Oxycodone (often sold under the brand name OxyContin and others) is a controlled substance that has significant medical uses, particularly for the control of severe pain. Most individuals can tolerate medicinal amounts of oxycodone and would not suffer toxic effects when using the substance under the supervision of a physician and according to its prescribed instructions. Medicines that interact with oxycodone may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with oxycodone.
- Because of this, first responders and people who are trained to administer naloxone (Narcan®) mainly rely on symptoms and personal history to diagnose them.
- If you receive medical attention before serious problems with your breathing occur, you should have few long-term consequences.
- In addition to relieving pain, you may be drowsy, confused and in a daze, constipated, and possibly nauseated.
- Accidental ingestion of even one dose, especially in children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxycodone.
- The person may need to be admitted to the hospital to continue treatment.
Opiates occur in nature, though they can still be very dangerous in their purified and concentrated forms. WHO also supports countries in monitoring trends in drug use and related harm, to better understand the scale of opioid dependence and opioid overdose. Oxycodone is available in various doses and different-sized tablets.
These medicines are man-made versions of the natural compounds found in opium. It is helpful to check in on loved ones taking pain medication on a regular basis. This is especially true for those who are 65 years old and older. If you or someone you know may have overdosed on prescription medication, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Taking OxyContin in any way other than prescribed carries a risk of overdose. With the quick administration of naloxone (Narcan), an OxyContin overdose can be reversed.
Hydrocodone/Oxycodone Overdose
People with significant tolerance to the drug will obviously require more of the drug to produce overdose effects, whereas anyone mixing oxycodone with another drug may overdose on a lower amount of the drug. However, a person’s tolerance for oxycodone can aetna momentum program also decrease over time if the person remains abstinent from the drug. Individuals who have been in recovery from an opiate use disorder for even a short period may experience a significant decrease in their tolerance for the drug. An individual’s tolerance level for the drug can also affect their potential for overdose.
Opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and other similar substances. Due to their pharmacological effects, they can cause difficulties with breathing, and opioid overdose can maverick sober living lead to death. An opioid overdose happens when opioids negatively affect the part of your brain that regulates breathing, resulting in ineffective breathing. A person experiencing an opioid overdose needs naloxone and immediate medical care to prevent death.
Opioids have analgesic and sedative effects, and such medicines as morphine, codeine and fentanyl are commonly used for the management of pain. Opioid medicines methadone and buprenorphine are used for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. After intake, opioids can cause euphoria, which is one of the main reasons why they are taken for non-medical reasons.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Respiratory depression is a breathing condition characterized by slow, shallow, or difficult breathing. Always check the brand and strength of oxycodone you get from the pharmacy.
How can I prevent an opioid overdose?
Their regular non-medical use, prolonged use, misuse and use without medical supervision can lead to opioid dependence and other health problems. Opioid dependence is a disorder of regulation of opioid use arising from repeated or continuous use of opioids. If you or someone you know uses opioids, it’s important to carry naloxone in case of an overdose.
More about oxycodone
Oxycodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. This is more likely in elderly or ill patients but can occur in anyone taking this medicine. This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. In most states, Naloxone, the antidote for opiate overdose, is available from the pharmacy without a prescription. Recovery treatments will involve learning how to resist the urge to use the medication.
While these drugs are used to treat pain, many people get them from family or friends and misuse them for the euphoric effects. A person who has never used oxycodone before but is overweight may be able to tolerate a higher dose than a person who weighs less and has used the drug. For that reason, we cannot provide a definitive dose on what could be fatal. Many other factors can contribute to the possibility that a person will overdose on an opiate drug like oxycodone. Due to their generally larger body size, males are less likely to overdose on the same amount of oxycodone than females.
A person may accidentally take too much of the medicine because they are not getting pain relief from their normal doses. There are several reasons why a person may intentionally take too much of this medicine. It may be done to try to hurt oneself or to get high or intoxicated.
What should I avoid while using oxycodone?
Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. celebrities with fetal alcohol syndrome Ask a doctor before using oxycodone if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor right away if you notice increased sleepiness (more than usual), breathing difficulties, or limpness in your baby.
Overdoses can happen to people during their first time using opioids, to people who’ve taken them multiple times or to people who have opioid use disorder. An opioid overdose can happen when a person takes too much of an opioid or a combination of opioids and other substances, such as alcohol, sedatives or stimulants. “Too much” varies from person to person depending on their opioid tolerance and the potency (strength) of the opioid they’re using.
Call us to learn more about starting your journey toward sobriety. Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Opioid overdose can occur due to a person taking too high a dose, mixing opioids with other substances, or taking opioids that a doctor prescribed for someone else. An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention as it can be fatal. Anyone experiencing or witnessing an overdose should call 911 immediately. When a person is first prescribed the medication, they are “opiate naive,” meaning their tolerance doesn’t exist. In the event of an opioid use disorder (OUD), a tolerance develops and is considered in the high range. The risk of overdose is increased when you stop using the medication because our bodies recalibrate.