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Oxycontin Withdrawal

Oxycontin withdrawal are physical and psychological symptoms that individuals experience after abrupt cessation of Oxycontin use. Oxycontin is in the group of narcotic pain relievers called oxycodones. The effects of the drug are similar to that of morphine in relieving moderate to severe pain. They are given to patients for round-the-clock relieve severe pain. Oxycontin is approved for medical use, but has a very high risk of abuse and other related serious problems. The drug produces some euphoric effects, lessens anxiety and gives the user a pleasant experience, typical of opioid narcotics. It has been illicitly diverted and abused for the past 30 years due to the ease of availability and high risk of dependence.

Due to its euphoric and other narcotic-like effects, many people individuals become addicted to Oxycontin. Even patients who are legitimately treated with Oxycontin for pain management can very easily become addicted to the drug, and may no longer take the drug for pain but because they cannot make it through the day without taking the drug. The longer people take Oxycontin, the more their body will become use to it. This is because Oxycontin is a very strong habit forming drug and the body begins to develop tolerance to it over time. This causes the individual to have to take high levels of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Thus, when patients are asked to terminate the use of Oxycontin, or when individuals who are abusing the drug try and quit they exhibit Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms, which are similar to those experienced in heroine withdrawal.

The symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal are the same as other opiate narcotics including morphine, heroin, and Vicodin. The severity of Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms depends on the dosage and length of time the individual has been using the drug. Withdrawal begins within six hours of the last dose and can be experienced for up to one week. The symptoms of oxcontin withdrawal are extremely unpleasant, and can exacerbate other conditions. This is why it is always best to undergo Oxycontin withdrawal under the supervision of trained professionals at a long-term inpatient drug treatment and rehab facility.

Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Intense pain in the body
  • Tremors
  • Excessive sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle cramps with spasms
  • Body chills
  • Goose bumps
  • Paranoia
  • Agitated and aggressive behavior
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hyperactivity
  • Dilated pupils
  • Runny nose and eye
  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite

Aside from the addictive qualities of the drug and the risk of Oxycontin withdrawal, Oxycodone is a dangerous drug when abused and can cause many serious and life-threatening side effects. The most commonly reported effects include memory loss, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, and anxiety. Some individuals experienced a loss of appetite, nervousness, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The drug has also been found to cause impotence, enlarged prostate gland, and decreased testosterone secretion.

In high doses, overdoses, or in individuals not tolerant to opiates, Oxycontin can cause serious and sometimes life threatening side effects. In these cases, the drug can cause shallow breathing, bradycardia, cold, clammy skin, apnea, hypotension, pupil constriction, circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest, and death. In 2010, 5,647 people died in Florida alone with one or more prescription drugs in their system, with Oxycontin being responsible for most of these deaths.

Oxycontin is being abused by youth in the U.S, at alarming rates, and about 1 in 20 high school seniors now acknowledges taking the drug, even when it is not prescribed to them for pain. Prescription drugs are the second-most used drugs in this age group, right behind marijuana. Many teens crush up Oxycontin pills and snort them to get high, getting a hefty dose of the drug. In the past 3 years Oxycontin use by 12th graders is up 40 percent, and five times as many 12th graders report using OxyContin than report using methamphetamine.

With proper medical and professional guidance and care at a long-term inpatient drug treatment facility or rehab, you will be able to overcome Oxycontin withdrawal symptoms. It is not going to be easy, but drug treatment counselors and medicals professionals are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you get through the withdrawal process and treated for Oxycontin addiction, so that it never has to be a problem for you again. Get the help you need today, before it is too late.

Facts

  • After being in a state of euphoria from drug use, individuals going through withdrawal after cessation of use of the drug may crash and become depressed.
  • Nearly 3 million Americans aged 12 or older in 2010 used prescription drugs non-medically for the first time within the past year.
  • Prescription opiate abuse, especially oxycodone and hydrocodone, has become a serious problem.
  • Side effects which are associated with LSD use can include: dilation of the pupils, increased blood pressure, pulse and increased reflexes, and excess saliva.