Oxycodone
is a central nervous system depressant. Oxycodone's
action appears to work through stimulating the opioid
receptors found in the central nervous system that
activate responses ranging from analgesia to respiratory
depression to euphoria. People who take the drug
repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance
to the drug's effects. Thus, a cancer patient can
take a dose of oxycodone on a regular basis that
would be fatal in a person never exposed to oxycodone
or another opioid. Most individuals who abuse oxycodone
seek to gain the euphoric effects, mitigate pain,
and avoid withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone
or heroin abstinence.
Oxycodone has a high abuse potential and is prescribed
for moderate to high pain relief associated with
injuries, bursitis, dislocation, fractures, neuralgia,
arthritis, and lower back and cancer pain. It is
also used postoperatively and for pain relief after
childbirth. OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox
are trade name oxycodone products.
OxyContin is designed to be swallowed whole; however,
abusers ingest the drug in a variety of ways. OxyContin
abusers often chew the tablets or crush the tablets
and snort the powder. Because oxycodone is water
soluble, crushed tablets can be dissolved in water
and the solution injected. The latter two methods
lead to the rapid release and absorption of oxycodone.
Source: National
Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), "OxyContin
Diversion and Abuse," January 2001
SIDE EFFECTS
(when taken as directed):
Constipation, dryness of the mouth, confusion,
sedation, light-headedness, respiratory depression,
nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating
SYMPTOMS
OF OVERDOSE:
Slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness,
loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, cold or
clammy skin, small pupils
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