What Is Oxycodone (OxyContin)
OxyContin is a brand of a drug produced by Purdue Pharma, this drug works to change the brain nerves to react about pain, and this drug can work for up to 12 hours.
Oxycodone is a drug in the class of opioid analgesics. This drug works by changing the way the brain and nervous system work in response to pain. This is an official drug that was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1976.
There are several forms, including liquid, concentrated liquid, tablets, capsules, and in the form of release tablets that are extended. The extended-release tablets are drugs specifically made for patients who need pain relief all the time. Oxycodone is the same as other opioid drugs that relieve pain. He has been upgraded under the supervision of law enforcement, government officials and health services so that no more abuse will occur.
Did you know that in America more than 100,000 people die from opioid drugs prescribed with oxycodone? Thus the statement from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in 2014, as quoted from everydayhealth.com
There are around 50% of opioid users for three months of treatment, it turns out they are still using it continuously up to 5 years later, AAN said that opioid drugs remain controversial over long-term use.
Oxycodone Warnings
Oxycodone drugs are available separately. But you also have combined with various other drugs such as aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Mydol). When this drug has been mixed with other drugs, the brand will change.
Oxycodone combined with acetaminophen has the brand Norco, Vicodin, or Lortab. So, read all instructions and what ingredients are in it if you use drugs that contain oxycodone.
In essence, if you use oxycodone, be careful because there is a serious risk if you use it wrongly. Among them are severe respiratory disorders that can be life-threatening, especially within 72 hours of initial use and this risk can also increase whenever you increase the dose.
So, if you have had respiratory problems or asthma, tell your doctor, including if you have lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); a head injury or kyphoscoliosis (any kind of breathing problems) or any condition that can suppress your brain. Likewise, if you are taking other drugs, if at the same time you also consume oxycodone then the risk of breathing can also occur. So whatever you use includes supplements, tell your doctor if you want to take oxycodone.
Also see: 12 Ayurvedic Medicine For Curing Wisdom Tooth Pain
If you are a family member who consumes oxycodone, stay away from this drug out of reach of children and adolescents because the risk of death is very high.
Immediately notify the doctor if you experience a blockage in the intestine or stomach, convulsions, low blood pressure, paralistic ileus (immovable digestible food from the intestine), Addison disease, enlarged prostate, liver, kidney, heart disease, pancreas, gall bladder or experiencing thyroid.
If you use OxyContin, or the extended-release form of oxycodone, consult a doctor and tell if you have had colon cancer, diverticulitis, or have had esophageal cancer.
The Oxycodone ‘High,’ Addiction, and Withdrawal
Some people use oxycodone for narcotics, this can be dangerous.
Oxycodone can make you bound and want to continue using it. Therefore, consume according to the doctor’s direction. Do not increase the dose or frequency of drinking.
Talk to your doctor if you or your family who uses this drug experience a history of alcohol abuse (drinking alcohol), drug addiction, or experiencing mental illness.
If you use it wrong, whether it’s oxycodone or another opiate drug that eliminates pain, then the risk is very big for death.
The Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms can occur such as insomnia, pain, anxiety, and nausea, this can be controlled with the help of a doctor.
In avoiding withdrawal symptoms, medical experts will suggest a gradual reduction in dosage, so it does not stop from the drug suddenly.
So, every time you want to stop taking oxycodone, don’t forget to talk with your doctor, this is to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
More: 8 Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine
Oxycodone and Pregnancy
Can pregnant women consume oxycodone? If your health condition requires you to take this medicine, don’t forget to talk with your doctor, as well as if you are breastfeeding.
Your baby can also experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you use this drug while pregnant. So, do not consume carelessly because the effect is high, always consult with experts. Likewise, with the breastfeeding mother, only a small amount of drug is released in breast milk, the baby will feel the side effects.
Oxycodone Side Effects
Side effects of consuming oxycodone can vary, so in this case we share two types of side effects. These are common side effects and serious side effects. If you experience a problem like the one below, contact your doctor immediately.
Common side effects
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- loss of appetite
- Dry mouth,
- Get dizzy
- Sakir stomach,
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Headache
- Weakness
- Mood changes occur
Serious side effects of consuming oxycodone
If you experience serious side effects of oxycodone, call your doctor immediately and get medical attention immediately or seek emergency medical help. The following symptoms of serious side effects
- Fast, or slow or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Hives
- Experience a rash,
- Experience itching
- Swollen face, as well as swelling of the tongue, throat, eyes, lips, feet, ankles, hands, or lower legs
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Extreme drowsiness, and
- Lightheadedness when changing positions
See too: Facts About Fluoride and Bad Effects
Oxycodone Dosage
The following dosage of oxucodone for pain in adults
Initial pose:
Form of immediate release: 5 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg, every four to six hours
Controlled release form: 10 mg every 12 hours
Dose Maintenance:
Immediate release form: 10 mg to 30 mg, every four hours.
Controlled release form: 20 mg to 640 mg, this is a patient who experiences cancer pain. The average daily dose is 105 mg per day.
However, if you use extended-release oxycodone tablets, then swallow everything. Do not chew, break, divide, crush, or dissolve them.
While if you take a concentrated form of oxycodone, your doctor will advise you to mix it with a little juice or semi-solid food such as apple sauce or pudding.
Oxycodone Overdose
What if you experience an overdose of oxycodone? So, if you suspect you have overdosed, contact a poison control center immediately at (800) 222-1222 or contact the emergency room.
Oxycodone overdose symptoms
Among the symptoms of oxycodone overdose are as follows:
- Breathing slows down
- Lost consciousness
- Stop breathing
- Euphoria
- Vomiting or nausea
- Small, “pin-point” eye pupils
Missed Dose of Oxycodone
If you forget about the dose, immediately take a forgotten dose as soon as possible.
But if it’s almost time for the next dose, then you can leave the missed dose and continue with your regular dose.
Do not double the dose to replace the missed dose, and do not consume more than one dose of tablet extended for 12 hours.