OxyContin is the brand name (https://www.fda.gov/media/78453/download) of another medication known as oxycodone, though it is extended-release. It is a painkiller that is used for those that suffer from long-term, severe pain.
Understanding the signs and symptoms that come with OxyContin abuse (https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/blog/oxycontin-abuse-information/) is important. Not only because this prescription medication can become addictive, but it can become dangerous in those that take it. It is currently part of the opioid epidemic happening right now in the United States.
Read more information about the warnings, symptoms, signs, and more regarding OxyContin.
Side Effects of OxyContin:
When OxyContin (https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-2798/oxycontin-oral/details) is prescribed, it should be taken according to the instructions given by the physician. When taken according to these instructions, the medication is slow release and it should not provide a euphoric high, but help with pain management over a 12-hour period.
The side effects that are noticed with the use of OxyContin include:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
- Dry Mouth
If you have any of these severe side effects, speak with a healthcare professional immediately:
- Shallow breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness
- Seizures
- Confusion
Addiction to OxyContin
As a Schedule II controlled substance, it is high on the list of addictive medications that can be found throughout the United States. It is one of the most prescribed drugs (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html), as well as one of the most sought after drug obtained illegally. When taken in the way it is prescribed, there is little chance of becoming addicted to it, but usually those that abuse the medication use it in other ways than what it is prescribed.
Those that crush them and snort them, or chew them and then take them removes the extended release portion of the medication. This means that the medication is then given to your system all at once. This provides the rush, or high that a person would experience. The high is often compared to the same high that one would get from using heroin.
Credit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2622774/
Those that are addicted to OxyContin will show these signs and symptoms:
- The person is focused on finding their next dose
- They lose interest in things they once were interested in
- Fatigue
- Apathy
- Confusion
- Vomiting or Nausea
OxyContin (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2622774/) overdoses are more common than not. This is due to the higher amounts of the medication that those that abuse the drug take. Their heart rate can slow and coupled with extreme fatigue, erratic or slow breathing, and perhaps vomiting; many things can go wrong.
Those that withdrawal from this medication can find themselves with flu-like symptoms. They become anxious and may have depression, as well as night sweats.
There are numerous long-term effects that can happen. When a person continues to take the medication, it will give them reward effects making them seek out the use of the drug again and again. This is the addiction causing problems.
Overcoming this addiction is possible, but it is important that the person finds the necessary help from the right place. Addiction treatment centers are available to work with those that have been overcome by the opioid addiction within the United States.
As you can, OxyContin can be abused and easily.
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