OxyContin
OxyContin is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It is a pain
reliever. OxyContin is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. OxyContin, approved
by the FDA in 1995, is an opium derivative that contains the same active ingredient
as Percodan and Percocet. OxyContin is intended for use by terminal cancer
patients and chronic pain sufferers. OxyContin is designed so that the oxycodone
is slowly released over time.
OxyContin is an opiate agonist. Opiate agonists provide pain relief by acting
on opioid receptors in the spinal cord, brain, and possibly in the tissues
directly. Opioids, natural or synthetic classes of drugs that act like morphine,
are the most effective pain relievers available. OxyContin is manufactured
by modifying an alkaloid found in opium. OxyContin is a central nervous system
depressant. OxyContin's action appears to work through stimulating the opioid
receptors found in the central nervous system that activate responses ranging
from analgesia to respiratory depression and euphoria.
OxyContin Addiction and Abuse
OxyContin abuse is spreading for a variety of reasons. First, the elevated
opiate dosage makes it highly addictive. Second, in contrast to drugs such
as cocaine or heroin that can be laced with other substances, with OxyContin
you know how much of the drug you are getting. Since the dosage is consistent,
it delivers a dependable high. Finally, OxyContin is covered by most health
insurance plans, so it is significantly cheaper than street drugs.
OxyContin abuse and addiction is becoming a wide spread problem in America.
OxyContin is a leading treatment for chronic pain, but officials fear it may
succeed crack cocaine on the street. The DEA says it is only a matter of time
before every community in the country is confronted with the problem of OxyContin
addiction. No prescription drug in the last 20 years has been so widely abused
after its release, federal officials say.
Physical addiction to OxyContin which is sometimes unavoidable develops when
an individual is exposed to OxyContin at a high enough dose for an extended
period of time. The user's body adapts and develops a tolerance for the OxyContin.
This means that higher doses are needed to achieve the drug's original effects.
OxyContin mimics the action of chemicals in your brain that send messages of
pleasure to your brain's reward center. It produces an artificial feeling of
pleasure. OxyContin is able to produce pleasurable effects by acting like normal
brain messenger chemicals, which produce positive feelings in response to signals
from the brain.
The result is of the predictable drug which, short circuits interests in and
the motivation to make life's normal rewards work. More and more confidence
is placed in OxyContin while other survival feelings are ignored and bypassed.
The result of this addiction cycle is a lack of concern for, and confidence
in, other areas of life.
Side Effects of OxyContin
The side effects of OxyContin include but are not limited to:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- slow, weak breathing;
- seizures;
- cold, clammy skin;
- severe weakness or dizziness; or
- unconsciousness.
- constipation;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
- dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
- muscle twitches;
- sweating;
- itching;
- decreased urination; or
- decreased sex drive.
OxyContin Overdose
Symptoms of an OxyContin overdose includes slow breathing, seizures, dizziness,
weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy
skin, and small pupils.