Oxycodone

What is oxycodone?

Oxycodone is the active ingredient in a number of prescription medications, including OxyContinⓇ, PercocetⓇ, and  RoxicodoneⓇ. These drugs are heavy-duty painkillers usually prescribed to treat serious medical conditions like cancer, postsurgical pain, and severe arthritis, or to manage pain after a traumatic injury.

Oxycodone is manufactured by making modifications to an organic chemical called thebaine, which is present in opium. That classifies oxycodone as an opioid, which simply means a partially synthetic opiate.

How does oxycodone work?

Oxycodone relieves pain by binding to specific opioid receptors in your central nervous system. That process alters how your body communicates pain signals to your brain.

There’s also a notable emotional effect after taking the drug, which can further improve pain management. After taking a medication containing oxycodone, your body is flooded with dopamine, which creates a sensation of euphoria or pleasure. Your brain becomes rewired to seek that pleasant response, which is how addiction develops.

What are some signs of oxycodone abuse?

Many men and women who become addicted to oxycodone began taking the drug to treat pain. That can make it hard to know when the line is crossed and addiction becomes the driving motivation to continue taking the medication.

Some of the signs of oxycodone addiction include:

• Drowsiness or nodding off
• Euphoria
• Periods of sedation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Excess sweating
• Headache
• Itching
• Lightheadedness

Of course, if you or a loved one are taking a medication containing oxycodone that was not prescribed to you, then addiction is likely the motivating factor.

How is oxycodone addiction treated?

At 2nd Chance, a combination approach provides comprehensive addiction recovery care. That approach uses a mix of medications to help control urges to abuse the drug, as well as therapy to improve stress management, impulse control, and other skills.

Medications like buprenorphine/naloxone and naltrexone can help reduce the urge to use oxycodone drugs, both during the first few weeks of recovery and in the later stages as maintenance medication. Your dose may vary as your needs change, but you’ll always have the guidance of your medical team to ensure you remain on the path that’s right for you.

To get the help needed for oxycodone addiction, schedule a consultation today, online or over the phone.