Oxycontin and Oxycodone are narcotics prescribed by doctors for patients who need a strong around-the-clock remedy for moderate to extreme pain, except after surgery. Both medications should be used with caution and only under a doctor's care for short-term treatment. These medications are controlled dangerous substances that can interact negatively with other medications, carry potentially dangerous side effects, and can be highly addictive.
Identification
Oxycontin and Oxycodone are powerful opioid analgesics that relieve severe pain. They're both available in 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg hydrochloride tablets, time-released tablets or capsules. These narcotics are similar to morphine, codeine and hydrocodone. Brand names of Oxycodone include Oxycontin, Roxicodone, M-oxy, ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, and OxyIR. The generic name for Oxycontin is Oxycodone, and its brand names are the same as Oxycodone but also include Percolone and Roxicodone Intensol.
Dosage
Oxycontin and Oxycodone tablets or capsules are taken whole with a glass of water at 4-, 6- or 12-hour intervals, depending on the prescribed strength. The initial dosage is dependent on a person's tolerance to narcotics and the type of painkillers a person is already taking. A doctor can increase a dosage every one or two days depending on pain level, or can be mixed at a lower dosage with other prescribed pain killers if a person experiences bad side effects.
Considerations
People shouldn't take Oxycontin or Oxycodone if they're asthmatic or allergic to other narcotics, such as methadone, morphine, Percocet or Lortab, for example. Doctors should be told if a person has a breathing disorder, has kidney, liver or gallbladder disease, epileptic seizures, spine curvature, low blood pressure, a history of mental illness, or drug or alcohol addictions. Pregnant women should use caution when taking these narcotics as they can dangerously affect her unborn baby.
Drug Interactions
Oxycontin and Oxycodone may interfere with other drugs that slow a person's brain faculties such as barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers or muscle relaxants. Taking one or more of these types of drugs together can cause severe respiratory problems and other dangerous side effects. Anti-diarrhea medications should not be taken together with Oxycontin or Oxycodone as severe constipation is already a potential side effect.
Side Effects
The side effects of Oxycontin or Oxycodone use includes drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, a dry mouth, weakness and tiredness, seizures, slow breathing, confusion, cold and clammy skin, itchiness, lightheadedness and fainting.
Warnings
People shouldn't chew, snort, dissolve or inject Oxycontin or Oxycodone into their veins as it'll cause an overdose and death may occur. It's dangerous to drink alcohol, drive, use heavy machinery or take other pain killers that cause drowsiness. Children shouldn't take Oxycontin or Oxycodone. People can become addicted to Oxycontin or Oxycodone if taken for a long time. Dosages should be gradually reduced so people can easily withdraw from them without harm.
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