Basic Facts About OxyContin A Highly Addictive Drug

Basic Facts About OxyContin A Highly Addictive Drug More in Addiction Drug Use Opioids Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Oxycontin is the time-release form of oxycodone which is typically prescribed for chronic and severe pain. Due to the fact that it can contain a large amount of oxycodone, it has become one of the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. 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 80 milligrams of oxycodone in a timed-release tablet, compared to about five milligrams a day in Percodan. How Its 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. OxyContin is available in tablet form in seven dosage levels from 10 to 80 milligrams. It is usually prescribed to help patients with chronic pain, such as back and neck pain. It may also be prescribed to cancer patients to help decrease pain and improve function. How Its 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.?? In 2010, the FDA approved a new formulation of OxyContin to prevent such tampering. The drug maker, Purdue Pharma LP, made changes so that breaking up the tablet does not immediately release oxycodone. Also, if someone attempts to dissolve these new tablets for syringe injection, the liquid becomes gummy. Despite these measures, the FDA continues to admit that abuse and misuse of OxyContin remain possible. Further, there is an increase in OxyContin abusers who are turning to heroin because it is a significantly lower-cost opioid. According to a 2013 study, nearly 80% of American heroin users reported misusing prescription opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin before they were introduced to the illicit street drug.?? Some of the street names for OxyContin include Oxy, O.C., Cotton, kickers, Ox, OCs, beans,  rushbo, Orange County,  killer, and hillbilly heroin. It is frequently mispronounced and misspelled as oxycotton. Effects Under the prescribed dosage, OxyContin is an effective pain reliever. 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 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in some areas of the country, OxyContin abuse rates are higher than heroin abuse. OxyContin, like heroin and other opioids, is a central nervous system depressant. An overdose can cause respiratory failure and death. Some symptoms of OxyContin overdose include: Slow breathing (respiratory depression)SeizuresDizzinessWeaknessLoss of consciousnessComaConfusionTirednessCold and clammy skinSmall pupilsReduced visionNauseaVomitingClouding of mental functions In Case of Overdose If you believe someone has taken an overdose of OxyContin, call 9-1-1 immediately. Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) is an emergency medication  designed to counteract an opioid overdose. First-responders can use it to revive someone if they can reach them soon enough. If medical attention is received promptly, there may be few long-term consequences of an overdose. When treatment is delayed, an overdose of OxyContin can be fatal or result in permanent brain damage. Is It Addictive? Like all opioids, OxyContin has the potential to be highly addictive. Due to the potential for abuse,  OxyContin is a Schedule II drug  under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA).   Even pain patients who use the drug as prescribed are advised against suddenly stopping  OxyContin use. Instead, the dosage should be gradually reduced to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However, very few people who take OxyContin as prescribed become addicted to the drug. Abusers of the drug, who take a higher than the prescribed dosage, can develop a tolerance for OxyContin. This can cause them to take ever-increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. It is possible to become addicted or dependent on the drug rather quickly. Opioid Addiction Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Withdrawal Symptoms 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: Tiredness or fatigueConstant yawningHot/cold sweatsHeart palpitationsJoint and muscle achesNausea and vomitingUncontrollable coughingDiarrheaInsomniaWatery eyesDepression