What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is one of the most misused prescription painkillers on the market. It works by stimulating the opioid receptors in the brain, triggering the release of chemicals and bringing a sense of euphoria and diluting feelings of pain. When taken regularly and for a long period of time, the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, requiring more of it to repeat the user’s original experience. As this dose increases, so too does the chance of overdose. Those who are addicted often become frustrated when they don’t experience the high they’re hoping for and end up taking too much of the drug to overcompensate for their tolerance level.

Signs of an OxyContin Overdose

The most serious risk with OxyContin use is the respiration depression. Breathing can become so shallow that it can lead to death. Because it’s a time-release formula, if the pills are crushed, the entire dose hits the user’s system at the same time with potentially fatal results. Overdose of OxyContin or other CNS depressants is a serious thing that may require hospitalization. Sometimes the person needs to be temporarily hooked to a ventilator to help him breathe until the drug wears off. Most people who are ‘hooked’ on this drug need professional help to stop using it.

The potential to overdose without becoming addicted can happen. This fact makes it imperative to learn the signs of overdose to prevent death or permanent damage from occurring. Common signs are:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Respiratory depression- Normal respirations are around 12 to 20 times/minute.
  If user is breathing less than 10 times in a minute, they could be in serious trouble.
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Mood changes
• Clouding of mental function
• Reduced vision
• Apathy
• Decreased physical activity
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Many of these symptoms may have the appearance of an intoxicated person. However, it’s important to watch the person closely if you’ve suspected more than alcohol being used. It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that someone you know may have overdosed on OxyContin.

If the user’s respirations start to decrease to less than 10 in a minute, then they probably need medical attention before their body starts to react to decreased oxygen levels. If the user doesn’t get enough oxygen, they could suffer irreversible brain damage, go into respiratory arrest (just stop breathing) or could have a heart attack. This is why early treatment is necessary and vital for the outcome of the user. If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may “pump” the stomach, induce vomiting, or administer activated charcoal to prevent the body from absorbing OxyContin. An antidote (naloxone or Narcan®) may be administered to counteract serious overdose effects of this drug. Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of OxyContin Overdose

Taking OxyContin without a prescription or not as prescribed is always risky. But if you are going to take it, you can reduce the risk of overdose if you:

• Don’t crush or chew before swallowing it
• Don’t crush and snort
• Don’t dissolve in water and inject it
• Don’t take if you aren’t used to taking opioids
• Don’t take with other opioids, alcohol or tranquillizers (such as Valium)
• Don’t take it by yourself with no one to help you if you overdose
• Don’t take soon after you withdraw from opioids

Crushing or chewing the pills inevitably requires more of the medication which in turn hits your system faster. If you take OxyContin, you can be safer if you avoid taking it in these ways, but the only safe way to take it is as your doctor prescribes it to you.

OxyContin Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with an OxyContin addiction, we can help. Please call the toll free number at (866) 872-6490. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions on OxyContin treatment and addiction.