You may have heard oxycontin referred to as oxycodone.
Is there a difference between oxycodone and oxycontin?
Oxycodone is the main active ingredient in several pain relievers, including oxycontin. It is the ingredient that dictates the time-release portion of the prescription.
The most popularly known drug that oxycodone is in is Percocet. Oxycontin is preferred by physicians when chronic pain is temporary, such as healing from an accident or wound. Oxycodone is like morphine in the fact that it relieves great pain in a patient. It is also addicting if not taken properly or monitored by a professional.
Most doctors will not prescribed refills for oxycodone or oxycontin, preferring instead to have the patient come back and be seen. If the medication is needed still, then the physician will make out a prescription at that time. This helps in monitoring the patient and the use of the drug itself, keeping the possibility of an addiction to a minimum risk.
Any prescription medication can become addicting if not used properly.
Some patients say they prefer oxycontin so they will not get addicted. However the truth is, any prescription medication can become addicting if not used properly. Deciding between instant relief and a time-release medication does not guarantee one will not become addicted to the drug itself. Only time and diligence can help with that.
Oxycontin helps with pain management in a way that oxycodone doesn’t because a person can take it and sleep through the night. The time-release formula allows it to work over a 12 hour period. Oxycodone, on the other hand, releases immediately and has to be taken again within approximately 4 to 6 hours as it wears off quickly. This is why it is more of a danger when it comes to addiction although oxycontin, again, can be a problem if not used properly as well.
The amount of dosage needed in a 24 hour period and the immediate versus time-release effects are the two main differences between oxycodone and oxycontin. While it is confusing to some because oxycodone is in oxycontin, the amount in the prescription has a lot to do with the effects listed earlier in this paragraph.
The bottom line is that any controlled substance should be taken under a doctor’s care and any oxycontin side effects or compulsive need for the drug should be brought to your physician’s immediate attention. By using it in a mature and proper way, you can ward off the onslaught of addiction and go on about your life.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction. 