perception. The document then discusses drug development and testing processes, different types of recreational drugs like stimulants and depressants, and specific drugs like tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and antibiotics. It stresses the importance of controlling drugs and finishing antibiotic courses to prevent resistance.
Cocaine originated from coca leaves, which were used by ancient Incas and Native Peruvians. In 1859, cocaine was isolated by German chemist Albert Niemann. In the 1880s, psychologist Sigmund Freud promoted cocaine as a treatment for depression and sexual impotence. Cocaine is administered by snorting, smoking, or injection and causes numerous short-term effects like increased heart rate and long-term effects such as cardiovascular damage.
Cocaine originated from coca leaves, which were used by ancient Incas and Native Peruvians. In 1859, cocaine was isolated by German chemist Albert Niemann. In the 1880s, psychologist Sigmund Freud promoted cocaine as a treatment for depression and sexual impotence. Cocaine is administered by snorting, smoking, or injection and causes numerous short-term effects like increased heart rate and long-term effects such as cardiovascular damage. It is classified as a central nervous system stimulant.
Ways to Deal with Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop Using OpioidsHarlem East Life Plan
This document discusses opioid addiction and withdrawal. It outlines the most addictive opioids like OxyContin, Demerol, Percocet, and Vicodin. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, nausea and more. Seeking medical help can ease withdrawal symptoms through medications or treatment programs. Intensive outpatient treatment programs aim to help patients develop coping skills, self-awareness, and support systems to overcome addiction.
This document discusses drugs used for pain management, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and adjunctive medications. It covers the pathways of pain and inflammation, describing how nociceptive and neuropathic pain arise. It details the mechanisms of common drug classes like opioids, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. Key topics include the arachidonic acid cascade, prostaglandin functions, COX enzyme inhibition, and the differences between non-selective and COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Adverse effects, drug interactions, and considerations for specific pain types are also addressed.
Detailed product presentation about OxyFit Oxygen Inhalation Products. Produced by Newpharm a Swiss Manufacturer. If you are interested to distribute this product line contact us: info@fibd.biz
The document discusses different types of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. It describes the origins, components, effects and risks of each substance. Marijuana is obtained from cannabis plants and its main psychoactive component is THC. Cocaine is derived from coca plants and acts as a stimulant. Alcohol is a depressant that is absorbed through the stomach and broken down by the liver. Continued use of these substances can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms and pose serious health risks.
Codeine or 3-methylmorphine (a natural isomer of methylated morphine) is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, antianxiety, sedative and hypnotic properties
This document discusses the use of ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It provides information on how ozone works in the body to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It outlines how ozone therapy has been used successfully to treat various conditions like cancer, arthritis, AIDS, and more. The document also discusses the use of these therapies in countries like Germany, Cuba, and India. It provides examples of how ozone generators can be used to purify air, water, food and disinfect areas.
This document provides information about cocaine. It begins by describing cocaine as a crystalline alkaloid prepared from coca leaves that is odorless, white and bitter. It then discusses cocaine's classification as a schedule II drug and its most harmful forms. The document outlines cocaine's mechanisms of action, routes of administration, effects on the body including the central nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. It also covers cocaine addiction, treatment including psychosocial and behavioral therapies as well as medications.
This document discusses natural astaxanthin as the most versatile nutrient for eye health. It begins by summarizing the early research on astaxanthin's protective effects for the eyes conducted in France in the 1940s-1950s. It then discusses how astaxanthin is quantitatively and qualitatively a much stronger antioxidant than other nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and vitamin E based on numerous studies. Specifically, astaxanthin has been shown to be over 500 times stronger than vitamin E and over 10 times stronger than beta-carotene at eliminating singlet oxygen. The document also notes that astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties and can cross the blood-brain
Oxycontin Teachback discusses the drug Oxycontin, an opioid pain medication. It notes common side effects like constipation, nausea, and drowsiness, as well as greater risks of abuse and addiction. Symptoms of abuse are grouped into behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial categories. The document compares Oxycontin to heroin, finding their pure forms to be essentially the same chemically. However, heroin is perceived as more dangerous due to potential cutting by dealers. It costs less than Oxycontin, contributing to people switching to heroin abuse. The document questions whether Oxycontin needs closer monitoring.
This document summarizes information about the prescription pain medication Oxycontin. It describes Oxycontin as an opioid pain reliever and muscle relaxer that is also commonly abused and sold illegally under street names like "Oxy" and "Oxycotton." The document outlines both the intended medical effects when taken as prescribed and the risks of abuse, such as addiction, overdose, and disease transmission from shared needles. It notes the difficulty of withdrawal from Oxycontin and questions whether it should continue to be prescribed given the high rates of abuse and overdose.
This document discusses opioids and opioid overdoses. It begins with an introduction to opioids and their history of medical use. It then provides objectives which include discussing the pharmacology, epidemiology, and treatment of opioids. The presenter is introduced as having 15 years of paramedic experience. Various resources for educating oneself on opioids are provided, including Erowid.org and SAMHSA data on drug abuse. Statistics on the epidemiology of opioid overdoses from these sources are presented. Common opioids like heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone are described. Naloxone is discussed as the first-line treatment for opioid overdoses. Considerations for naloxone administration
Dextroprorpoxyphene is an opioid analgesic used to treat mild pain, cough, and muscle cramps. It acts as an agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, reducing the perception of pain. However, it can cause dependency among recreational users and has a narrow therapeutic index. A clinical study of 60 patients compared the effects of dextroprorpoxyphene to traditional non-opioid drugs for various conditions like pain, depression, and bronchitis. The study aimed to evaluate dextroprorpoxyphene's adverse effects and judicious use.
1. Oxycontin is the time-release form of oxycodone, usually prescribed for chronic and severe
pain. Because it contains a larger amount of oxycodone, it has become one of the most
abused prescription drugs in the United States.
Street Names Some of the street names for OxyContin include Oxy, O.C., killer and hillbilly
heroin.
What is Oxycontin? OxyContin is a semi synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or
long-lasting pain. The active ingredient is oxycodone, which is also found in drugs like
Percodan and Tylox. OxyContin can contain between 10 and 160 milligrams of oxycodone in a
timed-release tablet, compared to five milligrams in Tylox.
How Is OxyContin Used? Generally, OxyContin is prescribed to be taken twice a day, a
benefit over other pain-relieving medications that have to be taken several times a day. It is
usually prescribed to help patients with chronic pain, such as back and neck pain, as well as to
cancer patients to help them decrease pain and improve function.
How Is OxyContin Abused? OxyContin abusers either crush the tablet and ingest or snort it
or they dilute it in water and inject it. Crushing or diluting the tablet disarms the timed-release
action of the medication, but crushing OxyContin in this way can give the user a potentially
fatal dose.
What Are the Effects of OxyContin? Under prescribed dosage, OxyContin is an effective
pain reliever, but when crushed and snorted or injected, the drug produces a quick and
powerful "high" that some abusers compare to the feeling they get when doing heroin. The
NIDA reports that in some areas of the country, OxyContin abuse rates are actually higher
than heroin abuse.
Because OxyContin, like heroin and other opioids, is a central nervous system depressant, and
overdose can cause respiratory failure and death. Some symptoms of OxyContin overdose
include:
• Slow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Seizures
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Confusion
• Tiredness
• Cold and clammy skin
• Small pupils
• Reduced vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Clouding of mental functions
Is OxyContin Addictive? Like all opioids, OxyContin is potentially highly addictive. Even pain
patients who use the drug as prescribed are advised not to suddenly stop taking OxyContin,
but gradually reduce the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However, very few people
who take OxyContin as prescribed ever become addicted to the drug.
2. Abusers of the drug, who take higher than prescribed dosage, can develop a tolerance for
OxyContin which can cause them to take ever-increasing larger amounts to achieve the same
effect. They can become addicted or dependent on the drug quickly.
OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms OxyContin withdrawal symptoms can include:
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Constant yawning
• Hot/cold sweats
• Heart palpitations
• Joints and muscles ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Uncontrollable coughing
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Watery eyes
• Depression
Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last dose and can
last up to one week. People who have gone through OxyContin withdrawal compare the
process to the intensity of heroin withdrawal.
Oxycodone is a highly addictive opiate narcotic. Classified as a central nervous system
depressant with pain relieving and muscle relaxing properties, this drug is usually
prescribed for relief of moderate to severe pain. Developed in 1916 as a safe alternative
to morphine or heroin, the addictive properties were not realized as a major health
problem in the United States until the outbreak of substance of abuse in the 1960s.
Oxycodone is listed under Schedule II of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA),
meaning it has a high potential for abuse, with legal medical benefits. Access to pure
oxycodone by the general population was strictly controlled for three decades, limiting its
availability for abuse. However, oxycodone combined with non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) has long been marketed as Percocet
(oxycodone/acetaminophen), Tylox (5 mg oxycodone/500 acetaminophen) and Percodan
(oxycodone/aspirin).
In 1995, Purdue Pharmaceuticals of Stamford, Connecticut introduced a new form of
oxycodone, a 12 hour time-released chemical, called OxyContin. Marketed as a safe
alternative to regular oxycodone because of the restrictions imposed by the slow release
formula, OxyContin was regarded as a positive step forward in the effective management
of severe pain, particularly in the terminal ill.
When used appropriately, oxycodone/OxyContin is safe and highly effective; however,
when abused, it becomes a dangerous mind and mood altering chemical, with properties
similar to those of morphine. The euphoric high, combined with pain relieving and
relaxation properties, plus easy access by prescription, has made it one of the most
abused prescription drugs available.
3. OxyContin is marketed in pill form and designed to be digested and absorbed through the
stomach and intestines. Drug abusers quickly learned that crushing the pills destroyed
most of the time-release protector, and that chewing, snorting, or injecting the powder,
provided an intense euphoric rush. These methods also release much more oxycodone
than is medically safe, and can lead to overdose and death.
Oxycodone toxicity (life-threatening overdose) can be fatal. Symptoms include: seizures,
weakness, poor oxygen circulation (cyanosis), confusion, clammy skin, pinpoint pupils,
low blood pressure, slow heart rate, coma, breathing difficulties, and death. Rapid
transport to a suitable hospital, preferably by ambulance, is essential to minimize the
possibility of internal organ damage