Oxycontin Oxycodone HCl: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

WebMD talked to experts about OxyContin as a legitimate medication for moderate to severe pain, the dangers of abuse, the issue of addiction, and the climate of suspicion that restricts patients’ access to the drug. MeadowWood Behavioral Health is a leading inpatient hospital in the New Castle and Wilmington, Delaware area. We offer multiple levels of care for adolescents, adults, and seniors dealing mental health and substance abuse issues. Clinically referred to as opioid use disorder, an oxycodone addiction can prevent an individual from being able to control how much and how Halfway house often he or she uses the drug.

Physical Side Effects

Environmental influences, such as access to prescriptions and social pressures, further increase vulnerability to misuse and dependency. It contains oxycodone, a synthetic opioid that binds to the brain’s opioid receptors to alleviate moderate to why is oxy so addictive severe pain. Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, OxyContin is highly effective for pain management but carries a significant risk of addiction and misuse. The treatment options for OxyContin addiction include medical detoxification, medication-assisted therapy (MAT), behavioral counseling, and support programs. These approaches address both the physical dependence and the psychological aspects of addiction, promoting long-term recovery and relapse prevention. The risks of mixing oxycontin with other substances include life-threatening complications like overdose, respiratory depression, and death.

Overdose Information for Oxycontin

Further, many laboratories will report urine drug concentrations below a specified “cut-off” value as “negative”. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with OXYCONTIN. Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

If he or she does not obtain professional treatment to help overcome this painful addiction, these symptoms can become so overwhelming that the user begins using again, thus perpetuating his or her addiction even further. According to “Genetics and the Risk of Addiction” by the American Journal of Psychiatry (2007), genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing opioid addiction by 40-60% by influencing how the brain responds to drugs. These symptoms collectively indicate the presence of oxycodone addiction, affecting various aspects of an individual’s life. Early detection and intervention are essential for effective treatment and recovery. People prescribed an oxycodone-based painkiller may be suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other physical disorders, or they may receive a short-term prescription after surgery or trauma. Prescription forms of oxycodone are designed to provide around-the-clock relief.

Behavioral Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction

Alcohol and benzodiazepines are two of the most dangerous substances to combine with oxycodone. Because oxycodone, alcohol, and benzos all depress the central nervous system (CNS), mixing them can be extremely damaging and potentially fatal. This deadly cocktail can slow down breathing and cardiac function to the point of complete failure. Even if the combination doesn’t cause death, it can cause irreversible damage to the brain and other major organs. Because prescription painkiller use is generally accepted in society, it can be difficult to identify or address oxycodone abuse. Especially in the cases of legitimate prescriptions, it can be hard to tell the difference between an acceptable dose and abuse.

In controlled pharmacokinetic studies in elderly subjects (greater than 65 years) the clearance of oxycodone was slightly reduced. Compared to young adults, the plasma concentrations of oxycodone were increased approximately 15% see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Of the total number of subjects (445) in clinical studies of oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release tablets, 148 (33.3%) were age 65 and older (including those age 75 and older) while 40 (9.0%) were age 75 and older. In clinical trials with appropriate initiation of therapy and dose titration, no untoward or unexpected adverse reactions were seen in the elderly patients who received oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release tablets. Thus, the usual doses and dosing intervals may be appropriate for elderly patients. However, a dosage reduction in debilitated, non-opioidtolerant patients is recommended see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

• Some early signs of misuse are taking oxycodone more frequently than your healthcare professional prescribed, or taking a higher dose than you were prescribed.
• Therapy and support groups help people suffering from oxycodone addiction overcome the psychological compulsion to use while medications can reduce the discomfort that comes with withdrawal.
• Unfortunately, drug users began crushing OxyContin (a.k.a. “oxy”) and snorting it to experience an intense high.
• Oxycodone is extensively metabolized by multiple metabolic pathways to produce noroxycodone, oxymorphone and noroxymorphone, which are subsequently glucuronidated.

OxyContin Detox and Therapy

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) is an opioid drug used for the management of moderate to severe pain, usually for an extended time period. Injecting, snorting or consuming oxycodone in high doses drastically increases the chances of overdose.

Regularly evaluate closely for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the event of a known or suspected overdose. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OXYCONTIN are essential see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.