Oxycontin

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Contents 1 Pharmacology 2 Origins 3 Street Names 4 Typical Use 5 Effects 6 Harm 7 Prevention Strategies 8 Consumption Measures 9 Addiction Screening Measures 10 References

Pharmacology

OxyContin is a relatively new prescription drug, simply put, a pain reliever. However, OxyContin is much more complex than any regular pain killer. The formula of OxyContin allows small amounts of OxyCodone to be administered into the bloodstream. OxyContin is intended for patients who suffer from continuous pain and needs a continuous, prolonged dosage instead of taking many different dosages throughout the day for their pain.¹ Because OxyContin is intended for patients with severe or chronic (long term) pain, OxyContin is a controlled release substance. Controlled release means that throughout an allotted period of time the oxycodone hydrochloride will be released into the bloodstream creating a long-lasting sense of euphoria and pain relief. Oxycodone is a white, odorless powder, much like cocaine, mainly because they stem from the same opium plant. The tablets come in different colors to differentiate their potency: 10mg=white, 20mg=red, 40mg=yellow, 80mg=blue or yellow and 160mg=blue.¹

Origins

OxyContin is a schedule II, controlled-release drug that was manufactured at the Purdue Pharma L.P. in Cranbury, New Jersey. For the most part, OxyContin should only be taken if a person was in moderate to severe pain. OxyContin was not even the first opioid analgesic that Purdue Pharma had manufactured. Before OxyContin, Purdue Phama manufactured a morphine-based pain suppressant called MS Contin.³ When OxyContin was first manufactured and tested, it was believed that a controlled release substance would decrease the potentials for abuse; however, they did not account for pain-killer abusers who crush the pill to get instant gratification of the drug.“FDA first approved the marketing and use of OxyContin in 10-, 20-, and 40-milligram controlled-release tablets. FDA later approved 80- and 160-milligram controlled-release tablets for use by patients who were already taking opioids”² OxyContin was first introduced into the drug market in 1996. By 1997, Purdue Pharma experienced a drastic increase in the sale of OxyContin. By the early 2000’s, OxyContin had achieved high rankings among other legally prescribed drugs and was held accountable for 90% of Purdue Pharma’s productions.²

Street Names

Killers, Oxycotton, OC, OXY, OXY 80’s, Hillbilly Heroin

Typical Use

OxyContin was manufactured solely for treating patients in a substantial amount of pain. The pain that a patient was in had to be monitored as moderate to severe pain. The patient also had to be in pain for a substantial extended period of time.³ OxyContin is commonly prescribed to terminally-ill cancer patients who require a pain-killer that is potent enough to relieve them from the terror that is cancer. For the most part, OxyContin is generally prescribed when a patient is unable to take morphine. In recent years, drug abuse in the United States has increased in astronomical numbers and continues to grow to this day, especially among teenagers ranging from ages as young as 12 years old through mature adults as old as 25³ Abusers of OxyContin take advantage of the potency of the drug by taking the drug when they are in no pain at all but want to receive the “numbing” sensation of any opioid.⁵ Now, with the help of the internet, OxyContin has gained a lot of popularity in the drug market.

Effects

When taken properly, OxyContin is used to relieve chronic pain in the form of an opioid analgesic for a sustained period of time due to the controlled-release of oxycodone hydrochloride. Common side effects are: nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and sedation. Long-term side effects include a higher tolerance to the drug which will require higher dosage levels. After an extended period of time the persistent usage of the drug will cause the body to become dependent on the drug and become addicted. The worst side effect of OxyContin, or any opioid, is respiratory depression. Because respiratory depression means that the lungs collapse, oxygen is not being pumped throughout the body resulting in death.⁵

Harm

Like with any drug, harm could come from the improper use of the drug. OxyContin is no different. Generally, OxyContin impairs a person’s good judgment which could lead a person on the drug to place himself in harmful situations. Drinking and driving is a very common example of how people on OxyContin can place themselves in harmful situations. The most harm comes from the dependence on the drug which will force the person to acquire the drug by any means necessary. Once dependent on OxyContin, if the person is stripped from the drug they will go through withdrawals which include symptoms such as: feelings of relentlessness, body pains, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and cold flashes.⁵

Prevention Strategies

Many measures have been taken from different organizations to raise awareness of drug abuse. “The FDA has also taken other actions to address the abuse and diversion of OxyContin. It put information on its Web site for patients regarding the appropriate use of OxyContin” ²

Consumption Measures

Addiction Screening Measures

References

1. The Internet Drug Index. (2006, April 17). Retrieved February 27, 2008, from <http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/oxycontin.htm>
2. U.S. General Accounting Office (2003). Prescription drugs [electronic resource]: OxyContin abuse and diversion and efforts to address the problem: report to congressional requesters. Washington, D.C. Retrieved February 27, 2008 from <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=gao&docid=f:d04110. pdf>
3. OxyContin: its use and abuse (2001). Hearing before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives. Washington, D.C. Retrieved February 27, 2008 from <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_house_hearings&docid=f:75754.pdf>
4. Bercovitch, M., & Adunsky, A. (2006). High Dose Controlled-Release Oxycodone in Hospice Care. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 20, 33-39. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from <http://www.haworthpress.com/store/E-Text/View_EText.asp?sid=WV3HJ38PV78P8G7RPCN3HARDJA9X0R89&a=3&s=J354&v=20&i=4&fn=J354v20n04%5F06>
5. Oxycontin Effects | Oxycontin Side Effects | What is Oxycontin? (2007, March 20). Retrieved February 27, 2008, from <http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/OxyContin>