What Happens If I Stop Taking OxyContin?
OxyContin is a narcotic similar to morphine used to treat severe pain for extended periods of time. Because of its strength and the length of time that it is usually prescribed it is considered extremely addictive. When taken over a long period of time OxyContin can have some negative effects including the following:
- Seizure
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Itching
- Slow heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
Often if patients experience these negative side effects of OxyContin they worry that they are developing an addiction to the drug and will stop taking it abruptly. Though this logic seems sound it can actually be very dangerous. OxyContin slowly builds up in a user’s system so that, eventually, they have to take larger and larger doses to feel its effects. If this cycle is repeated for long enough, the patient’s body becomes dependent on the drug. If the dosage is cut short the user could experience painful withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin abuse include but are not limited to the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Cramps
- Runny nose
- Body ache
While none of these symptoms are deadly in and of themselves, fatal complications can occur. It is never recommended that users quit OxyContin on their own.
All this talk of withdrawal symptoms is not meant to discourage you from stopping your addiction or dependence. You should absolutely stop using, but only with the proper supervision. If you have developed a dependency on OxyContin, talk to your doctor. He can begin to wean you off of the medication safely and in controlled intervals. If you have developed an OxyContin addiction (that is, if you feel as if you need OxyContin to function), consider attending rehab. In rehab you will undergo medically-supervised detox, which is the process of ridding a person’s system of drugs. After this step you will participate in drug addiction counseling. This will help you discover what caused you to become addicted to OxyContin, as well as arm you with the tools you need to avoid relapsing after rehab.
OxyContin Detoxification Help
If you are concerned that you have developed an addiction to OxyContin, call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions about OxyContin addiction, rehab, and recovery. Don’t hesitate to call us and find out the best options for addiction recovery. Your life is too precious to waste on addiction.
