Drug Information - Oxycontin Addiction
OxyContin Is Highly Addictive
Most people who take OxyContin as prescribed do not become addicted, but they
may become somewhat physically dependent (there is a diference).
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports: "With prolonged use of
opiates and opioids, individuals become tolerant... may require larger doses,
and can become physically dependent on the drugs... studies indicate that most
patients who receive opioids for pain, even those undergoing long-term therapy,
do not become addicted to these drugs."
One NIDA sponsored study found that "only four out of more than 12,000 patients
who were given opioids for acute pain actually became addicted to the drug. In
a study of 38 chronic pain patients, most of whom received opioids for 4 to 7
years, only 2 patients actually became addicted, and both had a history of drug
abuse."
In short, most individuals who are prescribed OxyContin, or any other opioid,
will not become addicted, although they may become dependent on the drug and
will need to be withdrawn by a qualified physician. Individuals who are taking
the drug as prescribed should continue to do so, as long as they and their
physician agree that taking the drug is a medically appropriate way for them to
manage pain.
Short-term Effects
The most serious risk associated with OxyContin is respiratory depression.
Because of this, OxyContin should not be combined with other substances that
slow down breathing, such as alcohol, antihistamines (like some cold or allergy
medication), barbiturates, or benzodiazepines.
Other common side effects include constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness,
vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness. Toxic overdose and/or
death can occur by taking the tablet broken, chewed, or crushed. People who
abuse the drug (by removing the time-release coating) will experience effects
for up to 5 hours. The high that is felt is opiate like a sedate, euphoric
feeling.
Long-term Effects
Using OxyContin chronically can result in increased tolerance to the drug in
which higher doses of the medication must be taken to receive the initial
effect. Over time, OxyContin will be come physically addictive, causing a
person to experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present. Symptoms
of withdrawal include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea,
vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps, and involuntary leg movements.
Brief Description:
OxyContin is the brand name for an opioid analgesic containing the active
ingredient oxycodone. OxyContin is a legal narcotic that is available, by
prescription, to treat severe pain.
Street Names:
Oxy, OxyCotton, Oxy 80 (for the 80mg dose), or OC.
Effects:
OxyContin is a controlled-release medication that, when used correctly,
provides extended relief of pain associated with cancer, back pain, or
arthritis. However, often when the drug is abused, the tablets are crushed and
snorted, chewed, or mixed with water and injected- eliminating the time-release
factor and allowing for a quick and intense rush to the brain. OxyContin is
highly addictive - so higher doses of the drug must be taken when a tolerance
develops. Illicit users of the drug have risen drastically and steadily over
the last few years.
Appearance :
OxyContin most commonly exists in tablet form. These round pills come in 10mg,
20mg, 40mg, 80mg and 160mg dosages. OxyContin also comes in capsule or liquid
form.
What can we do?
Healthcare providers, primary care physicians, pharmacists, and patients
themselves, can all play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug
abuse.
Physicians: Because most people visit their
primary care physician at least once every 2 years, primary care physicians are
in a unique position not only to prescribe medications, but to identify
prescription drug abuse and help the patient find treatment. Screening for
prescription drug abuse should be incorporated into every routine medical
visit. Doctors can begin by asking questions about substance abuse history,
current prescription and OTC use, and reasons for use. Further, doctors should
also be aware of other potential signs of abuse, such as rapid increases in the
amount of medication the patient reportedly needs, or refill requests before
the refill date.
Pharmacists : It is a pharmacist's
responsibility to provide clear information on how to take medications
appropriately, describe possible effects, and warn of possible drug
interactions. The pharmacist also can be part of the first line of defense in
recognizing prescription drug abuse. By monitoring prescriptions for
falsification or alterations and being aware of potential "doctor shopping"
(where patients get multiple prescriptions from different doctors), pharmacists
play a valuable role in prevention.
Patients : There are also steps a patient can
take to ensure the appropriate use of prescription medications. Patients should
always follow the directions, be aware of potential interactions, never stop or
change a dose on their own, and never take another person's prescription.
Patients should also inform their healthcare professionals about current
prescription and OTC medicines they are taking, along with any dietary or
herbal supplements they might be taking.
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