Oxycodone is a prescription narcotic pain medication. It is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It can be taken alone or in combination with other pain relievers like Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen. It is designed for people needing pain medication who cannot be treated with other medications.
Oxycodone comes in many forms. There is a standard liquid solution, a concentrated solution, a tablet, capsules, and extended release tablets or capsules. Pills are often taken with a full glass of water and food. Oxycodone is produced by numerous manufacturers. The best known is OxyContin. Percocet, Percodan, Roxicets, and Roxicodone are other popular forms of oxycodone.
It is important to take Oxycodone as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. You doctor will slowly reduce your intake of this drug. Suddenly stopping this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms. These may include:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Watery eyes
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Irritability
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Fast heartbeat and/or breathing
- Yawning
- Cramps
The addictive nature of oxycodone was not highlighted by manufactures upon its release. An addiction to oxycodone is similar to an addiction to heroin. Severe cravings ensue and physical withdrawal can be life threatening. Reports indicate that 500,000 people begin abusing oxycodone annually.
In addition to risk of addiction, oxycodone has common side effects. They include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tired feelings, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and mild itching. One of the life threatening potential side effects of Oxycodone is slowing of breath. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have had problems with breathing like asthma in the past.
It is helpful to know the signs of oxycodone abuse if you are worried about a loved one. Commons signs of Oxy use are:
- Dilated pupils
- Apathy- lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Short attention span
If you or a loved one are dealing with an addiction to Oxycodone, help is available. It is important to get help from narcotic abuse specialists. They can assist with withdrawal which may include medications like Suboxone. They are trained in helping you or your loved one with a treatment plan to help in their short and long term recovery. There is hope. Everyone has the capacity to change, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center provides a 5 week long rehab program to men and women seeking to make their lives more beautiful through recovery. Let treatment at Serenity Oaks be the beginning of your beautiful life of recovery. Start today by calling us for information: 844-720-6847
