Oxycontin is known by the generic oxycodone or the brand names of ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, OxyIR, Percolone, Roxicodone and Roxicodone Intensol. A part of the group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers, Oxycontin is similar to morphine and is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This drug is available in an extended-release formula for around-the-clock treatment of pain. This long duration lasts 8 to 12 hours. The drug is always taken orally and it is recommended the pills are swallowed whole as broken, chewed or crushed pills instigate a rapid release of the drug that can lead to severe side effects.
Abuses of Oxycontin
Since it was first introduced in 1995, the abuse of Oxycontin has rapidly increased. When this drug is abused, the tablet is crushed and then either ingested, injected, inhaled or placed rectally. Both legitimate users and abusers seek Oxycontin use due to its euphoric effects. Recent research has indicated Oxycontin use is especially high among teenagers.
A Schedule II drug, Oxycontin has a high potential for addiction. It is often sought by street users of heroin and methadone for its ability to relieve abstinence symptoms from chronic opiate administration. Abusers will often doctor shop, reporting a false illness in order to obtain a prescription for the drug. As these individuals must obtain large amounts of the drug to satisfy their cravings, visiting several doctors and pharmacies is common.
Effects of Oxycontin
While Oxycontin is an important medication when used for legitimate pain control, it also has mood altering effects. The drug can also decrease anxiety, cause euphoria, mental relaxation, respiratory depression, constipation, meiosis and suppression of cough. The side effects associated with use are what dictates the maximum dosage that should be given in a controlled environment.
A person using Oxycontin more than they should or for reasons outside of medical care can experience repeated, compulsive use of the substance. The effects of the drug in those who have an addiction can include slow breathing, pinpoint pupils, confusion, persistent tiredness, dizziness, weakness, apathy, cold and clammy skin, nausea, vomiting and seizures.
Withdrawal of Oxycontin
Consistent use of Oxycontin can cause a tolerance and dependence in even the most careful of patients. Suddenly stopping Oxycontin use in both prescribed patients and addicts can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. Intensive symptoms can cause other problems – both physical and psychological.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with Oxycontin use can occur at any time after the last dose and can include, but are not limited to:
• restlessness
• lacrimation
• anxiety
• rhinorrhea
• yawning
• perspiration
• chills
• myalgia
• mydriasis
• irritability
• vague pain
• weakness
• abdominal cramps
• insomnia, nausea
• anorexia
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• increased blood pressure, respiratory rate or heart rate.
Treatment of Oxycontin Addiction
No Oxycontin user should ever abruptly stop taking the medication as it can cause severe and sometimes fatal effects. The user must instead taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
Many quality centers recommend a comfortable detox in a 24/7 center using withdrawal medications proven to be highly effective for those suffering with an Oxycontin addiction. A quality treatment center will do a full physical to determine the right medications for comfortable detox to ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely and has a better chance of staying off the drug in the future.