Oxycontin, a medicine prescribed for pain (ranging from moderate to severe), is a narcotic and often over consumed to the point of addiction. If you know the symptoms of oxycontin addiction, and the health hazards associated with oxycontin, this can help you gain awareness of the medicine, whilst also preventing your family from regularly using it.
Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction
The symptoms of oxycontin abuse and addiction depend on the duration and the level of addiction. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Change in the size of pupils
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
- Lack of co-ordination
- Improper diet
- Mood swings
- Lack of interest in self
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Strained relationships
How Oxycontin Abuse Can Affect You
While it is considered effective for pain management, it does not treat the condition that causes pain. Rather, it mimics the functions of anesthesia and prevents you from experiencing the feeling of pain. Thus it contributes only to aggravation of the underlying disease.
Oxycontin abuse not only affects your physical and mental well being, but also affects your social life.
Breathing Disorders
Breathing problem is a common side effect of oxycontin addiction. The rate of breath slows down approximately twelve to twenty times per minute, which signals danger. Reduced breathing levels can permanently affect the brain. Overuse of oxycontin for a prolonged period can lead to fatal respiratory condition.
Heart Disease
Prolonged use of oxycontin can cause heart conditions. It damages the heart tissues and heart cells. Studies show that the risk of heart attack is higher in those addicted to oxycontin, compared to those who take NSAIDs.
Liver Conditions
Oxycontin addiction causes elevations in liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzyme is an indication of an underlying liver condition such as inflammation or damage of liver cells. When liver cells are inflamed, they release higher levels of liver enzymes, along with other chemicals.
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Overuse of oxycontin during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition, if left untreated. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome refers to a particular group of problems a newborn suffers owing to the addiction of the pregnant mother. Since the infant is exposed to its addictive properties in the mother’s womb, not getting such medicines after birth causes withdrawal symptoms. Oxycontin presents the risk of such condition in newborns if the pregnant mother is addicted to it.
Higher Risk of Fracture
Oxycontin addiction increases the risk of fracture in those with arthritic conditions. It affects the production of hormones including testosterone. Low production of testosterone weakens the bones. Oxycontin also negatively influences bone production. It affects the function of osteoblasts, the cells behind bone production.
Other Side Effects of Oxycontin Addiction
The list of side effects of oxycontin abuse is long. Oxycontin can cause addiction, even if you follow the prescribed dosage levels. Here are some other common side effects:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Skin conditions including rash and itching
- Tightness in the chest
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle spasms
- Menstrual disorder
- Reduced frequency of urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Impotence
- Hiccups
- Edema
- Lack of interest in sex
- Spinning sensation
- Euphoria
- Depression
- Amnesia
- Coma
- Death
The side effects of oxycontin are so dangerous that the medicine can lead to death. If you are prescribed this medicine by your physician, it would be wise to ask for a replacement as there are other effective medicines that work similarly to oxycontin without its long list of side effects. If you are addicted to oxycontin, it is essential that it be treated immediately to escape the ill effects of oxycontin.
Sources
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/13/oxycontin.heart.risk.health/index.html
https://www.theholisticsanctuary.com/oxycontin-addiction/
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007313.htm
