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Painkillers OxyContin and Oxycodone: Side Effects and Risks
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Oxycodone and OxyContin are powerful painkillers that belong to the opioid group. Both contain the active ingredient oxycodone. OxyContin is actually the brand name for a long-acting form of oxycodone. These medications are used to relieve severe pain, such as after surgery or cancer. However, they can be addictive.
Read also: Effect and side effects of opioids and opiates
How does OxyContin work?
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OxyContin is a controlled-release or extended-release medication. It releases oxycodone slowly and continuously over 12 hours and you only need to take it twice a day. Oxycodone has a shorter duration of action, with an average half-life of 3.2 hours. This means that half of the oxycodone dose is eliminated within 3.2 hours. Therefore, it is usually given four to six times daily until the patient gets pain relief throughout the day.
A doctor usually prescribes oxycodone for acute pain, such as after surgery or trauma. OxyContin is designed to treat chronic or long-term pain, such as cancer pain. OxyContin should only be prescribed to people with chronic, severe pain who have previously taken oxycodone.
Read also: Types of analgesics and the differences in their effects
OxyContin can be addictive
With long-term use, you can become addicted to Oxycodone and OxyContin. Medications may also work less effectively, leaving you needing more and more of them. Therefore, use it for the shortest possible time.
Have you used it for a long time and want to stop? Then don’t stop at once. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as palpitations, chills, insomnia, and nausea. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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Side effects of oxycodone and oxycontin
The side effects of oxycodone and OxyContin are the same because they contain the same active ingredient. The most common side effects are:
Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, confusion, difficulty urinating, and unusual weakness are less common.
You should not take oxycodone or OxyContin if you have asthma, other breathing problems, kidney disease, or liver disease, because they can worsen these conditions. It is also not certain whether the substance is safe for singers or breastfeeding women. They should always consult a doctor first if they are considering using medication.
Read also: How is pain measured?
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