OxyContin is the brand name of a time-release formula of the opioid analgesic, oxycodone hydrochloride, and is manufactured by Purdue Pharma. Like all opioid drugs, OxyContin has the potential to become addictive when not used properly. The text "Essential Psychopharmacology" states that the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with the discontinuation of opioid drugs, such as OxyContin, are often severe enough to drive recovering addicts into relapse. For this reason, many treatment programs employ the use of prescription drugs to relieve these unpleasant effects.
Methadone
Methadone is popular in opioid drug rehabilitation programs because it is long lasting and provides significant relief from the discomfort caused by opioid withdrawal. Additionally, when used properly, it does not impair motor or cognitive function. Methadone is employed in many so-called "methadone maintenance therapy" programs that predominately serve heroin addicts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention credit methadone as a way to prevent the spread of HIV among injectable drug users.
LAAM
The "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology" explains that the way LAAM (levomethadyl acetate) works to help relieve OxyContin withdrawal symptoms is similar to the actions of methadone. However, the body metabolizes LAAM in a slightly different way. Because of this, the user may not feel LAAM's relieving effects for the first 48 hours of treatment. One advantage to LAAM treatment is that its effects are so long-lasting that the patient only needs to take the drug three times per week.
Clonidine
The text, "Essential Psycopharmacology" explains that clonidine is a drug that helps to block the over-activity of the sympathetic nervous system by blocking the effects of adrenaline. This helps to prevent some of the physical withdrawal symptoms from OxyContin.
Buprenorphine
The text, "Molecular Neuropharmacology" explains that buprenorphine is a mixed agonist-antagonist for opioid receptors. This means that at low doses of the drug, it provides relief from the discomfort of OxyContin withdrawal. Increasing the dosage of this drug does not increase its effects. In fact, higher dosages of buprenorphine work in opposition to other opioids like morphine or OxyContin. This makes it a useful treatment for OxyContin addiction.
References
- Purdue Pharma: Our Products
- "Essential Psychopharmacology (2nd Edition)"; Stephen Stahl; 2002
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Methadone Maintenance Treatment
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience (Second Edition)"; Eric J. Nestler et al.; 2009
