How Does The Body Respond To Oxy?

A semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, Oxycodone is prescribed by physicians to alleviate short- or long-term pain. The drug is available in immediate-release (OxyIR) and controlled-release (OxyContin) forms, or in pills that contain acetaminophen (Percocet) or aspirin (Perodan).

Neurological

Common side effects of Oxycodone on the neurological system include drowsiness, cognitive impairments, moodiness, altered sleep cycles, and in some cases, psychosis.

Gastrointestinal

Oxycodone use may result in a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, upset stomach and constipation.

Respiratory

Oxycodone also offers the potential for respiratory issues, including hypoventilation and even respiratory arrest in rare cases. Users should contact a physician immediately if they experience breathing difficulties or lightheadedness following Oxycodone use.

Cardiovascular

Decreased blood pressure and heart rate, heart palpitations, and migraines may result from Oxycodone use. Make certain to discuss any cardiovascular disease issues you may have with a physician before use.

Additional Side Effects

Additional side effects stemming from Oxycodone use include urination difficulties, suppression of immune system, rashes, dry mouth, and sweating.

Abuse and Addiction

Oxycodone and its various derivatives each hold a high potential for abuse and dependency. The withdrawal symptoms associated with an addiction include gastrointestinal disturbances, sleeplessness, anxiety, sweating, agitation, and an irregular heart beat. Seizures have also been known to occur in some patients.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with an Oxycodone addiction, our Above It All rehabilitation center is the place to call! Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, sober lifestyle you deserve!

The Oxy Effect (both short and long term)

OxyContin is a semi-synthetic substance of the opiate family utilized to address long- and short-term pain. In recent years, OxyContin abuse and addiction statistics have increased dramatically, leading to a nationwide pain pill “epidemic” of epic proportions. In this entry, we will discuss the short- and long-term effects of OxyContin on its users.  

Neurological

The potential neurological side effects of OxyContin abuse include drowsiness, cognitive impairments, sleep stability issues, mood swings and a heightened risk of psychosis.

Respiratory

The potential side effects of OxyContin on the respiratory system include hypoventilation and in some cases, respiratory failure. Those experiencing lightheadedness or breathing difficulties following OxyContin use should consult a trusted physician immediately.

Gastrointestinal

 OxyContin use may lead to a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation and vomiting.

Cardiovascular

Decreased blood pressure and heart rate, heart palpitations and migraines are common in OxyContin addicts. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease should inform their physician prior to use.

Additional Side Effects

Other common side effects may include urination difficulties, a suppressed immune system, rashes, dry mouth and sweating.

Abuse & Addiction

OxyContin is an extremely dangerous and addictive substance and can easily lead to dependency in long-term users. Withdrawal symptoms include gastrointestinal disturbances, difficulty sleeping, agitation, irritability, sweating, anxiety and irregular heart beat. In rare instances, withdrawal may also result in seizures.

 

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with an OxyContin addiction, our Above It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy and happy lifestyle you deserve.  

OxyContin Induced Mood Disorders

Many of those who suffer from addiction often suffer from mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, borderline personality etc. However, drugs like OxyContin have the ability to bring on mood disorder episodes as well. In most cases, OxyContin disorders are limited to anxiety and depression. These types of disorders can often complicate the treatment process, which is why choosing a medically monitored detox and substance abuse rehabilitation program is so important.

Whether these types of disorders where present prior to the OxyContin abuse or began as a result of the addiction can be difficult to determine. Many specialists in the field are finding that non-medical OxyContin use is often associated with mood disorder development. Addiction and mental health experts are generally able to properly sift through the symptoms, while formulating a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen.

In order for drug addiction induced mood disorders to exist, a physical examination, patient history, and laboratory findings of abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal must be apparent. These types of disorders can often last upwards of 4 weeks following a successful transition into sobriety.

There are an array of issues that come about once an individual becomes addiction to OxyContin. If you or someone you love are suffering from an OxyContin addiction, our Above It All treatment counselors are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help you back on track towards the loving, happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve. 

The Effects Of Prolonged OxyContin Abuse

One of the most frightening aspects of OxyContin abuse is that the effects may pop up randomly during the addiction cycle. First time users can easily overdose due to over consumption causing excessive binding of the neurotransmitters. As such, even in instances where abuse does not occur initially, the side effects associated with use can include confusion, pupil dilation, breathing issues, fatigue and weakness.

The later stages of abuse can result in a slowed heart rate, nausea, gastrointestinal issues and loss of consciousness. It is in these types of instances that addicts should consider detox by way of a reputable substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

Additionally, prolonged OxyContin abuse works to alter the chemical makeup of the addict’s brain; ultimately rerouting particular neural pathways. In some instances, it may take months following detox for the effects on the neural pathways to wear off… though specialists debate whether the alterations to the brain can ever be completely rectified.

Perhaps the scariest association with prolonged OxyContin abuse lies in post-detox patients. Many addicts who relapse back on OxyContin following detoxification will do so with the same amounts used prior to their initial recovery. Because the tolerance of the individual has worn down, the addict faces a high risk of overdose, respiratory failure and death.

If you or someone you know are dealing with an OxyContin addiction, your best option is to contact a specialized OxyContin rehab facility to help you address the addiction in a safe and healthy manner. Not only will these facilities be able to provide you with detox services, but education and techniques to help counter to addiction long-term. And over time, many facilities are able to help addicts gain an understanding of happiness, fulfillment and clarity without the addiction distraction.