Health Effects Of Oxycontin

OxyContin is classified as an opioid agonist due to its Oxycodone content which is a Schedule II drug. It is prescribed for a continuous and long-term management of moderate to severe pain for patients with an established tolerance to an opiate of equivalent potency. Statistics showed that it is one of the most commonly used prescription drugs in the country. In a study conducted by NIDA in 2010, 5.1% of the students in 12th grade abused OxyContin.

How oxycontin affects your health depends on dosage, drug administration, and existing medical conditions. The following are the effects of Oxycontin on major body systems:

Nervous System

The common side effects of Oxycontin to the CNS include:

• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth

For patients with Addison's disease, doctors exercise caution in prescribing Oxycontin to individuals with adrenal insufficiency because administration of this drug can cause respiratory depression and increases the possibility of prolonged CNS depression related to opioid use.

For patients with brain injury, mechanical ventilation is required before opiate agonists like Oxycontin can be administered. Otherwise, oxycontin will cause hypoventilation that induces vasodilation and cerebral hypoxia, potentially resulting in increased intracranial pressure and alteration in CNS functions including consciousness, pupil movements and respiration.

Gastrointestinal

Some of the usual side effects of Oxycontin on the GI tract include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Oxycontin decreases peristalsis and increases the smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, patients may experience elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, constipation, and toxic megacolon for individuals suffering from acute or severe inflammatory bowel disease.

Respiratory

Rapid administration or high dosage of oxycontin may cause:

• Apnea
• Anoxia
• Chronic pulmonary insufficiency
• Hypercapnia
• Hypoxia
• Rigidity of respiratory muscles
• Sleep apnea
• Upper airway obstruction

Cardiovascular

At a therapeutic dosage, Oxycontin may cause dizziness and hypotension. If administered rapidly or in elevated dosage, it can lead to cardiac arrest, shock, and vasodilatation. Due to the cholinergic activity of Oxycontin, its increased dosage or rapid administration may produce arrhythmia and bradycardia.

Hepatic and Renal

Oxycontin is significantly metabolized by the liver. Its serum concentration may be increased in patients with a liver condition. Patients with renal impairment may alter the elimination of Oxycontin and its metabolites which may result in drug accumulation and greater risk of toxicity.

Psychiatric

Some of the withdrawal effects of Oxycontin include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Restlessness

In spite of Oxycontin's adverse effects, statistics showed that almost 1 in 20 high school seniors abused OxyContin. NSDUH also estimated that approximately 1.9 million individuals in the country abuse or suffer from chemical dependence on prescription opioids.

For more information on how oxycontin affects your health, contact the nearest addiction specialist in your area.