One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it. ~Sidney Howard
With the revelation that conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh struggled with OxyContin addiction, just about everyone has heard of its dangerous allure. That in mind has made many patients with a prescription for the drug worried that they too will get hooked on OxyContin.
OxyContin is one of many opioids that are used for chronic pain management. When taken properly, these opioids are very effective and safe, however, all are potentially dangerous and addictive. In 2002, physicians wrote 9.6 million prescriptions for OxyContin. When one drug becomes popularly prescribed by physicians, the more popular it becomes on the street, simply because of its easy availability.
OxyContin was introduced in the United States in 1995. It is one opioid drug in a class that includes codeine, morphine and heroin. OxyContin contains oxycodone which, like all other opioids, blocks pain receptors in the brain. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in Percodan and Percocet. Each pill is designed to release the drug slowly over a 12-hour period. Patients can take two tablets a day which provides round-the-clock pain relief.
The secondary effects of OxyContin can include respiratory depression, drowsiness, reduced anxiety, increased relaxation and euphoria. People who take the drug as prescribed eventually develop a tolerance to these effects, but not the pain relief effect.
Doctors prescribe OxyContin to treat moderate to severe chronic pain, especially when other treatments are not effective. Patients with pain caused from injuries or cancer are good candidates for OxyContin. Doctors should not give the drug to people who have mild or temporary pain .
People who take OxyContin every day, as prescribed, may become physically dependent on the drug, and may suffer withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the pills. The withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and involuntary leg movements.
The epidemic of OxyContin abuse can be explained simply by the fact that it produces a more profound high. According to the Food and Drug Administration, OxyContin’s unique “controlled-release formulation” means each tablet contains more oxycodone than other opioids. Ironically, it was this fact that had officials believing OxyContin would have less potential for abuse.
Recreational users of the drug have discovered that the pills can be crushed and then injected or snorted, quickly turning this safe medication into a highly addictive substance. When crushed into powder and snorted, swallowed or injected, the user receives the entire dose instantly. In this way, OxyContin acts more like a street drug than a pain reliever, giving a euphoric high similar to heroin. Once addicted, OxyContin abusers will often “shop around” for doctors who will write them prescriptions without asking for a full medical history. The allure of the drug has people searching others’ medicine cabinets and even stealing to get their high.