OxyContin

Opioids are narcotic drugs associated with treatment for severe or chronic pain for many years, even centuries. Many cultures have used it throughout history in order to deal with pain and learned to derive it from natural sources. Modern opioids are made from synthetic ingredients but they get their name from the original source, opium, which could be extracted from poppies.

Uses for OxyContin and other Opioids

OxyContin and other versions of the generic synthetic painkiller known as Oxycodone are given to patients experiencing long-term pain. They are suffering from the lasting or prolonged effects of severe injury or illness but are not expected to use painkillers indefinitely.

It is the aim of health care professionals to wean patients off of these drugs so that they do not become addicted or suffer serious side effects as a result of over-use. Patients are advised to take only the drugs they are prescribed and to take them exactly as instructed because over-doses of these drugs can cause internal problems and even death.

Side Effects of Use and Abuse

A newborn whose parent has been using OxyContin could be addicted and will have to go through a period of painful, potentially lethal withdrawal following childbirth. It is not a recommended source of pain relief for expectant mothers.

Adults taking the drug will often experience itching, a dry mouth, or nausea which, though uncomfortable, isn’t life-threatening. Their need for relief from pain is more pressing than any bothersome side effects. Allergic symptoms include breathing difficulty and dizziness.

Patients are advised to stop taking OxyCodone products if they experience severe vomiting, confusion, or restricted airways. Asthma sufferers are probably not good candidates for OxyCodone use. Anyone who has suffered an allergic reaction to narcotic products before should try something else.

Painkiller Reliance

OxyContin is one of the most addictive drugs a person can take. They are far too accessible, thanks to drug dealers and online sources where clients can fill prescriptions with minimal regulation.

One should only take medication as prescribed by a doctor and provided by the local pharmacist to ensure its quality is without question and the dosage is as indicated on the package. Illegal sources can be stronger or weaker than expected and overdose is a huge risk.

Treatment for Addiction

Firstly, one must be aware that dependency is a big risk. It’s very helpful if loved ones are aware that a person is taking OxyContin and that they pay attention to the patient’s behavior. This can change rapidly in one who is responding badly to a drug, not in terms of allergy or side effects, but in regard to addictive actions and attitudes.

He will become defensive; might ask to borrow large sums of money but fails to pay those back. Addicts’ moods are generally unpredictable.

This is a true addiction in which brain chemistry changes because it is no longer required to fulfill the prescription for painkillers naturally. One’s system is able to meet ordinary needs — not deal with major pain — if allowed to behave naturally.

This natural response will return but an addict must first undergo detoxification under medical supervision owing to the serious side effects of withdrawal. Rehab and alternative approaches to pain relief help.

Catching dependency early enables one to recover without detox or structured rehab; perhaps slower weaning under a doctor’s supervision involving more regular visits to the doctor’s office for checkups.