OxyContin is a brand name of oxycodone, an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain that is expected to last for an extended period of time. It is intended to be used for around-the-clock treatment of pain, not on an as-needed basis. OxyContin works on the body in the way heroin does, by interacting with opiate receptors in the central nervous system. Because of the medication’s ability to produce euphoric feelings, it is often abused. We’ll explore how to identify problems with OxyContin, and how to treat them.
OxyContin Prescriptions
Oxycodone is the main ingredient in OxyContin, and it changes how our brains perceive the feeling of pain. It’s very helpful in situations following surgery or injuries, or illnesses that cause pain, but can be dangerous when abused.
There are some side effects that don’t really cause any danger to the user but are more of an annoyance, and there are other effects that can be quite risky.
Some side effects of Oxycontin
- abnormal heart rate
- anxiety
- confusion
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- itching and rash
- irregular or slowed breathing
- seizures
- tightness in chest
- vomiting
In case any of these occur when taking the medication, consult a doctor for minor side effects or an emergency medical treatment for anything serious or life-threatening.
In order to take OxyContin legally, the user must have a valid prescription from a medical professional. It is illegal to use in any of the following ways:
- you cannot distribute OxyContin unless you are a medical doctor
- you cannot take OxyContin without a valid prescription
- you cannot write or obtain a fraudulent prescription to obtain OxyContin
Is it a misconception that a person who has a prescription can give away OxyContin to someone without a prescription, as long as they aren’t selling it. This too is illegal. It is dangerous for people to take drugs they aren’t prescribed for many reasons, mostly because they may not know how it will affect their body. The extended-release in oxycodone has the potential to cause severe harm or even death in some people.
Because OxyContin has the potential to become addictive, it’s best to seek help when planning to quit taking the medication. A doctor will likely work on creating a tapered dosing schedule in order to gradually reduce the amount of OxyContin in the body.
For further help concerning OxyContin abuse and addiction, contact Hired Power today at 800.910.9299.
