Due to its high risk for dependence, OxyContin is typically prescribed when other pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective. OxyContin functions by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain signals and producing sedative and euphoric effects. However, its potency also makes it highly addictive and a significant contributor to the opioid crisis.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
This is considered getting high from oxycodone, which then creates a reward response in the brain, which is how addiction occurs. Oxycodone can be prescribed as an immediate-release version, as well as an extended-release medication that can help control pain. Recovery Guide LLC does not endorse any treatment provider, and we do not guarantee the quality of care, outcomes, or results from any treatment program listed or advertised on our site. All information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. When you call the number listed on this ad, your call will be answered by Treatment X, a licensed addiction treatment provider and paid advertiser on AddictionResource.net. Treatment works best when it’s tailored to each person’s specific needs and circumstances.
- The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient.
- Since then, opioids have been linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S.
- Use of opioids for an extended period of time may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility.
Medically Assisted Detox
This advertisement is clearly marked and is separate from our editorial content. Respiratory depression is a breathing condition characterized by slow, shallow, or difficult breathing. Taking a lethal dose of oxycodone may cause very slow or stopped breathing.
Side Effects
- Stopping oxycodone suddenly can cause extreme psychological distress and even suicidal thoughts.
- Ten years later, there were 72,776 deaths involving fentanyl, an increase of 23 times over.
- Inform patients that OXYCONTIN may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope.
- The oxycodone in OXYCONTIN may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi.
This procedure reduces the distress of withdrawal and is performed in an accredited hospital setting under strict medical supervision. The severity of withdrawal depends on dosage, duration of use, and individual how addictive is oxycontin health factors. Many individuals find it challenging to quit without medical detoxification. An OxyContin overdose can be fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines. Reporters also examined Food and Drug Administration records, Patent Office files and medical journal articles, and interviewed experts in pain treatment, addiction medicine and pharmacology.
Missed Dose
Expired, unwanted, or unused OXYCONTIN should be disposed of by flushing the unused medication down the toilet if a drug take-back Twelve-step program option is not readily available. Inform patients that they can visit /drugdisposal for a complete list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing, as well as additional information on disposal of unused medicines. Not every urine drug test for “opioids” or “opiates” detects oxycodone reliably, especially those designed for in-office use. Further, many laboratories will report urine drug concentrations below a specified “cut-off” value as “negative”.
Study Population
In addition, Black people also were more likely than White people to have misused opioids in the past year. Ask your doctor whether you should take them with or without food. Drink plenty of water to swallow the extended-release capsules or tablets. Hydrocodone extended-release capsules are usually taken once every 12 hours. The recommendation is that you take the medication as soon as you remember, and try to return to your normal schedule of doses as soon as possible. OxyContin can cause various side effects, some of which may be serious.