Drug Treatment & Alcohol Rehab

OxyContin

What Is OxyContin?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports: "With prolonged use of opiates and opioids, individuals become tolerant and may require larger doses, and can become physically dependent on the drugs."

 

One NIDA sponsored study found that 4 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, many of them became addicted, and both had histories of drug abuse.

In short, most individuals who are prescribed OxyContin, or any other opioid, can potentially 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 Although they may become dependent on the drug and will need to be withdrawn by a qualified physician; individuals who are taking the drug as prescribed should continue to do so.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.

OxyContin 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.

OxyContin 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. 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.