Oxycontin, sold under the generic name oxycodone, treats moderate to severe pain. Oxycontin acts upon the opiate receptors in the brain, reducing the sensation of pain. Drugs.com warns that people can become addicted to Oxycontin. While Oxycontin has medical purposes, some people abuse it, obtaining pills to experience the euphoric effects of the drug. Abuse of Oxycontin can lead to serious long-term effects.
Physical Dependence
As a person continues to abuse Oxycontin, his body develops a tolerance to the drug. Kristi Monson, PharmD, and Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, authors of the eMedTV article "Oxycodone Addiction," point out that people can have a physical dependence without an addiction. The physical dependence arises from the user's body getting used to the changes made by the drug. As a result, when he stops using Oxycontin too quickly, he can have withdrawal symptoms. For example, people can experience muscle pain, fever, anxiety, insomnia and nausea during withdrawal. Users can also have cravings for Oxycontin. The Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland notes that changes to the brain from Oxycontin cause users to have problems quitting, which can result in addiction.
Breathing Difficulties
When a person takes Oxycontin, the medication binds to the opioid receptors. Besides reducing pain, Oxycontin can lead to breathing difficulties. For example, Monson and Schoenstadt explain in the eMedTV article "Oxycodone Side Effects" that users can have slow or irregular breathing. As a result, people may not get enough oxygen.
Mood and Behavior Changes
People who abuse Oxycontin may have noticeable changes in their mood and behavior. Monson and Schoenstadt note that users may have mood swings. For example, users can be pleasant and happy but become irritable or sad quickly. The mood swings can make users unpredictable. Oxycontin abusers may become aggressive or easily agitated. As part of the drug abuse, users may become more secretive and change who they spend time with.
Neurological and Cardiovascular Effects
Oxycontin abuse can result in problems in the brain and heart. For example, Oxycontin abuse can result in a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which puts pressure on the tissue. The increase pressure in the skull can cause changes in mental function, such as confusion. Users may become drowsy. Seizures can occur, in which users' can lose consciousness or muscle control. Oxycontin abuse can also affect the heart's normal function. Monson and Schoenstadt point out that users can have a slowed heart rate, called bradycardia. Other effects include low blood pressure and heart failure.
Other Long-Term Effects
Abusers of Oxycontin can experience other long-term effects. Movement may become affected, with Monsona and Schoenstadt explaining that users can lose their balance and coordination. Bladder and bowel problems can also occur. Users may have severe constipation or difficulty passing urine.
