Many have asked how a drug as dangerously addictive as OxyContin is able to stay on the market legally. The reason is because of the multitude of severe side effects and how they affect the body.
The Most Severe Side Effects of OxyContin Include:
- Tightness of chest & difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of mouth, tongue & face
- Impaired or blurred vision
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness & fainting
The main problem with OxyContin is that when chewed or crushed and taken as a powder, the drug is not allowed to work in a time-released fashion. This results in an immediate high which can become addictive from the very first instance of abuse or incorrect use. Because OxyContin is usually taken for severe or chronic pain management (such as with cancer patients), one misuse can easily add to the pain issues rather than managing them comfortably and safely. You’re now dealing with how to treat 2 serious ailments at once rather then the original medical issue.
Overdosing on OxyContin, whether by willful abuse or accidently taking the drug incorrectly, can be fatal if not treated quickly. Any of the side effects mentioned above can be fatal on their own. Unfortunately, those who have overdosed on OxyContin often experience many of these side effects at once. Because these side effects can also be associated with other serious issues, it is also very possible to misdiagnose a case if too little information is provided about the patient. Misdiagnosing can lead to a quick death because the right procedures to rid the body of the drug and stabilize with fluids aren’t performed in enough time.
Avoiding OxyContin Side Effects, OxyContin Addiction & OxyContin Overdose
If you or someone you know has been prescribed OxyContin for pain management, it is extremely important to educate yourself on the proper use and dosage of the drug for that individual case. As mentioned above, even using OxyContin incorrectly one time can lead to serious addiction and even overdose. Because all medical issues are not the same, it is also to know that what prescription (including dosage) works for one person may not be safe for anyone else. OxyContin is meant to be a time-released drug, allowing it to be effective for up to 12 hours. It should never be chewed, crushed or taken in any other way than instructed by a doctor. Otherwise, the time-releasing property will not work correctly and can lead to an immediate high or potential addiction & overdose. Dosages should never be adjusted (either up or down) without the permission and instruction of a doctor who understands the particular case. Fluctuating dosages can also lead to increased tolerance and OxyContin addiction. Finally, you should never use someone else’s prescription of OxyContin even if it’s been prescribed to you before. The prescription of someone else was not determined with your particular ailment, body, allergies or medical history in mind and could cause severe reactions.
If you suspect that someone you know has abused or incorrectly used OxyContin, or if you feel that your own dosage was not taken correctly, you should seek medical help immediately. Fluids, along with a flushing process will likely be necessary. Medication may also need to be given to counteract the effects of OxyContin in the body. Provide a doctor with as much information as you can in this case to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure the correct treatment is given in a timely manner. It could mean life or death if not dealt with immediately.
Alternatives for OxyContin
There are a few effective alternatives for OxyContin, especially in relation to pregnancy. If you are worried about the effects of OxyContin on your body and are interested in alternatives, consider asking your doctor about options like Lortab, Subutex and Methadone. These all have their own side effects and dangers, as with any drug, but can often do the work of OxyContin without the higher dosage. If you are pregnant or feel that you will be pregnant in the near future and have been prescribed OxyContin, it is highly recommended that you visit a doctor to discuss lessening your dosage and/or switching to an alternative.
Remember that while it can be extremely helpful for the management of severe pain, OxyContin can be extremely dangerous when taken incorrectly or abused. It is always best to take OxyContin exactly as prescribed, and to notify doctors if are pregnant, will be pregnant or experience any side effects. With OxyContin, it is better to be safe than sorry.