Uses
Oxycontin a drug for those patients with severe and long-lasting pain issues. Also, the DEA considers Oxycontin a Schedule II controlled substance. Meaning, this medication is for severe ongoing pain and not for occasional use. Furthermore, the FDA recommends that opioids with this type of potency are not for all chronic pain patients, but only for severe conditions like arthritis or cancer.
At one point, Purdue Pharma claimed that the time-release drug reduced the risk for addiction issues. However, time and the opioid crisis have proven Purdue Pharma’s claims not to be entirely accurate. People suffering from addiction find ways to bypass the time-release aspect of the oxycontin tablets by crushing it or taking larger doses. Furthermore, risky practices, high doses, and possible drug interactions can significantly increase the risks of overdose and death.
Warnings and Risks
It is important to remember that, as with all other opioid prescription drugs, OXYCONTIN can quickly lead to addiction, abuse, and overdose. There is a higher risk of overdose and death with this drug due to the more substantial amount of oxycodone present in each tablet. Time-release medications such as OXYCONTIN are supposed to deliver opioids over an extended period, but when tampered with, the results can be life-threatening or even fatal.
It is important to understand, that addiction can also occur even when the patient takes recommended doses. However, when abuse or misuse of OXYCONTIN occurs, the risks to a life-threatening event are much higher.
Strategies to reduce addiction risks include not prescribing the drug in the high doses, for long term and educating patients on the actual benefits and risks. Furthermore, crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the drug can result in the uncontrolled delivery, which can cause overdose and death.
Adverse Effects Can Include:
- Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
- Dangerous Drug Interactions with Central Nervous System Depressants
- Higher health Risks in Elderly, Cachectic and Debilitated Patients
or those with Chronic Pulmonary Disease. - Hypotensive Effects (Elevated blood pressure)
- Difficulty in Swallowing or other Possibly Harmful Effects to Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Worsening of Convulsive or Seizure Disorders
Oxycontin has a high risk for physical dependence, which eventually, leads to addiction and drug abuse. When taken in high doses or when combined with other substances, especially alcohol, the drug can cause respiratory distress, which is life threatening.
Doctors prescribing Oxycontin should warn chronic pain patients never to change dosages or stop taking an opioid medication without first seeking medical advice. If a specific prescription drug is not working as well as it should, especially after a long-term prescription, your physician may adjust the dosage or try another medication.
When you’re ready to stop taking oxycontin tablets, your doctor may try to help you wean off or refer you to a specialized drug treatment program. If you have taken an opioid medication long term, give your body adequate time to regulate after detox. Otherwise, you may feel extensive uncomfortable symptoms of a withdrawal syndrome.
Oxycontin Possible Side Effects
When people take opioid drugs for long term, they develop a tolerance. They may feel the need to take higher and higher doses of the medication to feel the same original effect. This need stands due to an actual physiological response which has occurred at the nervous system level. Although people who receive legitimate prescriptions for Oxycontin tablets may become dependent on the drug, it does not mean they are also suffering from addiction.
Although this medication is used for those with ongoing chronic pain, patients still can suffer from adverse side effects. That is one of the reasons this medication is not for occasional use or for the relief of mild pain.
Common side effects to be careful of include:
- Physical Tolerance
- Addiction
- Withdrawal
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Lightheaded
- A headache
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Hiccups
- Impaired thinking or reactions.
Possible side effects that may need immediate medical intervention are:
- Respiratory depression
- Respiratory depression
- Seizure
- Cold and clammy skin
- Confusion
- Bad drug interaction
- A feeling of passing out
- Respiratory arrest
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
- Death
Oxycontin withdrawal develops after the body has become accustomed to receiving a constant dose of the drug. Repeated use or abuse of an opioid drug causes direct changes to brain chemistry and subsequently how it responds and functions. If the individual reduces or stops taking the opioid entirely, is very likely that a withdrawal syndrome may occur.
Who is at Risk for Addiction?
Any person who takes Oxycontin over some time, short or long term, can experience withdrawal symptoms. Even though withdrawal is a symptom of physical dependence, it does not mean the patient also has an addiction. Prescription drug abuse is when people are using medication for purposes other than the original intended use or at larger doses. Addiction often manifests itself by an uncontrollable craving for the drug regardless of its negative consequences.
Addiction to opioids can destroy relationships and negatively impact a person’s overall quality of life. The reasons why some people get addicted to prescription drugs are widely different. Some studies suggest genetic factors can play a part, while others directly relate to emotional issues. Regardless, it is essential to remember that opioid addiction is a reversible and treatable condition.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction:
- Progressive doses of opioid medications
- Physician shopping
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Incapacity to stop or control the use
- Abnormal efforts to obtain the medication
- Medication causing the impairment of essential activities
- Obsessive thoughts and use despite adverse side effects
If you are concerned about your drug use or someone you love, speak with a medical professional. Early intervention is the best prevention of addiction risks and overdose.
Oxycontin Withdrawal Symptoms
After taking an oxycodone-based drug for a specified period, you might find that you need more and more to achieve the same effect than you initially did. This condition is called physical tolerance. It is not the same as addiction. Instead, it is a physiological dependence. If you abruptly stop taking the opioid or try to reduce the dosage, you are probably going to feel withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Intense Anxiety
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Muscle Pain
- Flu-Like Symptoms.
OXYCONTIN WITHDRAWAL CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO OVERCOME, AND HAS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF RELAPSE DURING DETOX. FOR THIS REASON, DOCTORS OFTEN RECOMMEND AN INPATIENT MEDICAL DETOX.
Duration of an opioid withdrawal depends on many unique factors, including the strength and dose of the specific drug. Also, whether it was an extended release formulation or not and the length of time the individual took opioids. Furthermore, environmental stressors, biological or genetic factors, can also contribute to the level of discomfort while overcoming an opioid withdrawal. No matter the severity and length of an Oxycontin withdrawal, it is always recommended to detox under medical guidance. A doctor can help you ease the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous consequences of an opioid withdrawal syndrome. Additionally, a doctor can also provide you with supportive medications to prevent craving and relapse.
Prescription Drugs – Abuse and Addiction
The term addiction is no longer clinically accurate. Instead, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) uses the term substance use disorder. When the condition is concerning oxycontin, the diagnosis is “opioid use disorder.”
Oxycodone has a chemical formulation to replicate the structure of morphine, and like all opioid narcotics, it has an acutely high addiction profile. Behavioral signs and consequences of addiction depend on a range of individual factors such as someone’s financial capabilities, mental health status, and social surroundings.
Often the affected individual might appear drowsy and not attentive. They might suffer from the inability to perform basic tasks because the drug abuse disrupts a person’s cognitive functioning, which makes it much more difficult to concentrate. As a result, there is usually a drop in overall performance level.
Furthermore, an opioid user may have a difficult time maintaining family relationships and friendships. They may also withdraw from once enjoyable activities, especially with people that know them well and can identify the condition.
Oxycontin Addiction Treatment
Finding the best oxycontin addiction treatment can be challenging and confusing. Effective programs should offer a full spectrum of services that best fit an individual’s unique needs. Additionally, comprehensive evaluations should also be part of the treatment, so an individualized plan is customized. An inpatient hospital-based medical detox can provide the highest level of care. It allows for around-the-clock medical monitoring and adequate withdrawal management. An Oxycontin medical detox ensures your body safely overcomes the withdrawal symptoms with minimum discomfort.
The Waismann Method® team has been successfully providing opioid treatment for over 21 years. The entire stay typically lasts 5 to 10-days, and our professional team offers 24/7 supervision. Because patients have access to an accredited private hospital, they are also able to address additional medical issues that otherwise can be missed and lead to other issues. At a full service accredited hospital doctors have the tools to assess, assist and administer the appropriate medications to provide a safer and much more comfortable oxycontin detox.
Don’t wait any longer. Get help! Call today to speak to an opioid detox specialist about the best treatment option for you. 1-800-423-2482