1. Powerful AND Controversial
OxyContin, a brand name for the powerful painkiller oxycodone, has occasionally been in the news for all the wrong reasons. It's prescribed to relieve pain for cancer patients and people who suffer from debilitating pain caused by disease or injury. OxyContin is similar to morphine, in clinical terms and is a boon to people with chronic pain, but a headache to authorities who try to control its illegal use.
2. OxyContin Used to Relive Chronic Pain
OxyContin works to dull pain in extreme cases. The active ingredient, oxycodone, is released gradually, allotting a pre-determined amount of pain relief into the bloodstream throughout the day. If you become weak or disoriented while taking OxyContin see your doctor immediately. More common side effects are sweating, itching and constipation.
3. High Potential for Abuse and Overdose
Since OxyContin is such a powerful painkiller, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Ignoring any advice even for a day could result in severe problems. Remember to take OxyContin either with food or on an empty stomach and stick with one option or the other for the duration of your treatment. The illegal street users of OxyContin crush the pills, which destroys the time release capabilities of the drug and snort it or swallow it. This produces a heroin-like rush and gave the drug it's street nickname: "hillbilly heroin."
4. OxyContin Warnings and Contraindications
Avoid all alcoholic beverages while using OxyContin, including beer and wine. Tranquilizers, sleeping pills and any medication that causes drowsiness shouldn't be taken while you're on OxyContin. A patient can form a physical dependence on OxyContin so one should ease off the drug slowly by reducing the dose instead of stopping "cold turkey." Discontinuing usage suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include depression, heart palpitations, painful joints and muscles and hot and cold sweats.
5. Discuss OxyContin Use With Your Doctor
If you've had allergic reactions to other painkillers, like Vicodin or Percocet, or to the codeine in cough medicine, let your doctor know. If you're prone to asthma, taking OxyContin may be dangerous, so discuss this and your complete medical history with your physician. Keep your OxyContin stored in a secure place, out of the reach of children and flush leftover pills down the toilet when you no longer need them.
