What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is the brand name for a prescription pain medication containing the ingredient Oxycodone. It exists in tablet, capsule and liquid form. OxyContin is one drug in a class of narcotic opioids prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. Other drugs that fall within this class include morphine, codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon); hydrocodone (Vicodin); hydromorphone (Dilaudid); and meperidine (Demerol).

How is OxyContin Taken?

OxyContin should only be taken under the close supervision of a doctor. Altering the dosage or sharing the prescription with others is very dangerous. When used correctly, patients take the prescribed pill orally every 12 hours as needed (most pain relievers last only 3-6 hours). Those who abuse OxyContin may crush and snort, chew, or cook and inject the drug to achieve a quick and intense “rush” to the brain.

What are the Street Names for OxyContin?

OxyContin is the brand name for OxyCondone. Street or slang names include Oxy, OxyCotton, Oxy 80, and OC.

How Does OxyContin Affect the User?

OxyContin, like other opioids, blocks physical pain. It can also affect the region of the brain which regulates pleasure and results in an initial euphoria. It may also result in drowsiness, constipation, and, depending upon the amount taken, can depress breathing. Taking a large single dose could cause severe respiratory depression or death.

Opioids like OxyContin may interact with other medications and are only safe to use with other medications under a physician’s supervision. Typically, they should not be used with substances such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. Since these substances slow breathing, their combined effects could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.

What are the Long-Term Effects of OxyContin use?

Using OxyContin frequently and over a long period of time can result in increased tolerance to the drug, meaning that higher doses of the medication must be taken to receive the initial effect. Over time, OxyContin becomes 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. It’s important to note that due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms, quitting should be done under a doctor’s care.

Signs and Symptoms of OxyContin Abuse

How can you tell if someone is using OxyContin? One or more of the following warning sign may indicate that a person is using OxyContin. However, they may also indicate problems other than use of drugs.

• Behavioral signs: Changes in overall attitude/personality; decrease in motivation level; loss of interest in activities, social groups, or hobbies.
• Physical signs and symptoms: Sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; sluggish or absent response of constricted pupils to light.
• Environmental signs: Missing medication or unaccounted for medications. Frequent visits to multiple doctors, or making prescription drug purchases online.

Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is struggling with OxyContin abuse, email LDR Holistic Treatment Services at admin@lifedevelopmentresources.com to find out more about our treatment programs, ask for a referral or get a professional assessment. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.