DEPARTMENTS > COMMUNITY ALLIANCE > DRUG FACTS

Oxycontin

What is Oxycontin?

OxyContin, approved by the FDA in 1995, is an opium derivative that contains the same active ingredient as Percodan and Percocet. OxyContin is intended for use by terminal cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers. Oxycodone is a white, odorless, crystalline powder derived from the opium alkaloid. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1 g in 6 to 7 mL). It is slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition coefficient 0.7). The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength tablet only), stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow iron oxide (40 mg strength tablet only), and other ingredients.

How is Oxycontin used?

When used properly, OxyContin contains a time-release mechanism that spreads the release of the drug over a 12-hour period. The benefits of this powerful pain control medication are sabotaged when it is not used as intended creating a highly addictive and dangerous drug.

What are the symptoms of Oxycontin use?

OxyContin will give you a high much like high-grade heroin but with worse consequences. A 5mg tablet of OxyContin has has as many active ingredients as 1 Percocet. So, chewing or snorting a 40mg tablet of OxyContin is similar to taking 8 Percocets at once. An 80mg tablet of OxyContin is like taking 16 Percocets all at once. The symptoms of oxycontin use include but are not limited to:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Calm
  • Stoned / high
What is Oxycontin addiction?

Physical addiction to OxyContin which is sometimes unavoidable, develops when an individual is exposed to OxyContin at a high enough dose for an extended period of time. The user's body adapts and develops a tolerance for the OxyContin. This means that higher doses are needed to achieve the drug's original effects. OxyContin mimics the action of chemicals in your brain that send messages of pleasure to your brain's reward center. It produces an artificial feeling of pleasure. OxyContin is able to produce pleasurable effects by acting like normal brain messenger chemicals, which produce positive feelings in response to signals from the brain. The result is of the predictable drug which, short circuits interests in and the motivation to make life's normal rewards work. More and more confidence is placed in OxyContin while other survival feelings are ignored and bypassed. The result of this addiction cycle is a lack of concern for, and confidence in, other areas of life.

What is Oxycontin withdrawal?

OxyContin withdrawal is similar heroin withdrawal in that it is almost impossible to go through alone. Withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin are worse than heroin and last longer. Professional help from a drug rehab center is the best and safest way to do this. Unfortunately, there is no known "painless" method for OxyContin withdrawal. OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Perpetually being tired
  • Hot/cold sweats
  • Heart palpitations
  • Joints and muscles in constant pain
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Uncontrollable coughing
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Watery eyes
  • Excessive yawning
  • Depression
What are the effects of Oxycontin use?

Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of OxyContin. Respiratory depression occurs most frequently in elderly or debilitated patients, usually following large initial doses in non-tolerant patients. There is also a big risk when OxyContin is given in conjunction with other substances that depress respiration. Common OxyContin side effects are constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness.

The effects of oxycontin include but are not limited to:

  • Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle
    Oxycodone causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.
  • Cardiovascular System
    Oxycodone may produce release of histamine with or without associated peripheral vasodilation. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypertension.
  • Concentration--Efficacy Relationships (Pharmacodynamics)
    Studies in normal volunteers and patients reveal predictable relationships between oxycodone dosage and plasma oxycodone concentrations, as well as between concentration and certain expected opioid effects. In normal volunteers these include papillary constriction, sedation and overall "drug effect" and in patients, analgesia and feelings of "relaxation." In non-tolerant patients, analgesia is not usually seen at a plasma oxycodone concentration of less than 5&10 mg/mL.