OxyContin tablets contain anywhere from 10-160 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride, an agonist opioiod which blocks signals to pain receptors in the brain.  OxyContin pills are manufactured with a controlled release mechanism to extend pain relief up to 12 hours.  OxyContin is a drug that enables users to experience a prescription strength heroin-like high.  OxyContin is very similar to codeine, but is considered to be more potent and has a higher dependence potential.

Due to the increasing numbers of abusers of OxyContin, as well as the number of attempted/reported break-ins of area pharmacies, a number of drugstores now refuse to carry OxyContin.  According to an Office of National Drug Control Policy fact sheet, an estimated 1.6 million Americans used prescription-type pain killers for non-medical reasons in 1998.  The number of oxycodone emergency cases increased nearly 36% in a single year from 3,369 in January to June 1999 to 5,261 in January to June of 2000.

OxyContin is considered an agonist opioid, which is considered one of the most effective pain relievers available today.  Unlike other types of pain medication, OxyContin does not have a threshold to their effectiveness meaning that the more OxyContin you take, better you feel. Other pain relievers such as aspirin can be ineffective whereas OxyContin can potentially provide up to four times the pain relief of non-opioid analgesic. Once oxycodone enters the body, it works by stimulating certain opioid receptors that are located throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the spinal cord. When the drug binds to the opioid receptors, a variety of psychological responses can occur, such as pain relief slowed breathing and euphoria.

Similar to opiates and opioids,  OxyContin, can be dangerously addictive.   People who abuse OxyContin chew, snort or inject the drug in order to get an instant high and to avoid the controlled-release mechanism.   As with other addictive substances, frequent and repeated use of the drug can cause the user to develop an increased tolerance to the drug’s effects.  Larger and larger doses may be required for the user to achieve the desired sensation and the abuser becomes increasingly addicted to the drug.

The most serious risk associated with opioids, including OxyContin, is respiratory depression. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness. Taking a single large dose of OxyContin can cause severe respiratory depression and death.

Long-term use of the drug can lead to addiction and withdrawal for the individual when they stop taking the drug.  In order to avoid these effects, anyone who is given a prescription should only take the medication as prescribed by their doctor, carefully following the orders for the amount taken and how often the drug should be taken.  In addition, those individuals who are prescribed OxyContin should never drink alcohol while taking the medication, nor should they take any other medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, without first consulting your physician. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in serious injury or death.

Physical dependence is a very likely possibility for anyone taking OxyContin.  Physical dependence can be treated under the advice of a physician by slowly decreasing the amount used when it is no longer needed for pain treatment.  Individuals who are taking OxyContin should never suddenly discontinue use of the drug—otherwise, their body will show signs of a serious narcotic withdrawal, withdrawal is recommeded under a supervised treatment program. Many drug rehab facilities have a supervised withdrawal program as part of treatment.

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