Oxycodone is a powerful medication and given to patients who have built up a significant tolerance to other opioids. Oxycodone hydrochloride belongs to a class of narcotics called synthetic opioids. Oxycodone is produced by isolating thebaine: an alkaloid compound found in opium.
Oxycodone is typically dispensed as an extended-release tablet which lasts up to 12 hours. Other immediate release variants last between 4-6 hours. This usually varies based on the patient’s existing tolerance and the frequency and severity of pain symptoms.
Like other opioids, oxycodone produces pleasurable, euphoric effects which can overtime lead to drug dependency and encourage misuse. To avoid the unintended health consequences of oxycodone, only use oxycodone if instructed to do so by your doctor and only take the amount prescribed to you.
OxyContin – OxyContin is used to manage severe and constant pain. Oxycontin extended-release tablets treat pain symptoms for 12 hours and come in strengths of 40mg or less.
Percocet – Percocet combines smaller amounts of oxycodone with acetaminophen: a common over the counter painkiller commonly associated with the medicine Tylenol. Percocet is used to treat moderate to severe pain and has a maximum dosage of 10mg of hydrocodone and 650 mg of acetaminophen.
Roxicodone – Roxicodone is a prescription pain reliever used to reduce moderate to severe pain symptoms. Roxicodone comes in 15 or 30 mg tablets.
Addiction and dependency can occur to anyone taking oxycodone, including those receiving it as a prescription and using it as intended. By discussing any changes, you experience when using oxycodone with your doctor necessary precautions can be made to prevent full scale addiction from occurring.
With oxycodone and other opioids, the biggest contributors to the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) are misuse and tolerance. When those receiving an oxycodone prescription become tolerant, their pain symptoms are no longer adequately treated. As a result, many begin to misuse their medication. As tolerance continues to build the person will take more and more of the prescription.
Overtime misuse turns to abuse fueled by physical and mental dependency for more of the drug. Here are some signs that you or a loved one is experiencing Oxycodone addiction:
As a person continues to misuse oxycodone, they will have to take increased doses to get the same high. This can often mean severe and potentially life-threatening side effects the most significant of which is respiratory depression.
Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the body and organs no longer receive the oxygen needed to perform regular functions.
When vital organs like the brain, lungs and heart lose access to enough oxygen permanent damage and death can occur. This condition is also known as opioid overdose
Using Oxycodone alongside certain substances can be dangerous. Common substances to avoid include:
Are you or a loved one struggling with opioid addiction? drugs like oxycodone can dissolve a person’s ability make safe and healthy choices. To avoid the disastrous consequences of drug abuse it is often necessary to rely on addiction professionals. For more information on addiction treatments available in your area see the link below.
