Oxycontin is an opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or long-lasting pain. The ingredient found in Oxycontin is Oxycodone. Oxycontin is one of the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. Most commonly, abuse of Oxycontin is usually through crushing the drug and ingesting or snorting it. Also, abusers dilute it in water and inject it for faster reaction time. Abusing Oxycontin in any form can end fatally and the individual will never know which dose may be their fatal dosage. This drug is very effective in treating patients with chronic pain disorder or cancer patients. It is effective in the sense that it decreases their pain and improves their functionality, when taken appropriately.
Although Oxycontin may be an effective pain reliever, when abused or manipulated, the drug produces a quick and powerful “high” or euphoria. Because of Oxycontin’s similarities to heroin and other opioids, an overdose can be fatal.
Some symptoms of Oxycontin include:
- Decreased breathing (respiratory depression)
- Seizure disorder
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Confusion
- Tiredness
- Cold and clammy skin
- Constricted pupils
- Reduced vision
- Nausea & Vomiting
Short-term effects of Oxycontin include the following:
- Constipation
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Weakness
Chronic use of Oxycontin can result in tolerance for the drug, which means that the individual must take a higher dosage in order to achieve the same initial “high.” This can lead to long-term abuse of the drug and to addiction.
Long-term effects of Oxycontin include the following:
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Withdrawal
Withdrawal is the non-presence of Oxycontin in the body. Withdrawal symptoms are the associated effects of suddenly stopping the drug.
Withdrawal symptoms of Oxycontin include:
- Tiredness & Fatigue
- Constant yawning
- Hot/Cold sweats
- Heart Palpitations
- Joints and muscle aches and pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Uncontrollable coughing
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Watery eyes & nose
- Depression
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of Oxycontin abuse, please contact your local addiction hotline for more help. Oxycontin addiction not only affects you, but it affects the ones you love and who are closes to you. Do not let Oxycontin addiction control your life; control the addiction by seeking immediate medical attention and detoxification. Contact us immediately if you want to seek help for your addiction. We can help get you back to a drug and addiction free life.