OxyContin---which is known as OC, OXY, kicker or Oxycotton---is an oral prescription pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. Although this pain medication is legally prescribed in the United States, some people may become addicted to it. People who abuse OxyContin may develop tolerance to this drug after repeated exposure, requiring the user to take a higher dose of OxyContin to achieve the desired effects. If OxyContin addicts miss a dose of medication, withdrawal symptoms may begin to occur.
Muscle or Bone Pain
People who are addicted to OxyContin may complain of muscle or bone pain, especially if they have missed a dose or run out of the medication. A user may appear weak or may be unable to perform daily activities that used to be easy for her to complete. Additional muscular symptoms, such as frequently involuntary leg twitching or movement may also be a symptom that a person has an OxyContin addiction.
Skin Changes
An OxyContin addict may experience random cold flashes or develop goose bumps on the skin, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Such symptoms may occur even in warm environments. The user's hands may be abnormally cold, clammy or sweaty.
Breathing Problems
Individuals who are addicted to OxyContin may experience a number of breathing problems. You may notice a decrease in the number of breaths a user takes each minute. Breathing may also be shallow or labored in certain people. Physical activities, such as walking up stairs or running, may be difficult for the user to perform without severe breathing difficulties. In severe cases of addiction, OxyContin may lead to respiratory arrest in some people.
Dizziness
When OxyContin is taken in large doses, the addict may experience a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, explains the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These alterations may lead to additional symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or coma.
Insomnia
OxyContin addiction may cause insomnia to develop in certain people. Insomnia is a chronic condition in which a person is unable to fall asleep. OxyContin addicts may go for several days without sleeping or may complain of being tired but unable or unwilling to fall asleep.
Stomach Problems
If OxyContin addicts run out of or miss a dose of medication, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or constipation may develop. Related symptoms of OxyContin addiction may include headache or dry mouth in certain people.
Behavioral Changes
OxyContin addiction may cause behavioral changes to develop in people who abuse this drug. A user may appear depressed or irritable, especially if he has run out of medication. Such symptoms can have a severe impact on the user's work, education and social relationships.
