Oxycodone

EDI Newsletter January 2009

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OXYCODONE.

With the abuse of prescription drugs on the rise, I thought we should learn a little more about Oxycodone. Normally before I writing these newsletters research a lot of content on the Internet. I go to websites like SAMSHA, DEA and various international government health sites. This time I started with YouTube. This site is an incredible insight into some behaviors that stem from the misuse of all types of drugs and contains information on everything from where to get drugs, make drugs, take drugs to how to get off drugs and so much more. This along with all the social networking sites available, makes it easier for people to share information that is not always helpful. Take a look and you can certainly understand why a comprehensive drug testing program is essential.

In 2006, SAMHSA estimates that there were 64,888 emergency room visits caused by the misuse of Oxycodone.

Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever that is similar to morphine. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Oxycodone may be habit forming and should never be shared with another person. This is especially true for people who have a history of drug addiction.

Oxycodone may be harmful to unborn babies and could cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

Control Status

Oxycodone products are in Schedule II of the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970.4

Street Names

Kicker, OC, Oxy, OX, Blue, Oxycotton, Hillbilly Heroin

Short-term Effects

Pharmacological effects include analgesia, sedation, euphoria, feelings of relaxation, respiratory depression, constipation, papillary constriction and cough suppression. A 10 mg dose of orally-administered oxycodone is equivalent to a 10 mg dose of subcutaneously administered morphine as an analgesic in a normal population. Oxycodone’s behavioral effects can last up to 5 hours. The drug is most often administered orally. The controlled-release product, OxyContin®, has a longer duration of action (8-12 hours).

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

Long-term Effects

As with most opiates, Oxycodone abuse may lead to dependence and tolerance. Acute overdose of Oxycodone can produce severe respiratory depression, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, coma, respiratory arrest and death.

Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance for the drugs, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence and addiction — the body adapts to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. Properly managed medical use of pain relievers is safe and rarely causes clinical addiction, defined as compulsive, often uncontrollable use of drugs. Taken exactly as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.