Oxycodone and Oxycontin Uses
Oxycodone (OxyContin) drugs are a prescribed drug pain medication that is used to manage moderate to severe pain in people.
Oxycodone is a drug prescribed for the management of pain severe enough for around the clock care, sometimes daily, and long-term. These drugs will be prescribed by a doctor if there are no alternative treatment options that will work to treat the moderate to severe pain.
What is Oxycodone?
So what is Oxycodone? Oxycodone is a drug that is used to treat patients who suffer from pain. It is typically a medication that is used when alternative medicine is not available, and the patient is out of options.
It is important to read and review the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Oxycodone (OxyContin) and each time that it is prescribed by a doctor to refill these drugs. This medicine is a white color, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “OP” and “10”. It is used to treat mild to severe pain in people.
You may wonder after taking the drug, how long does oxycodone last? The amount of time that these drugs last in your system will depend on the type of drug you take, the form it is in, and whether or not it is an extended release (ER) tablet or rapid release tablet.
A typical dose of an extended release Oxycodone (OxyContin) tablet is 10 mg that you take every 12 hours. An ER tablet is used when it is necessary for the person to have around-the-clock treatment of the drug. An extended release tablet should be swallowed whole. If Oxycodone is broken, crushed, or chewed it may lead to a rapid absorption which could be dangerous and lead to high levels of the Oxycodone drug in a person’s system.
Oxycodone Versus Oxycodone
The difference between Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone drugs is that Oxycodone drugs are a 12-hour release drug tablet while hydrocodone is an immediate release drug. The most common form of this drug available is typically mixed with acetaminophen. When the tablet is prescribed by a doctor on its own it is also a time released formula.
The main effects of the two drugs are the same, but another difference between the two is that hydrocodone has a higher likelihood of negative side effects.
Side Effects
The most frequent side effects of Oxycodone (OxyContin) that people experience after they take the drug include:
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Dizziness
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious mental or physical side effects from these drugs, including: mental health changes such as confusion, agitation or hallucinations, interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), trouble urinating, severe stomachabdominal pain, or signs your adrenal glands may not be functioning such as (tiredness, weight loss or loss of appetite).
If you are experiencing any of the above health side effects after you take Oxycodone drugs, please contact a doctor right away. AToN Center can help reduce the health effects of drugs and alcohol, including Oxycodone at our addiction treatment center.
How Long Does Oxycodone Last?
The amount of time that Oxycodone will stay in your system and the effects after taking it will vary. People who use the Oxycodone drug frequently may like to know how long oxycodone will stay in your system. Below is the typical length of time that Oxycodone will stay in your system after you take the drug.
- Urine: Up to four days after taking
- Saliva: Up to four days after taking
- Blood: Up to 24 hours after taking
- Hair: Up to 90 days after taking
Uses for Oxycodone Drug
Generally, someone will take the drug Oxycodone (OxyContin) for pain management that includes moderate to severe pain. You can take the Oxycodone drug for many different types of pain that are listed below.
Used for Pain Management
People take Oxycodone to alleviate moderate-to severe acute pain. Oxycodone is an effective analgesic for many types of pain including paroxysmal spontaneous pain, steady pain, and allodynia associated with postherpetic neuralgia.
Other Uses for the Tablet
Other health uses for the drug tablet Oxycodone include the management of cancer-related and chronic pain. An Oxycodone tablet has been found to improve the quality of life of patients with many types of pain after someone has used it.
How to Take the Drug
Someone can take Oxycodone(OxyContin) in a number of different forms, including:
- Liquid
- Capsule
- Concentrated solution
- Tablet
- Tablet (extended release)
The difference between the extended release (ER) tablet and an immediate release tablet is that an ER tablet gradually distributes the drugs into your system, while an immediate release tablet will become effective quickly. The downside to an immediate release tablet is that it generally does not last as long as ER tablets and drugs.
Oxycodone Health Effects
When someone takes Oxycodone for pain, there may be an increased risk for negative health side effects to occur. For prolonged use of Oxycodone, there is an increased chance of dependence and addiction that may happen.
Mental Health in those Who Used
Someone who struggles with addiction to a drug like Oxycodone (OxyContin) and uses frequently may experience mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or other health disorders. It is important to reach out to your doctor if you believe you are becoming addicted to the drug, or if you are experiencing other health concerns.
Addiction to Oxycodone
Like other drugs, Oxycodone can be addictive and cause negative health side effects. Some people have difficulty discontinuing use after they have been using Oxycodone for a long period of time. They develop a habit to take the drug, and their body begins to crave and demand the drug. Even when a doctor prescribes the drug Oxycodone it can still be highly addictive.
Along with addiction, people who become addicted to Oxycodone may have difficulty in other areas of life. Addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders or mental illness usually go hand in hand and there is an increased risk for mental health disorders.
Research shows that more than 70,000 Americans died from drug-involved overdose in 2019, including illicit drugs and prescribed opioids. This includes a drug that is prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes people believe that someone cannot become addicted if the medication is prescribed by a doctor, but this is far from the truth. The effects of a drug, even from a doctor, can cause negative health effects.
The difficulty of addiction can be life altering, and ruin a person’s relationships, work life, and education opportunities. The effects of it will impact all aspects of life, and if not treated properly can be dangerous.
AtoN Center Treatment Center
AToN Center is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center that specializes in all types of drugs, including addiction to Oxycodone. With the support of our addiction health team, you can get through the difficulty of addiction with constant support from our staff.
Our staff are highly trained in taking care of those struggling with drug addiction and the effects of it. When people are taking a drug, even one time, it can cause catastrophic problems in their life.
AToN Center is unlike any other treatment center in the country. We offer amazing amenities including a first class chef, nutritious meals, yoga, meditation and other holistic care options. You will be in good hands with our addiction staff, who want to help you move into recovery from drugs or alcohol.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact AToN Center right away for more information on our treatment programs.
Originally posted on March 25, 2021 @ 5:30 am
