OxyContin
Background of OxyContin
OxyContin is a potent narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain. OxyContin is one of the brand names for a specific formulation of oxycodone, which is related to codeine. OxyContin is sometimes used as a substitute for heroin. The active ingredient of OxyContin is merely Oxycodone, which is an opium derivative also used in Percocet and Percodan. The street names for OxyContin are oxy, oxycotton, killers, poor man’s heroin, OC, blue, OX, Hillbilly Heroin and oxy 80.
Patients who are prescribed with the typical OxyContin may take the drug twice a day, due to its timed-release coating. The timed-release factor of OxyContin, provides extended relief of pain associated with arthritis, back pain, bursitis, cancer pains, dislocation, fractures and neuralgia. In this manner, OxyContin, which usually acts in eight to twelve hours, slowly release its active ingredient, oxycodone, over time.
OxyContin, which is a Central Nervous System depressant, acts by stimulating the opioid receptors found in the Central Nervous System that activate responses ranging from analgesia to respiratory depression and euphoria. Patients prescribed with OxyContin may become dependent on the drug and may experience withdrawal symptoms as they stop using it.
History of OxyContin
Purdue Pharma of Stamford, Connecticut is the manufacturer of OxyContin. For many years, OxyContin has been used medically to relieve moderate to severe pain. By 1996 OxyContin was available in market. The OxyContin was highly recommended than previous brands due to its single content of active ingredient, which results to less complicated side effects. In 2000, sales of OxyContin increased by more than $1 billion, which made it a number one narcotic analgesic pill. OxyContin abuse became extensive which caused massive alarm and concern. Because of this, the Purdue Pharma cooperated with the Drug Enforcement Agency to improve more controls on the drug. Purdue Pharma created some measures to limit the distribution of OxyContin. Furthermore, by May of 2001, the company deliberately stopped selling the 160 mg OxyContin due to its strong side effects. After all, the 160 mg pills comprised only 1 percent of all OxyContin manufactures. In early August of the same year, the Purdue Pharma proclaimed that they are working on a new formulation of OxyContin that would make it harder to abuse.
Application of OxyContin
OxyContin generally comes in tablet form which is taken as a pill. OxyContin is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. During the previous years, however, a 160 mg OxyContin tablet was also available.
Contents of OxyContin
The active ingredient of OxyContin is oxycodone. Oxycodone is made from thebaine, which is a minor element of opium. The inactive ingredients of OxyContin, however, are ammonio methacrylate copolymer, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, sorbic acid, and triacetin. Moreover, the 20 mg tablets also contain polysorbate 80 and red iron oxide; the 40 mg tablets contain polysorbate 80 and yellow iron oxide; the 80 mg tablet contain FD& C blue No. 2, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and yellow iron oxide and the 160 mg tablets contain FD& C blue No. 2 and polysorbate 80.
Side Effects of OxyContin
The common side effects of OxyContin include analgesia, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, itching, sweating, headache, vomiting, sedation, muscle twitches, decreased urination, respiratory depression, euphoria and feelings of relaxation.
Abuse of OxyContin
OxyContin has a high risk of tolerance and dependence. Chronic use of OxyContin can lead to physical dependence in which the body adapts to the presence of OxyContin, inhibiting the release of a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters are quickly produced again when OxyContin is taken away. Withdrawal occurs due to the sudden chemical imbalance in the brain. Withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin include vomiting, muscle pain, bone pain, abdominal cramps, difficulty in sleeping, runny nose and eyes, anxiety, restlessness as well as involuntary leg movements.
Furthermore, increased tolerance to OxyContin can also result due to the chronic use of the drug. The user increases the doses of OxyContin to receive the initial effect. When the brain is exposed to the drug, it releases more of a certain neurotransmitter to offset the effects of the drug.
The timed-release property of OxyContin is usually avoided by drug abusers by, chewing the tablets, crushing the tablets and snorting it like cocaine, and dissolving the crushed tablets in water and injecting it like heroin.
OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States of America, which means that OxyContin has a high potential for abuse, has a current medical use with severe restrictions, and that abuse of OxyContin may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence.
OxyContin Rehabilitation Patients Say About Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these statements in support of truths about their rehabilitation have been refrained from giving to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The foregoing names are fictional names of the author’s own choosing.
"I couldn’t do anything but to seek help because of my situation. My experience was so horrible it felt like I lost half of my life. I’m so glad that Malibu Horizon came and rescued me. I’m the happiest person now. And I feel so much fulfilled!" —KC
"I can’t stop myself from increasing the dosage of OxyContin as my medication. I ended up not following the prescriptions of my doctor. Suddenly, I’ve experienced restlessness, muscle and bone pains, abdominal cramps and many ailments. I’m afraid of losing my life, that’s why I’m so grateful that Malibu Horizon was introduced to me by my friend. Malibu Horizon saved my life, a big thanks to them." —Claudia
"I am a survivor of OxyContin addiction, and I owe it to Malibu Horizon. The staffs were so helpful and they helped me find my way home. ‘Know what I mean? Thanks to the people from Malibu Horizon." —Jimmy
"Malibu Horizon is like a family to me. They helped and supported, and lifted me up when I was so down. They taught me how to help myself. I’m glad that Malibu Horizon exists on earth, for without them I don’t know where I would now be. I salute you Malibu Horizon!" —James