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