Actiq Addiction

Actiq ® is a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and propoxyphene. Actiq, the brand name for fentanyl citrate, is a narcotic analgesic that is supposed to treat breakthrough pain from cancer that isn’t relieved by other medications. Meant as a long-term therapy, Actiq is used in patients who are already tolerant to opiates. A person not already tolerant to opiates could suffer a fatal reaction on first use. An Actiq transmucosal unit is a lozenge attached to a plastic handle. Actiq contains fentanyl, an opioid agonist and a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Actiq has a high potential to be habit-forming and lead to addiction. It has abuse potential among users who obtain it both legally and illicitly. Other Schedule II opioid drugs include oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and methadone, all which have the highest potential for abuse and ability to cause fatal overdose due to respiratory depression.

Propoxyphene binds to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of pain is reduced. Acetaminophen halts the production of prostaglandins which otherwise cause pain. It is formulated as a tablet taken every 4 hours by mouth. Since propoxyphene can be habit forming, care must be taken to follow the doctor's instructions when taking Actiq ®. Do not take a larger dose, or take it more frequently, or take it for longer than the doctor has prescribed.

Actiq Is Often Prescribed for Inappropriate Uses

Although Actiq is intended only for breakthrough pain for cancer patients, studies have found that most prescriptions for it are “off label,” meaning the drug is being prescribed for other uses. The “morphine lollipops” or “perc-o-pops,” as they’re known on the street, have been prescribed for migraines, arthritis, severe back pain, neuropathy and various injuries. Opioid painkillers have the potential to lead to addiction, even when used at therapeutic levels. This requires that patients taking them be closely monitored for signs of abuse.

Actiq addiction can be fatal, causing death in some cases. Actiq ® is a solid version of Fentanyl The drug is delivered through berry flavored, lollipop-like oral lozenges, transdermal patches or by injection. Actiq, like all other opiates, has a high potential for abuse, leading to dependency. But others who have legitimate issues with pain can also develop a tolerance for the fast acting analgesic, requiring patients to take more and more of the drug to obtain the desired effect.

Signs of Actiq Addiction

Addiction to Actiq can be characterized by one or more of the following:

• Preoccupation with obtaining or consuming the drug.
• Impaired control over drug use.
• Compulsive use.
• Strong cravings that can’t be soothed without taking the drug and continued use despite negative consequences.

Addiction is progressive in nature, meaning it gets worse over time. The problem can escalate to the point where patients engage in drug-seeking behaviors common with addiction. These can include shopping around for doctors to secure more of a supply, buying or trading them illicitly or falsification of prescriptions.

Physical Dependence, Withdrawal, Tolerance and Treatment

A physical dependence to Actiq or other narcotics is characterized by withdrawal symptoms which set in once use is stopped abruptly after continued use. These include:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Rigid muscles.

Tolerance is also common with opioid use. This is when increasingly larger doses must be used to create the same pain relieving effect. Factors that can lead to drug addiction include genetics, peer pressure, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, experimentation, a history of other abuse, and chronic pain, which can require prolonged use of addictive opiates. Fortunately, Actiq addiction can be treated successfully and in a humane manner.

As with all opioids, there have been reports of illicit street use where they are incorrectly known as "Morphine lollypops" or "perc-o-pops". In order to curb misuse, many health insurers have begun to require preauthorization and/or quantity restrictions. The euphoric effects of Actiq ® make it and other Fentanyl derivatives staples on the illicit drug market. Fake prescriptions and theft are blamed for some of the illegal trade.

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