The Dangers of OxyContin

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate manufactured by modifying the chemical thebaine, an organic chemical found in opium.  OxyContin is a time-released form of this highly potent drug used for long-term pain relief (up to 12 hours) commonly used for conditions such as cancer and arthritis.  Because OxyContin is time-released, the effects of the drug and its analgesic properties take effect over a set period of time rather than all at once.  OxyContin is similar to codeine and methadone in its pain-killing properties.

OxyContin is a drug with a very high abuse potential. In the past few years it has been linked to a number of overdoes deaths.  In 1996, oxycodone could be linked to 49 deaths. In 1999, that number rose to 262.  Because the use of OxyContin continues to increase, it is unknown exactly how many people are currently abusing the drug.

Viewed as a “white collar” addiction, and know as hillbilly heroin, the abuse of oxycodone has increased among all ethnic and economic backgrounds.  OxyContin is very expensive.  A 40mg tablet prescribed by a doctor would cost an individual $25-$40 on the street.

OxyContin abuse has been a problem in the United States since the early 1960’s. 

Oxycodone products can be administered via injection (into the muscle), injection via the blood stream, injection under the skin, rectally and orally through pills and tablets.  OxyContin, a tablet form, can remain effective for 12 hours, making it the longest lasting oxycodone product available on the market today.

Legal doses vary by patient but a typical dose prescribed by a doctor ranges from 2-4 tablets daily.  Currently there are only four dosages available—10, 20, 40 and 80 mg tablets.  The 160mg tablet previously available in the U.S. was banned in May of 2001 due to it’s severe abuse potential.

Those who abuse OxyContin do so in one of three ways:

• Crushing he pill into a fine powder and snorting it
• Chewing it
• Crushing and dissolving the tablets in water and injecting it

By compromising the drug in any one of the above listed methods, an individual defeats the time-release mechanism of the drug causing the active ingredient to take effect almost immediately.  This abuse increases the risk of overdose dramatically since the drug is not intended to be used in this particular manner.

When using the drug as prescribed, most users report mild side effects.  Reported side effects include:

• Breathing irregularity
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Heart failure
• Low blood pressure
• Overdose death due to cardiac arrest

OxyContin should only be used based on a doctor’s prescription for the drug.  Sings of addiction can then be monitored and controlled more effectively.  When OxyContin is used illegally, the changes of becoming addicted to the drug are very high.  Prolonged use of the drug, and abuse of oxycodone drugs in general, change the brain in such a way that the user cannot quit on his own, which is a typical sign of an addiction problem.  Withdrawal symptoms for OxyContin are also extremely high and the drug should not be stopped suddenly.  Withdrawal symptoms that can occur include anxiety, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, fevers and other flu like symptoms. It is very common for users to require detoxification before entering a drug rehab to quit.

 

Drug Specific Information

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