About OxyContin | Oxycodone
OxyContin's active ingredient is oxycodone, a narcotic (opiate)
pain medication (analgesic). Oxycodone acts on the central
nervous system and smooth muscle tissue, slowing the central
nervous system. OxyContin is only available by prescription
under the close supervision of a physician.
OxyContin has few side effects when taken as recommended by your
doctor, but some cautions should be observed. Interactions
may occur with certain medications that could alter or increase
the effect of either OxyContin, or the other medication. While OxyContin
is a highly effective pain reliever, it has been associated with
an increased risk of addiction when used improperly, or for too
long. Never take OxyContin in greater doses, or for a longer period
of time, than recommended by your doctor.
OxyContin Side Effects
OxyContin side effects are usually mild, and tend to diminish over
time. As with all narcotic medications, it can impair performance.
Driving or operating heavy machinery is not advised, as OxyContin
can interfere with mental and physical abilities. Become familiar
with your reaction to OxyContin before performing potentially hazardous
tasks while taking it.
Common OxyContin side effects: are constipation, dizziness,
dry mouth, headache, itching, nausea, sedation, sweating, vomiting,
or weakness. If you feel lightheaded or nauseous, lying down may
alleviate these symptoms.
Breathing: High doses of OxyContin, or patient sensitivity,
can cause breathing irregularity or other respiratory depression.
Respiratory depression is the most serious likely side effect of
OxyContin, and may be more likely with certain combinations of medication.
Check the drug interaction list carefully, and be cautious with
any drug that slows the central nervous system or 'may cause drowsiness.'
If you have breathing difficulties, OxyContin may not be right for
you.
Head Injuries: Oxycodone's narcotic effects can cause an
increase of pressure in the cerebral and spinal fluid. If a patient
has suffered a head injury, both the pressure increase and the respiratory
suppression can be exaggerated. Oxycodone may interfere with an
accurate diagnosis or treatment of head injuries.
Acute Abdominal Conditions: OxyContin may interfere with diagnosis and treatment of acute abdominal conditions.
Dependence: Mental and physical dependence can develop if
OxyContin is used for long periods of time. Long use of oxycodone
can create a tolerance condition where the medication no longer
works at the initial dosage.
Overdose: Oxycodone overdose is characterized by slowed
breathing, extreme drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma, limp
muscles, or cold, clammy skin. Severe oxycodone overdose may result
in death due to cardiac arrest or stopped breathing. Seek emergency
medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose.
OxyContin dosage for adults is usually started at one tablet every
12 hours at a dosage of 20-60mg, and may be increased gradually
if patient develops a tolerance or is in extreme pain. Dosage rarely
exceeds 160mg per day. Severe side effects rarely occur at the prescribed
dosage of OxyContin.
Many cases of drug overdose involving prescription medications
are related to mixing drugs that accelerate each other's effects.
Never mix a powerful medication like OxyContin with another prescription
drug that you or your physician suspect may not be safe. Never mix
OxyContin with over the counter medications that have not been approved
by your doctor or pharmacist, and avoid mixing it with street drugs
of any type. Ignoring drug interaction warnings has resulted in
fatal overdose in some patients.
Cautions: OxyContin should be prescribed with caution to patients
with Addison's disease or kidney, liver, thyroid, or urogenital
tract problems. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to OxyContin, or any other medication.
OxyContin Interactions
OxyContin works by slowing the central nervous system. It should
be used with caution with other drugs that have similar effects.
Non-opioid pain medication, which includes most over the counter
pain medication, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication
is usually safe to take in combination with OxyContin. (Though over
the counter pain medications should not be mixed with each other.)
Consult your doctor regarding a combination which will be effective
for you.
OxyContin can change or increase the effects of certain drugs,
and your physician should be advised if you are taking any of the
following.
- Alcohol - Oxycodone and alcohol can accelerate central nervous
system depression. Avoid mixing the two, as this could result
in a fatal overdose.
- Antihistamines like Tavist
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents,
and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan
(lorazepam), Valium (diazepam),
Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide),
Xanax (alprazolam),
Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam),
Klonopin (clonazepam),
and others, should be used cautiously with OxyContin.
- Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive
CNS depression.
- MAO inhibitors - Oxycodone must not be mixed with MAO (monoamine
oxidase) inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil, Marplan,
or Parnate. It should not be taken for 2 weeks after you have
stopped using these medications.
- Narcotic pain medication of any other kind, like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine),
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen),
or Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and
ibuprofen) should not be mixed with OxyContin.
- Norflex (orphenadrine)
- Risk of oversedation.
- Sedatives like Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants - such as Flexeril
(cyclobenzaprine), Skelaxin
(metaxalone), Soma (carisoprodol),
or Robaxin (methocarbamol)
may increase respiratory depression when mixed with OxyContin.
- Sleep medication like Ambien
(zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon),
or over the counter sleeping pills should be used with oxycodone
only as, and if, advised by your doctor.
- Street drugs of any type must never be mixed with OxyContin
as this could result in a fatal overdose.
- Tranquilizers such as Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine),
or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may cause oversedation.
- Trexan (naltrexone) - Causes narcotic pain medication to be
ineffective.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil
(amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine),
Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan
(doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline),
Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase
the central nervous system suppressant effects from either the
antidepressant, or the oxycodone.
- Ultram (tramadol)
- Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) - Narcotic pain medication increases
blood levels of this drug, potentially making side effects more
severe.
In addition to the above medications, tell your doctor if you are
using any other major antidepressants or central nervous system
depressants in combination with OxyContin. Be cautious about taking
OxyContin with any medicine warning that it 'may cause drowsiness.'
OxyContin Dosages
OxyContin dosage for adults is usually started at one tablet every
12 hours at a dosage of 10-60mg, and may be increased gradually
if patient develops a tolerance or is in extreme pain. Dosage rarely
exceeds 160mg per day. OxyContin comes in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and
80mg tablets. Eighty milligram tablets are only recommended for
opioid tolerant patients.
Patients taking 60mg doses or less can usually stop treatment abruptly
without ill effect. If you take a higher dosage of OxyContin, your
doctor may suggest stepping down treatment gradually to avoid withdrawal
symptoms.
OxyContin Directions
If you miss a dose of OxyContin, take it as soon as you remember.
If you are within an hour or so of your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your schedule. Taking double doses of OxyContin
is not recommended, as it may lead to an overdose or dependence.
Do not crush tablets before taking, as this could release the drug
into the bloodstream too fast, possibly resulting in an overdose.
Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking
OxyContin before any kind of surgery or medical test. This medication
may interfere with certain test results. OxyContin should not be
combined with certain medications given during surgery.
Store OxyContin away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry
location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other
areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration
date.
Keep OxyContin away from children; both when storing it, and when
discarding any unused medication.
OxyContin may cause drowsiness or disorientation. Be cautious if
you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities
if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.
OxyContin and Pregnancy
OxyContin has not been well studied for effects during pregnancy. Caution is advised in prescribing OxyContin to pregnant women.
Babies born to mothers taking opiates like oxycodone can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. The oxycodone withdrawal symptoms in the baby may include: irritability, hyperactivity, tremors, faster breathing, increased stools, fever, vomiting, sneezing, and yawning. The severity of the symptoms is not always tied to how much, or how long the mother used oxycodone (or other opiate).
OxyContin and Children
OxyContin has not been well studied for effects on children.
OxyContin and Seniors
OxyContin does not seem to affect the senior population differently,
but lower starting dosages are recommended. There is a higher occurrence
among the elderly of Addison's disease or kidney, liver, thyroid,
or urogenital tract problems. OxyContin should be prescribed with
care to these patients, and the elderly may have to be watched more
carefully for respiratory depression.
OxyContin is a trademark of Purdue Pharma L.P.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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