By Dr. Dan Brown, State Medical Director, Ohio, Pinnacle Treatment Centers
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug that comes from the poppy plant. It is often introduced to a patient as a prescribed analgesic and can provide necessary pain relief for those with extreme conditions, such as cancer or acute pain. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become addictive and lead to drug abuse. If you or a loved one needs oxycodone addiction treatment, speak to your doctor or seek help from Pinnacle Treatment Centers right away.
Other Names for Oxycodone
Anytime you take a drug for any reason, it is important to understand what you are putting into your body, as well as the potential side effects. Oxycodone often goes by other names, or is combined with other ingredients. OxyContin is a common brand name for oxycodone when it is the sole ingredient, as well as Endocodone, OxylR, Percolone, and more. You may also be prescribed Percocet, Roxicet, or Percodan, which are drugs containing oxycodone and another ingredient, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Others include Combunox, Endocet, Magnacet, Lynox, Primlec, Taxadone, and more. Ask your doctor if you are concerned your prescribed painkillers may contain oxycodone.
Oxycodone also goes by several “street names,” such as OC, Roxy, Perc, Oxy, Ox, Kicker, and Hillbilly Heroin.
Effects of Oxycodone
Oxycodone can have both helpful and dangerous effects on the body. Relaxation and euphoria are common effects, which is one of the reasons it can lead to abuse. A person may begin taking the drug with good intentions, but continue taking it for the wrong reasons and despite the dangers.
Physiological Effects
The effects of oxycodone on the body include sedation, pain relief, cough suppression, respiratory depression, papillary constriction, and constipation. Using oxycodone for extended periods of time can also lead to liver damage.
Overdose Effects
When a person takes too much oxycodone, they may experience muscle weakness, confusion, extreme drowsiness, fainting, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, or shrinking of pupils. In the worst cases, it is possible for oxycodone overdose to lead to a coma or even death.
Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both narcotic pain killers that produce the same effectiveness. They are both used for severe acute pain or pain associated with cancer.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When the body becomes accustomed to consuming a certain substance, it will experience withdrawal symptoms. Oxycodone is no different. Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience when slowing or stopping an extended use of oxycodone include anxiety, insomnia, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps or spasms.
Get Help for Oxycodone Addiction
Addiction to an opioid substance is also referred to as opioid use disorder. If you or someone you care about is suffering from opioid use disorder or exhibiting symptoms of opioid addiction, seek treatment immediately. Pinnacle Treatment Centers can help you find relief and develop the skills needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment is complete.
Contact Pinnacle Treatment Centers to learn more about oxycodone addiction and our addiction recovery programs. With our medication-assisted treatment programs, we can help you get your life back.
About The Author
