OxyContin: The most widely prescribed painkiller of its type
OxyContin is the most widely prescribed painkiller of its type. Its mood-altering effects can bring on dependency, addiction and illegal abuse.
Its success in relieving moderate to severe chronic pain – such as that associated with joint dislocations, bone fractures, arthritis, sciatica and cancer – has made OxyContin the most often prescribed opiate (opium-like compound, similar to morphine) painkiller in North America. The active ingredient is oxycodone, which is found in a number of other pain medications.
OxyContin's mood-altering effects -- mental relaxation and euphoria – can be similar to those associated with the use of narcotics, to the point that the drug has become known as the “poor man's heroin.” Since its introduction in 1995, illegal sales and recreational use of OxyContin have become widespread.
Video: Oxycontin
Easing in and easing out
Although some patients have become dependent on OxyContin, most people do not become addicted to it. Nevertheless, because of the risk of potentially serious side effects, use of the drug as well as stopping its use must be monitored by a physician. A doctor prescribing it will likely start a patient out on a low dose and gradually increase the dose over time if necessary. Likewise, once a physician has determined that use of the drug should be stopped, he or she will decrease the dose slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms. These include
- Restlessness.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Nausea.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased heart rate.
Video: Oxycontin Addiction
Questions to ask before starting to take it
Before you begin taking OxyContin, be sure to ask yourself these questions and give the answers to your doctor.
- Are you are allergic to any medications?
- Are you taking other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins or nutritional supplements?
- Have you ever had asthma or lung disease or experienced slowed breathing?
- Do you drink or have you ever drunk large quantities of alcohol?
- Have you ever used street drugs or overused prescription medications?
Formulation, benefits and side-effects
OxyContin is available in tablet form. The controlled-release tablets, containing between 10 and 80 milligrams (mg) of oxycodone, offer up to 12 hours of pain relief. The benefit of this formulation is that patients need to take a pill only twice a day; another medication may require more frequent use. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not be broken or chewed because a rapid release of oxycodone can lead to severe problems. (Abusers often intentionally crush the pills to disable the timed-release action and bring on a strong, rapid high.) Use of opiates in general can cause side effects. Among the mild ones are these:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Constipation.
- Dry mouth.
- Lightheadedness and/or drowsiness.
- Flushing.
- Sweating.
- Itching.
- Weakness.
- Headache.
- Mood changes.
- Decrease in pupil size.
- Red eyes.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your physician immediately.
- Change in heartbeat
- Difficult or slowed breathing
- Hives and/or rash
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Prescription price and "street" price
A 40 mg tablet of OxyContin by prescription costs $4.00 to $8.00; a 100-tablet bottle costs $400 to $800. (The “street” price of illegal OxyContin is, as is easy to surmise, much higher. A 100-tablet bottle purchased for $400 at a pharmacy can sell for $2,000 to $4,000 on the street.) Insurance providers usually cover the cost of a prescription.