What happens when you snort OxyContin?

When snort OxyContin, you increase the intensity, quickness, and duration of action of oxycodone on the system. What do you risk? And what are the side effects? More here.

3
minute read

While snorting OxyContin (oxycodone) can be effective on symptoms of pain and create a pleasure and euphoria, the risks you run when you snort Oxycontin are high. In fact, snorting OxyContin is  considered abuse of OxyContin and a sign of oxycodone addiction.  More here on what happens when you snort OxyContin. Then, we invite your questions about the effects of snorting OxyContin and where to find OxyContin addiction help at the end.

What does snorting OxyContin do?

When you crush and snort OxyContin, you are increasing the intensity, quickness, and duration of action of oxycodone on the system. Onset of action when snorting OxyContin can be immediate or can take 5 to 10 minutes to take effect compared to 30 minutes when swallowed. This route of administration delivers oxycodone to the bloodstream differently than other ways of taking the drug. How exactly?

When snorted, oxycodone travels through the nasal cavity through the mucus membrane and then reaches the blood-brain barrier with an unscheduled intensity. There aren’t as many barriers this way compared to if you take OxyContin orally and oxycodone is absorbed through the GI tract.

While snorting OxyContin usually brings on faster effect, it also can induce a altered sates of consciousness. So when you use OxyContin this way, you increase your chances of developing a severe dependency to the medication. Plus, when you snort OxyContin, you affect its controlled release mechanism that regulates the way it works on the body.

Is snorting OxyContin bad for you?

There is a reason that labels advise against snorting OxyContin. Snorting OxyContin is bad for you. You are doing damage to your body when you snort OxyContin. You can damage your nasal passages, damage your ability to smell, and risk overdose. Adverse effects of snorting OxyContin can include:

  • coma
  • death
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizures

Plus, the more you snort OxyContin the more you’re affecting your tolerance and dependency to OxyContin. This will affect your ability to withdrawal later making it harder on your body to withstand the intensity of withdrawal. Because you are altering the way you are taking OxyContin you also increase the risks of negative side effects and these can be more likely than if you are taking them orally.

  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • impaired motor functions
  • fatigue

Is snorting OxyContin effective?

Yes, snorting OxyContin can be effective in terms of therapeutic effect. However, when you snort OxyContin, oxycodone may be delivered to the brain faster but it also wears off sooner. You are likely to feel the pain return sooner than you would like, forcing you to go through more OxyContin in a day then is clinically recommended.

Doctors prescribe OxyContin orally for purposes of safety and to limit the concentration and poisoning that any drug has the potential to do on the body. Labels warn against snorting OxyContin because of the risks involved. Because of the dangers and risk involved, please consider not snorting OxyContin to treat your pain or to use it recreationally.

Is snorting OxyContin dangerous?

Yes, snorting Oxycontin is dangerous. There is no way you can predict the effects of snorting OxyContin on the body. When you snort OxyContin, you have an unregulated amout of OxyContin in the body. It’s unfiltered and concentrated. Because your body is trying to compensate for such high doses of oxycodone, you run a big risk of overdose and potential death.

But not only is it dangerous because of its effects on your body and your health, it is dangerous because it can increase the risk of dependency and addiction.

Can you snort OxyContin ?

While you can snort OxyContin that doesn’t mean that you should. While snorting OxyContin can be effective on symptoms of pain and create a pleasure and euphoria… the risks you run when you snort Oxycontin aren’t worth it.

When you snort OxyContin questions

Still have questions about snorting Oxy? Or do you know someone who is snorting OxyContin? Please ask us any questions you have and we will try to get back to you personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: Daily Med: OxyContin
FDA: OxyContin: Balancing Benefits and Risks
GPO: OxyContin addiction and abuse
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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