Oxycontin is the trade name of controlled-release tablets of the pain-reliever oxycodone hydrochloride, manufactured by Purdue Pharma. PubMed Health explains that oxycodone hydrochloride is an opiate drug that changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Like other opiate drugs, oxycodone hydrochloride can be habit forming, especially when used for a long period of time.
How Oxycontin Works
The text "Essential Psychopharmacology" explains that opiate drugs like Oxycontin relieve pain by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain signaling. A special protein known as the mu opioid receptor is believed to be responsible for the pain-relieving properties of opiate drugs. Neurons in a region of the brain, known as the limbic system, respond to the presence of opiate drugs in the brain by releasing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine has been shown by medical scientists to cause feelings of pleasure and reward; this is called euphoria. When Oxycontin is taken as directed at the appropriate dosage, pain-relief should occur independent of euphoric effects.
Physical Dependence
The text "Addiction and the Medical Complications of Drug Abuse" explains that physical dependence occurs when a drug has been taken for a long period of time such that the cells of the body have adapted to function normally only in the presence of the drug. Reduction or sudden cessation of the drug to which the body has adapted results in physiological changes called withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal from Oxycontin is marked by depressed mood, runny eyes, runny nose, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive yawning and goose bumps on the skin.
Addiction
The text "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" explains that addictive behavior is marked by compulsive drug-seeking and negative consequences from drug use. The text further explains that physical dependence often results in addiction because although a person may wish to stop abusing drugs, the unpleasant sensations experienced with drug withdrawal make it difficult to abstain. Drug use continues despite problems at work or with family members. Someone who is addicted to Oxycontin has effectively lost all control over his use of the substance.
Getting Help
It is important that those suffering from an addiction to Oxycontin talk to a healthcare professional about treatment options. The National Institute on Drug Abuse emphasizes that treating drug addiction often involves counseling and support group therapy. It is also imperative that the person seeking treatment for addiction is treated for any co-existing mental health issues such as depression. Pharmacological agents are sometimes available to help people who are addicted to opiate medications like Oxycontin; these aim to make detoxification easier by providing relief from the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and reducing drug cravings.
Considerations
Oxycontin should always be taken exactly as directed by the doctor or pharmacist, stresses PubMed Health. Because the medication is time-released, the tablets should never be crushed or broken. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America explains that people who abuse Oxycontin often crush up the tablets in order to experience a euphoric rush similar to that felt with heroin use. PubMed Health warns that this behavior can lead to overdose, respiratory depression and death.
References
- Purdue Pharma: Oxycontin
- PubMed Health: Oxycodone
- "Essential Psychopharmacology (2nd Edition)"; Stephen Stahl; 2002
- "Addiction and the Medical Complications of Drug Abuse"; Steven B. Karch, MD, FFFLM; 2008
- "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (3rd Edition)"; Richard J. Frances et al.; 2005
