It can how addictive is oxycontin badly impact brain circuits that are involved in physiological functions. A 20 mg tablet looks pink, and a 40 mg tablet is yellow, but the shape is the same for every dose, which is oval. In this article, we will learn the uses, risks, and other necessary details about oxycodone. Stay tuned and never try to consume it without a doctor’s prescription or instructions. It is not advisable to drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. Oxycodone can increase the effects of alcohol and may cause harm.
Side effects
Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to regularly evaluate renal function. Inform patients that OXYCONTIN could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
- Use of OXYCONTIN for an extended period of time during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate.
- Oxycodone has a high risk of abuse because of its addictive nature.
- Generally, the rate and duration of tapering will depend on how long you have been taking the drug.
- Your health care provider may ask you to keep a medicine called naloxone on hand.
- Immediate-release oxycodone and OxyContin can make these conditions worse.
Oxycodone Medication Names
- The use of OXYCONTIN in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.
- This means that they may need to take higher doses of it to continue experiencing its pain-relieving benefits.
- As a guideline for pediatric patients 11 years and older, the total daily oxycodone dosage usually can be increased by 25% of the current total daily dosage.
- Once you develop a dependence on oxycodone, you will start noticing some signs of addiction.
- However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.
Similarly, drug addiction treatment discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, in OXYCONTIN-treated patients may increase oxycodone plasma concentrations and prolong opioid adverse reactions. Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with OXYCONTIN. Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help, even if naloxone is administered. “Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders.

Specific Populations
Also consider prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose. If naloxone is prescribed, educate patients and caregivers on how to treat with naloxone. see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Addiction, Abuse, And Misuse, Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants and OVERDOSE. OXYCONTIN contains oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As https://mainasilver.com/index.php/2025/02/12/understanding-etoh-ethanol-ethyl-alcohol-abuse/ an opioid, OXYCONTIN exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Because extended-release products such as OXYCONTIN deliver the opioid over an extended period of time, there is a greater risk for overdose and death due to the larger amount of oxycodone present see Drug Abuse And Dependence.
Risks Of Use In Patients With Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, Or Impaired Consciousness

OxyContin and immediate-release oxycodone belong to a drug class called opioids. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way and are often used to treat similar conditions. Immediate-release oxycodone and OxyContin both bind to receptors in your brain and spinal cord. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. If you are taking the oxycodone extended-release tablets, swallow them whole; do not chew, break, divide, crush, or dissolve them.as you may receive too much oxycodone at once instead of slowly over 12 hours.
