Oxycontin Abuse and Withdrawal

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Since the introduction of OxyContin in 1995, there has been a dramatic increase in abuse of this narcotic. Unlike hydrocodone and its derivatives, whose potential for abuse is limited by the presence of aspirin/paracetamol, OxyContin contains only oxycodone. The drug is easily abused by simply crushing the tablets and either ingestion, injection, inhalation or placed rectally. The drug can have serious side effects when injected as it has a prolonged extended action.

Oxycontin is frequently made more available by “doctor shopping,” where individuals, who do not have a legitimate illness, repeatedly visit many doctors to acquire large amounts of controlled substances. Other methods of obtaining oxycontin include pharmacy diversion, robbery, fake/stolen prescription, the internet and improper prescribing practices by physicians.

Recent reports indicate that non medical use of Oxycontin is relatively high among teenagers. The increased misuse of the drug has led to a numerous emergency admissions and even deaths. Many States have introduced legislation to decrease the illegal use of Oxycontin. Numerous States have also introduced prescription monitoring and banned the sale of the drug over the internet. Despite all the increased efforts by the FDA, DEA, and state/local authorities, the illicit use of Oxycontin is at an all time high. Over the last decade the increased illicit use of oxycontin has led to the manufacture of “fake” oxycontin pills all over north America.

Sudden stoppage of oxycontin can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal syndrome may be characterized by restlessness, lacrimation, restlessness, anxiety, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other symptoms also may develop, include irritability, vague pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.

Both physicians and pharmacies now maintain careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests. Adequate evaluation of the patient, proper prescribing practices, frequent assessment of pain, proper dispensing and storage are recommended steps that may help limit the abuse of OxyContin.

Side effects

Respiratory depression is a major severe complication of oxycontin. Respiratory depression is a cause of concern in elderly or debilitated patients, and usually follows after the use of large initial doses in non tolerant patients, or when other opioids are given concurrently. In the community, the majority of OxyContin-related deaths have occurred in individuals who were ingesting large quantities of oxycontin in combination with either alcholol or benzodiazepines.

Oxycontin should be used with extreme caution in patients with significant lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure or pre-existing respiratory depression. In such patients, even usual therapeutic dose of oxycontin may suppress the respiratory drive to the point of arrest.

OxyContin may cause severe hypotension. There is an added risk to individuals whose ability to maintain blood pressure has been compromised by a depleted blood volume, or after concurrent administration with drugs such as phenothiazines or other agents which compromise vasomotor tone. Oxycontin, should be administered with caution to patients in circulatory shock, since vasodilatation produced by the drug may further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure.

Like other opioid narcotics, oxycontin can be fatal at high doses or when combined with other brain depressants such as alcohol.

Precautions

Oxycontin, like all opioid analgesics, has a narrow therapeutic index in certain patient populations, especially in those taking other CNS depressant drugs. Its use should be reserved for cases where the benefits of opioid analgesia outweigh the known risks of respiratory depression, altered mental state, and postural hypotension. The administration of oxycontin may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions. Oxycontin may aggravate convulsions in patients with seizure disorders, which is why they should seek a professional medical detox center.

Filed Under: Addictin Drug Treatment, Drug Detox, Drugs, oxycotton detox Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Treatment for Prescription Drugs in Florida

February 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The main reason for the increasing number of addicts that need treatment for prescription drugs in Florida is the rampant abuse of  prescription drugs. The lack of a system to check who’s being prescribed what is making the problem worse. The patients who take certain drugs over a longer period of time also get addicted to them. Apart from these patients with long-term exposure to a drug, there are others who buy and consume prescription drugs illegally and suffer from drug addiction.

People looking for treatment for prescription drugs in Florida are basically addicted to three categories of drugs. The first types of drugs are opiates. They are taken to relieve pain. Codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, Morphine and Vicodine are some of the commonly prescribed drugs under this category. Anyone taking these medicines over a longer period of time can easily get addicted and treatment for addiction is necessary, especially in the initial stage of withdrawal. The second category of drugs is CNS depressants. It can be divided into two sub-categories – barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Nembutal and Mebaral come under barbiturates and are given to people suffering from anxiety and sleep disorder. Halcion, Librium, Valium and Xanax come under benzodiazepines and are taken for panic attacks and anxiety. Stimulants belong to the third category. Ritalin and Dexedrine are examples of the Stimulants that are commonly used today. They are provided to stimulate the brain in order to make a person more agile and active. Treatment for prescription drugs should immediately the initiated once the addiction is detected.

Treatment for prescription drugs in Florida involves inpatient therapy, outpatient therapy and group therapy. The inpatient treatment requires patient to be admitted to a detox treatment facility. The patients are carefully examined by physicians and taken off of their particular drugs safely and securely. The whole procedure may take 7 to 10 days. After the detox treatment is complete patients are referred to counselor who then makes further arrangements for individual and group therapy. They are subjected to number of educational lectures and group discussions in order to make them understand the drug addiction and its consequences. This helps them to rehabilitate successfully. In the outpatient program patients are treated through various interventions that include detox treatment, massage therapy, acupuncture sessions and hydro-therapy. Patients are required to visit the treatment facility from time to time in order to be examined and to determine the extent of their addiction and the progress of their individual treatment plan. Patients are also encouraged to take part in various recreational activities like swimming, running, exercising, playing outdoor games and others that are provided at the treatment facility. In group therapy patients are encouraged to participate in meetings that are designed to educate them about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) programs. Emphasis is laid on social interaction as most take to drug addiction because of the feeling of loneliness.

Treatment for prescription drugs in Florida is based upon the philosophy that every individual is important and unique and should be treated with distinction and respect. The main purpose of the treatment is to help the individual to become healthier and lead a drug free life.

By Gen Wright

Filed Under: Addictin Drug Treatment, Drug Detox, Drugs, Pain Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oxycodone Addiction

January 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. It comes in many brand names such as OxyContin and Roxicodone. When oxycodone is combined with acetaminophen its brand names include Percocet, Roxicet and Endocet. When it is combined with aspirin its brand names include Percodan, Roxiprin and Endodan. When it is combined with ibuprofen its brand names include Combunox. Oxycodone is a schedule II drug and it poses a high risk for addiction, especially when abused. It’s pain-relieving effects and side effects are similar to morphine.

What Causes an Oxycodone Addiction? The main cause of an oxycodone addiction is abuse. When a person who is prescribed this drug takes more than prescribed or a person who is not prescribed this drug takes it, they put themselves at risk for addiction. In some cases, a person who takes this drug as prescribed for a prolonged period of time may become addicted to oxycodone. Peer pressure and mental illness can also increase a person’s chance of becoming addicted to oxycodone because it may make them more vulnerable to abusing this drug. Having a family history of drug abuse, specifically oxycodone abuse, can make a person more vulnerable to addiction. Patients who experience chronic pain may be more vulnerable to oxycodone addiction because they may take more than prescribed in an effort to try and decrease their pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction- When a person becomes addicted to oxycodone they may present with certain abnormal behaviors. This drug often causes a euphoric effect so those who are addicted may seem abnormally happy and carefree often. They may also take more risks and seem to not care about consequences. They may also present drug-seeking behavior when they need more oxycodone. When an oxycodone addict does not have the drug they will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms can include diarrhea, rapid breathing, abdominal cramps, crying, loss of appetite, runny nose, muscle aches, hyperactivity, cold and hot flashes, agitation, tremors, dilated pupils, fever and increased heart rate.

Dangers and complications of oxycodone addiction- Oxycodone can be a dangerous drug when abused. Abuse leads to addiction, which can cause a variety of complications including death. If a person takes too much of the drug they may fall into a coma, suffer heart failure, respiratory failure, kidney failure or if taking a form of oxycodone that is combined with acetaminophen, liver failure or liver toxicity.

Coping with and overcoming an oxycodone addiction- most people suffering from an oxycodone addiction will not be able to stop by themselves. They will need help from their friends and families. If a person is prescribed oxycodone and has become addicted to it, they need to talk to the doctor who prescribed them the medication. Their doctor can then help wean them off the oxycodone and switch them to a medication they will not become addicted to. If the person was not prescribed oxycodone or if they are heavily addicted they will most likely need to go to rehab. Some people will benefit from outpatient rehab, but most may need inpatient rehab so that they can be monitored and treated 24 hours a day. Many addicts will relapse a time or two so it is important that they continue to get help even after they complete a rehab program. After-rehab programs, such as narcotics anonymous, can help addicts remain clean as well as help anyone who relapses quickly recover from their relapse.

by Lisa Simmons

Filed Under: Addictin Drug Treatment, Drugs, oxycotton detox, Recovery Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oxycotton Trend in Florida

November 1, 2009 By 1 Comment

The official name is OxyContin, but on the street it’s known as “oxycotton.”  Oxycotton has become quite the popular drug in South Florida these days.  Thanks to the easy access Florida Pain Clinics, oxycotton has reached the hands of many and has created a legal drug addicted society in Florida.

When taken in pill form, OxyCotton is a slow-release narcotic prescribed for pain caused by cancer, severe arthritis, sickle cell disease, and nerve damage. The active ingredient in the drug is a morphine derivative, the same as that also found in Percodan.

Oxycotton has become big on the street when resold by the drug dealers.  Drug addicts are crushing and snorting it and smoking it to get a powerful and fast high that many users say is better than heroin.

Oxycotton has even grabbed a hold of many people that have never been addicted to a drug.  It is tricky and sneaky.  People start out taking oxycotton for pain relief and before they know it they are taking 50 pills per day.

Oxycotton has created an entire slew of new drug addicts and has given the average recovered heroin addict an easy way to slide back into addiction.  If this is you then we only hope that you find a way to detox off this drug as soon as possible.

You might try going to some Narcotics Anonymous meetings.  If you have insurance or a way to pay for detox seek out detox treatment as soon as possible.  If you do not have insurance or a way to pay then their are plenty of state detox and treatment facilities that will service you if you are willing.  Above all remember there is a way out and you do not have to stay addicted to oxycotton.

Filed Under: Drug Detox, oxycotton detox, Pain Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,