What is OxyContin used for?

OxyContin is used to manage pain. More on OxyContin’s uses, side effects, how to identify problems with OxyContin here.

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OxyContin (controlled release oxycodone) is an opioid narcotic medication prescribed to manage pain.  Is oxycodone an addictive drug?  Yes.  In fact, how OxyContin works puts you at risk of becoming addicted to oxycodone.   OxyContin’s main ingredient, oxycodone, works in a way similar to heroin by interacting with the opiate receptors of the central nervous system.  So how can you identify and treat problems with OxyContin? More here on using OxyContin, as well as a section for your questions about OxyContin at the end.

OxyContin uses

OxyContin is a prescription drug used to help treat moderate to severe pain. The oxycodone found in OxyContin alters the way the brain perceives pain and can help ease pain following surgery, an injury, or an illness. However, OxyContin can also cause intense feelings of well-being (euphoria) which often causes OxyContin to be abused.

OxyContin uses and side effects

The use of OxyContin does come with risks, like any other prescription drug. Some of these side effects are bothersome, but not dangerous. However, less common side effects, like slowed breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures, can put you at risk of brain damage, coma, or death. Some of the side effects of OxyContin use include:

  • anxiety
  • abnormal heart rate
  • chest tightness
  • confusion, “fuzzy” thinking
  • constipation
  • difficulty urinating
  • itching and rash
  • slowed/irregular breathing
  • seizures
  • vomiting

Always consult a doctor if you have any questions about OxyContin, and seek emergency medical treatment if your OxyContin prescription results in serious side effects.

Illegal OxyContin use

It is illegal to use OxyContin under the following circumstances. You CANNOT:

  1. distribute Percocet unless you are a medical doctor
  2. take OxyContin without a valid prescription
  3. write or obtain a fraudulent prescription to get Percocet

Even if you aren’t selling OxyContin to others, it is illegal to give OxyContin away to someone who is not prescribed OxyContin. This is because the extended release oxycodone contained in OxyContin can cause severe harm or death to others. The penalties associated with the abuse or illegal distribution of OxyContin vary by state or federal law.

Problems with OxyContin

If you began taking OxyContin to help manage pain, and would like to stop taking OxyContin, speak to your doctor and ask about the best way to quit. A tapered dosing schedule can help you gradually reduce oxycodone in your system. After long-term use, OxyContin should never be stopped abruptly or without a doctor’s guidance. But how do you know if you have a real problem or possible addiction to OxyContin?

OxyContin can get you high, and can therefore be misused. OxyContin should never be chewed, crushed, snorted, or injected because of the heightened risk of a drug overdose. Instead, OxyContin should only be taken in the amount and manner directed by your doctor. If you are not taking OxyContin as prescribed and either chew, inject or snort oxycodone, or are taking more OxyContin more frequently than prescribed, you may have a problem with OxyContin.

In fact, it’s relatively easy to become addicted to OxyContin. OxyContin can cause strong cravings and drug-seeking behavior, the hallmark characteristic of drug addiction. If you’re addicted to OxyContin, there is help available.

OxyContin use questions

Do you still have a questions about using OxyContin? Please leave us your questions below. We will be happy to try to answer your question personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: Toxnet: Oxycodone
PubMed Health: Oxycodone
DailyMed: OxyContin 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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