Menu
  • Drug Overdose Facts
  • Overdose deaths by asphyxiation are common among people who mix alcohol with other drugs and accidentally inhale their vomit into their lungs.
  • In June 2006, 945 grams of 83% pure fentanyl powder was seized by Border Patrol agents in California from a vehicle which had entered via the Mexican border.
  • In the Atlanta area, reports show an escalation in the amount of female crack users in their thirties with no prior drug history.
  • Cocaine users often report that they are never able to achieve the same "high" that they experienced the first time they used the drug.
  • The best possible way to be able to avoid a potentially fatal drug overdose is for the person who is struggling with a substance abuse problem to be admitted to a quality drug rehab program that has a history of a high success rate.
1-866-847-9981
Name: Type of Treatment:
Email: Drug Abused
Phone: Describe the Situation:
City:

Essential Facts about Oxycontin Overdose

Oxycontin is one of the many types of painkillers recommended by doctors to their patients who experience intense pain. Just like morphine, it works instantly in relieving all types of discomfort in the body, as the substance binds with the opiate receptors in a person's brain. However, this drug is different from other opiates because it has a time-released mechanism. This means a person does not have to take pills several times in a day because the effects of the drug may last for many hours. In fact, oxycontin should only be taken twice a day for a short period.

Side Effects

As with any type of pain reliever, oxycontin enables a person to experience comfort immediately after taking the drug. Those who are advised to take oxycontin will experience a reduction of body pains, and they will feel calm and relaxed. Some people may feel a sudden rush or elation due to the drug's effects.

Physical side effects may also be common among some users, and they may feel dizzy or lightheaded. They may also become nauseous when their body reacts differently to the drug. Others may suffer from mild to intense headaches.

While these side effects are typical among those who take oxycontin, it is important for patients to inform their doctor about these mild pains. The conditions may become worse when the right treatment is not obtained.

Oxycontin Overdose

Since the drug initially causes a person to feel euphoric and relaxed, it may be likely that users will want to take more doses of the substance in order to experience these effects. They may begin to crave for the substance, and they may do several things just to get a hold of a doctor's prescription that will enable them to purchase the drug.

Most users tend to fake injuries or medical conditions, so a doctor may prescribe them to take oxycontin. Some people also try to purchase this drug illegally such as online or in black markets. However, there is a huge chance that the drugs sold in these sources are combined with other opiates and additives that can cause severe damages to the body in an instant.

Overdose on the drug occurs when a person takes larger doses, or administers the substance in inappropriate ways. For instance, they may chew the pill, so they can experience the pleasurable effects instantly. This means of administration is very hazardous, though, because it changes the drug's time-released effects. Other people crush the pill, dissolve the pieces in water, and inject the drug into the skin by using a syringe and needle. A few users may also snort the crushed pills just to experience immediately the effects of the drug.

These inappropriate ways of taking oxycontin can lead to life-threatening effects. An overdose is likely to occur, as well, because the effects can last for only a few minutes. Afterwards, a person may want to take the drug again, and in larger amounts.

With long-term and frequent use of oxycontin, individuals may suffer from heart-related disorders such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack and cardiac arrest. These people may also have difficulties in breathing because the heart may begin to function poorly. The heart needs to pump harder to supply more blood oxygen to all parts of the body. The stress placed on the heart can cause serious damages to the organ, until it fails to function. Respiratory arrest, coma, and stroke are other effects of an overdose on oxycontin.

Withdrawal Effects

Since a person may already be addicted to the drug, it may be difficult for him or her to quit taking the substance. Withdrawal symptoms may develop, and these include physical and psychological discomforts. For instance, a person will become depressed, lethargic, anxious, and nervous. They may also suffer from insomnia, watery eyes, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, and muscle cramps.

Obtaining the right treatment for oxycontin addiction is very crucial, as it can make a huge different in a drug addict's life. A professional or medical specialist can help these people overcome the lethal effects of the substance by recommending a drug-free type of treatment. Drug dependents also need counseling, so they can discuss their feelings regarding withdrawal from oxycontin. With love and support of family and friends, drug users will be able to begin living a more meaningful and enriching life.