OxyContin Facts

What You Need to Know

Oxycontin is a drug that was approved by the FDA more than 15 years ago in 1995. Like Vicodin, it is also an opium derivative and is prescribed for terminally ill cancer patients or those suffering from severe pain. The active ingredient in the drug is oxycodone and the medicine is available in medicine in tablets of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg and 80mg.

Effects of Oxycontin Consumption

Oxycontin is a strong pain reliever that works in a manner similar to morphine. The drug has been made in such a manner that the oxycodone is released slowly into the blood. The slow release mechanism makes it possible for patients to take it only twice a day.

The effects of the drug are similar to those that are common among other opioids. These include nausea, constipation, sedation, dizziness, weakness and sweating. Other effects include a rapid increase or decrease in the heart rate, red eyes and flushing.

OxyContin Abuse

The abuse of Oxycontin is increasing every day. While the drug is an effective painkiller for those suffering from chronic and severe pain, the drug can be extremely harmful if taken in quantities more than the prescribed amount. Those who abuse the drug generally consume it by chewing it, crushing and snorting it like cocaine or dissolving it in water and then injecting it.

This method eliminates the slow release mechanism and releases a high dose of oxycodone in the blood. Abusers know that they are taking in a prescription drug and therefore the amount of drug that is being injected or consumed is known precisely. In addition to this, the fact that the medicine is a prescription drug that is covered by health insurance makes the medicine fairly cheap as compared to other street drugs that give the same effect. Or at least in some cases, as at other times people turn to heroin because it is cheaper than Oxycontin sold on the street.

The drug has been associated with at least 120 overdose deaths in the United States.

OxyContin Test

Today a home Oxycontin test is available for use. The test is extremely easy to use and can be performed with a small sample of urine. It only takes about five minutes for the results to appear. Approved by the FDA, this home test can be relied upon since it guarantees an accuracy of 98 percent.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of the drug include extreme tiredness and fatigue, constant yawning, sweats, palpitations, joint and muscle ache, vomiting and nausea, insomnia, watery eyes and depression too.

The effects of these withdrawal symptoms can be managed by consulting a physician. However, if the addiction has been a prolonged one, a rehab center may be a necessary course of action to take.

You can check out our Vicodin Test / OxyContin Test if you want to test for this drug and put an end to its abuse.

Article by Anne Hamilton