Oxycodone
Background:
Oxycodone is a powerful analgesic. The drug is a Schedule II substance due to its high potential for abuse and is tightly regulated by the government. Oxycodone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids, which act on the central nervous system. Oxycodone is synthesized from thebaine, another opioid. Oxycodone is usually combined with other drugs such as paracetamol or acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Oxycodone is used to manage moderate to severe pain, and is effective taken orally, or injected via IV, IM or subcutaneously. Oxycodone is marketed under the trade names Percocet, Percodan, Oxycontin, and a lot of others.
Oxycodone was first produced in 1916 by the Germans. The drug was developed as a substitute for heroin, which proved to be too addictive both for patients and doctors who had access to the drug. This proved to be a moderate success, since oxycodone was able to retain heroin’s analgesic properties while having a more subdued euphoric effect. However, this does not mean that oxycodone is not a dangerous drug if abused.
Proper Use of Oxycodone:
Oxycodone is one of the best pain management drugs available today which is effective when taken orally. Oxycodone is generally used as a post-op or post delivery pain reliever and is also used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. Due to its high abuse potential, the use of oxycodone usually only lasts for several days to weeks. However, tolerance and dependence can still develop during this period.
Before starting to take oxycodone or any of its combination drugs, be sure to let your doctor know about existing allergies, if any. It is also important to inform your doctor about other medications which you are taking, as other drugs may interact with oxycodone. It is also important to inform your doctor of previous or current conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, urinary retention, head injury, Addison’s disease, and others before starting Oxycodone treatment. Although it is not known to cause birth defects, the use of oxycodone by pregnant or breast feeding mothers is discouraged due to its addictive nature.
Oxycodone is usually given every 6 hours and is administered orally. An extended-release formulation is also available and is designed to last for as long as 12 hrs. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions precisely because oxycodone has a potential for abuse. Take only the prescribed dose, and do not increase your oxycodone intake without consulting your doctor. Oxycodone tablets are designed to be swallowed whole and should not be chewed, broken, or crushed.
If you miss a dose of oxycodone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. The successive doses should be given following the proper interval. DO NOT take double doses of the drug.
While under the influence of Oxycodone, avoid driving or operating machinery. It is also important that you avoid taking alcohol while taking oxycodone, because alcohol is known to have a synergistic effect to the drug, which may lead to a hazardous overdose. The dose for Oxycodone should be gradually reduced when the treatment is near its ending, instead of abruptly stopping the use of the drug because of its withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects:
Oxycodone and its combination drugs are known to cause the following reactions:
- Constipation, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, euphoria, tiredness
- Itching, sweating, muscle twitches
- Decreased urination and libido
Patients who experience the following reactions should immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical attention:
- Any allergic reaction such as difficulty of breathing, swelling of throat, lips, tongue, or face, etc.
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Increased or decreased heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Jaundice
Abuse:
Like other opioids, oxycodone is abused for its euphoria-inducing properties. This is a dangerous practice since oxycodone is usually available as a combination drug, especially with acetaminophen, which is highly hepatotoxic at large doses. The brand name OxyContin contains only oxycodone, and is usually abused by being crushed and snorted, ingested, dissolved and injected, or administered rectally for the high that the drug provides.
Abuse of combination drugs of oxycodone is a dangerous habit because high doses of these drugs can cause liver damage. Also, high doses of oxycodone can prove to be lethal. Overdose usually occurs when addicts take oxycodone with other substances such as alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Rehabilitation:
Like other abused substances, the first part of oxycodone rehabilitation involves detoxification. This process should be done under the guidance of medical professionals. Abrupt cessation of oxycodone intake may cause withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, nausea, muscle pain, fever, flu-like condition, etc. Therefore, detoxification involves gradually tapering the dose of Oxycodone.
Of course, detoxification alone will not lead to a complete rehabilitation. Counseling is an important part of the rehabilitation process as this may help to impart understanding on the underlying factors that lead to the addiction. Counseling is important to achieve lasting oxycodone rehabilitation.
What Oxycodone Addiction Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these testimonials have been withheld to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The names that follow are fictional names of the author’s choosing.
"Pain has clouded my judgment once, and I took pain killers to help cope. I started taking more and more of OxyContin and I had to admit that I was addicted. Malibu Horizon helped me with my drug habit and introduced to me other pain management techniques and I’m thankful. I owe you one guys." –Andre
"Sometimes, to be free, you first have to admit that you are imprisoned. I was once a slave to my Percocet addiction, and it was a really bad time for me. My doctor diagnosed me with liver disease due to the drug and I knew I had to quit my drug habit. I tried going at it alone and I failed miserably. It was then that a friend told me about Malibu Horizon, and what they did was amazing." –Ben
"I guess it’s true when they said that third time’s the charm. I’ve been in and out of rehabs due to my nasty habit. It wasn’t until I came to Malibu Horizon that I was able to be completely free from drugs." –Carl
"You guys are the best!" -–Darius
"My son got mixed up with the wrong crowd. I didn’t know what to do because I felt like I’m slowly loosing him. One day, one of his friends came and told me he was rushed to the hospital due to overdose. It was then that I decided that we needed help. Malibu Horizon gave me my son back through their successful intervention, and I’ll be forever grateful" -Edna