The painkilling narcotic OxyContin has become notorious of late due to well-publicized celebrity addictions and arrests related to the drug. Unfortunately, addiction is not exclusive to the rich and famous. Anyone can become addicted to OxyContin and the repercussions of its powerful effects are being felt across a variety of demographic groups. The tendency of OxyContin to provoke dangerous habitual use has prompted the Food the Drug Administration to approve a number of precautions for doctors to consider when prescribing the drug.
History of Substance Abuse
Those with a personal or family history of substance abuse should be carefully monitored when taking OxyContin, according to Drugs.com. These patients are at increased risk of abusing the drug and becoming addicted. A patient history to assess the individual's clinical risk of opioid addiction should be conducted prior to prescribing OxyContin.
Deviation from Prescription Instructions
In order to minimize the likelihood of addictions, patients must strictly adhere to physician instructions regarding the timing and dosage amounts of OxyContin. Patients should not self-administer amount of the drug "as needed," but should instead be instructed on a precise dosage schedule. Prescriptions to OxyContin, or any other drug should never be shared with those to whom they haven't been prescribed.
Drug Alteration
In addition to the timing and dosage levels, the method of administering the drug should not be altered. Cutting, breaking, chewing or dissolving OxyContin tablets can alter the rate at which the drug is absorbed, leading to potentially deadly effects. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that users attempt to override newly developed slow-release formulations of the drug by crushing the pills and injecting or inhaling them.
Withdrawal
Due to the body's ability to develop a tolerance for opioid drugs, a sudden withdrawal from OxyContin can cause withdrawal symptoms. The FDA explains that in order to avoid these symptoms, a gradual tapering off of dosage levels is more prudent. The user alone should not attempt this but with a physician's assistance, a schedule for gradual withdrawal can successfully minimize the discomforts resulting from discontinuing OxyContin use.
Prenatal Dangers
OxyContin can transfer through the placenta to cause side effects in unborn children. Babies born to OxyContin addicted mothers experience withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal. Nursing mothers can also pass OxyContin to their infants through breast milk, with similar side effects and withdrawal symptoms resulting.
