Oxycodone Has No Commercial

What is the most abused type of drug in our country today? Believe it or not, prescription drugs are the winners At the head of these cabinet drugs is Oxycodone (Oxycontin) or “Ox cotton,” an opioid derived drug Known for its similarities to the effects of heroin and morphine Believed by users to be stronger than heroin, proved to have 1.5-2xs the potency of morphine

How is this possible? Unlike most drugs associated with the US’ drug problems, oxycodone is technically legal Used primarily for medical purposes after release from hospital care for a procedure for pain Unlike morphine and heroin, oxycodone can be administered orally through tablet form or crushed and snorted for strong effects

This is your brain on oxycodone…. Mimics the effects of natural endorphins in the brain Binds to receptors that seek pleasure-enhancing and painkilling neurotransmitters, sends message to them Once received, the user feels no pain although the condition does not change, the user relaxes and the pain is gone

Crime and Addiction Many will create fake prescriptions or steal doctors notes to access the drug Leading cause in pharmacy robbery in the US today One of the cheapest drugs to purchase illegally

Side Effects of Abuse As shown in the picture before, many side effects exist for oxycodone. Range from all different parts of the body, affects everything

Short Term constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, mood changes, flushing, loss of appetite, and weakness are all effects Most notable effect: respiratory depression (slowed breathing) which can cause difficulty breathing and death

Long Term Can easily lead to addiction, tolerence, and dependence Can cause skin rashes and hives to break out, long term redness of the eyes, and facial swelling Attitude may become more reckless and irritable

Who is Affected? Addiction affects everyone around the addict; oxycodone addiction is no different Very difficult to combat oxycodone withdrawal, high relapse rate Expensive rehabilitation treatment involved

Withdrawal Symptoms include: sweating, chills, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, watery eyes, muscle pain, dilated pupils, runny nose, yawning irritability anxiety, backaches, joint pain, weakness, high blood pressure, fast breathing, and/or a rapid heart rate Does not involve life threatening symptoms although very unpleasant Can occur after use has ended whether abusing the drug or even using it responsibly for medical reasons