Because I am addicted to OxyContin...
Overview
OxyContin is a trade name
for the drug oxycodone hydrochloride. Other brand names are Oxycontin, Roxicodone, M-oxy, ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, OxyIR.
Manufactured by Purdue Pharma L.P., OxyContin is a
controlled-release form of oxycodone prescribed to treat chronic pain. When used properly, OxyContin can provide pain relief
for up to 12 hours. When abused, OxyContin, like other opiates and opioids, can be dangerously addictive.
OxyContin abuse among high school students is a particular
problem. Four percent of high school seniors in the United States abused the drug at least once in the past year, according
to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey.
OxyContin Street Names
The most common names for OxyContin are OC, OX, oxy,
oxycotton, blue, hillbilly heroin, and kicker
Interaction Warnings
Do not take OxyContin with other narcotic pain medications,
sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side
effects may result.
Do not drink alcohol and GHB while you are taking
this medication. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol or GHB is combined with OxyContin.
OxyContin Looks Like
OxyContin is available as a 10 milligram (mg), 20
mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg tablet. The tablets vary in color and size according to dosage. The tablets are imprinted with the letters
OC on one side and the number of milligrams on the opposite side.
Methods of OxyContin Abuse
OxyContin tablets have a controlled-release feature
and are designed to be swallowed whole. In order to bypass the controlled-release feature, abusers either chew or crush the
tablets. Crushed tablets can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected.
Affect of OxyContin on the Mind
When the oxycodone binds to the opioid receptors,
a variety of physiologic responses can occur, ranging from pain relief to slowed breathing to euphoria.
Affect of OxyContin on the Body
OxyContin works by changing the way the brain and
nervous system respond to pain. Once oxycodone enters the body, it works by stimulating certain opioid receptors that are
located throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the spinal cord. Frequent and repeated use of the drug
can cause the user to develop a tolerance to its effects, so larger doses are required to elicit the desired sensation and
the abuser gets increasingly addicted to the drug.
Drugs Causing Similar Effects
Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine,
and hydrocodone.
OxyContin Overdose Effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you
have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of oxycodone can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness,
muscle weakness, confusion, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma and
could result in death.
OxyContin's Legal Status in the United States
Oxycodone is considered to be a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that it
is under the legal control of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Common Places of Origin
OxyContin abusers gain access to the drug
by means of fraudulent prescriptions, over-prescribing by some physicians, doctor shopping, pharmacy theft, drug dealers,
and smuggling into the United States.
