Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to oxycodone overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. A study of OXYCONTIN in patients with hepatic impairment demonstrated greater plasma concentrations than those seen at equivalent doses in persons with normal hepatic function see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Therefore, a dosage reduction is recommended for these patients see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Purdue’s Response
This approach treated the drug as a simple chemical delivery system, largely ignoring the profound public health implications of introducing single tablets containing potentially lethal oxycodone doses into American medicine cabinets. Simultaneously, state legislatures moved to shield doctors from legal risks of prescribing opioids. By August 1999, nineteen states had enacted laws protecting physicians from prosecution for prescribing large painkiller quantities, provided they were for treating documented medical disorders. For most of the 20th century, the medical establishment treated strong opioids with extreme caution. Their use was largely confined to severe acute pain following major surgery and intractable pain from terminal cancer. The deeply ingrained fear of iatrogenic addiction—addiction caused by medical treatment—kept opioids from being used for chronic, non-cancer-related pain conditions.
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- The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of extended-release oxycodone.
- In order to avoid developing withdrawal symptoms, instruct patients not to discontinue OXYCONTIN without first discussing a tapering plan with the prescriber see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
- Oxycodone addiction develops in stages, starting with legitimate prescription use.
Oxycodone concentrated solution should only be used to treat people who are tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to opioid medications because they have taken this type of medication for at least one week. Oxycodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
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This time-released formula provides up to 12 hours of relief for people who suffer from chronic pain. This around-the-clock pain amphetamine addiction treatment treatment is one of the things that sets OxyContin apart from other opioid pain relievers. As compared to OxyContin, short-acting painkillers tend to last only from three to six hours.
Addiction, Abuse, And Misuse
When abused, OxyContin tablets or capsules are often chewed, crushed, snorted, mixed into a solution and injected, or smoked on tin foil. These techniques override the pills’ time-release feature and flood the brain https://icjustice.org/cannabis-dependency-help-free-support/ with the drug. This engages special neurotransmitters to produce an intense “high” or euphoric state similar to that of heroin or opium.
What if I miss a dose?
Infants born to mothers physically dependent on opioids will also be physically dependent and may exhibit respiratory difficulties and withdrawal signs see Use In Specific Populations. OXYCONTIN contains oxycodone, an opioid agonist and Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit, including fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, and oxymorphone. OXYCONTIN can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Drug Abuse And Dependence.
An overdose can slow or even stop your breathing, causing brain damage or death if you don’t get help fast. All opioids can be habit-forming and share similar side effects. You might feel drowsy, nauseous, constipated, or at risk for overdose. If your doctor prescribes an opioid, stick to their instructions—don’t improvise. Understanding these dangers and side effects is essential in recognizing the risks and seeking appropriate help for oxycodone addiction. When used for extended periods or in higher doses, it can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
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- Someone might depend on oxycontin physically but still take it exactly as prescribed.
- Oxycodone is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.
- Oxycodone is a powerful opioid medication that’s primarily prescribed by doctors to manage moderate to severe pain.
In cases of misuse, individuals crush OxyContin tablets to snort the powder, bypassing the time-release mechanism and achieving an immediate euphoric effect. Others dissolve the crushed tablets in water and inject the solution directly into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid how addictive is oxycontin and intensified impact. Protracted withdrawal symptoms, known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), persist for weeks or months, depending on the severity of addiction. Inpatient treatment involves living in a residential facility where individuals receive 24/7 care, combining detoxification, therapy, and skill-building.
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Lifestyle changes, therapy, and support groups can also be beneficial in overcoming opioid use disorder. Doctor Shopping and Prescription Forgery are common tactics used by individuals addicted to oxycodone. Doctor Shopping refers to the act of seeking multiple doctors or clinics in order to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drug. This enables addicts to acquire a larger supply of oxycodone than what would be normally prescribed. Prescription Forgery involves the falsification of prescriptions or the theft of prescription pads in order to illegally obtain oxycodone.