Oxycontin Research Paper

Over the past two decades, pharmaceutical companies have quietly invaded American’s homes by introducing new miracle drugs such as OxyContin into their daily lives. Purdue Pharmaceuticals introduced OxyContin saying it was a miracle cure for pain that would last twelve hours. However, “even when doctors began reporting that patients were complaining

Although opioids are legal when prescribed by a doctor or dentist, there is a chance of exemplary people with moderate to severe pain unintentionally becoming hooked on this extremely addictive drug. People who become addicted to drugs feel guilt, embarrassment, and

Unfortunately, the producers of Purdue Pharma’s Oxycontin didn’t realize how easy it was to break that outer shell, and have instant access to twelve hours worth of drugs. This realization by the public, caused a devastating and widespread increase in addition to the drug, and the transition to the drug seen as a “street” drug. Unlike many other types of medications where you can be prescribed a dosage and stay on that dosage for a long time. "Your body adapts to Oxycontin. Essentially, you require more to get the same effect, and what happens is a steady escalation in dosage. After a year or two of treatment, you are on extremely high levels of these drugs (Tunnel, 2005)". Oxycontin transitioned from a lifeline for people with chronic pain, to an addiction caused by a greedy corporation.

In the early 1990’s many doctors were hesitant in prescribing narcotics because they were seen as harmful and habit forming. Purdue Pharma the creator of OxyContin changed the ways of the drug industry. Purdue changed the mindset of many physicians and family doctors inconveniencing them that the new to the market drug was revolutionary, with promises of quick pain relief that last up to 12 hours. With marketing adds like “Remember, effective relief just takes two” Purdue Pharma convinced doctors that it was virtually impossible to become addicted (HARRIET RYAN, 2016). The rise of OxyContin started in 1996. OxyContin

The United States currently faces an unprecedented epidemic of opioid addiction. This includes painkillers, heroin, and other drugs made from the same base chemical. In the couple of years, approximately one out of twenty Americans reported misuse or abuse of prescriptions painkillers. Heroin abuse and overdoses are on the rise and are the leading cause of injury deaths, surpassing car accidents and gun shots. The current problem differs from the opioid addiction outbreaks of the past in that it is also predominant in the middle and affluent classes. Ultimately, anyone can be fighting a battle with addiction and it is important for family members and loved ones to know the signs. The cause for this epidemic is that the current spike of opioid abuse can be traced to two decades of increased prescription rates for painkillers by well-meaning physicians.

OxyContin is a controlled drug containing oxycodone, the active ingredient responsible for eliminating the pain associated with: injuries, bursitis, dislocation, fractures, neuralgia, arthritis, lower back pain, and pain associated with cancer. When taken according to the proper dosage, the oxycodone runs on a perfectly timed release in the body’s system in order to manage the pain. This narcotic, when abused, produces heroin like effects and can enable the user to develop a tolerance, forcing an increase in dosage per intake in order to achieve the desired effects. Though OxyContin is

To most people, pain is a nuisance, but to others pain controls their life. The feeling discomforts us in ways that can sometimes seem almost imaginable. These feelings can lead to many different side effects if not dealt with or diagnosed. These effects can include depression, anxiety, and incredible amount of stress. The truth about pain is that it is vital to our existence. Without the nervous system responding to pain, we would have no idea if we were touching a hot stove, being stuck by a porcupine’s needles, or something else that could leave a lasting effect upon our bodies without us even knowing anything about it.

Oxycodone is the main drug I am concentrating on even though there are many opiates or schedule II drugs that are considered Opioids. Oxycodone was first created as part of an effort to find non-addictive alternatives to morphine and heroin, which were commonly used in medicine before World War I. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, ?Pain Killer? that is most often prescribed to control moderate to severe pain that must not be used with other medications. It is a slightly synthetic opiate that was created in 1916. The chemicals found in Poppy plants also make as morphine and heroin. Opiate:?A drug (such as morphine, codeine or heroin) containing or derived from opium or the opium poppy, used to alleviate pain, or induce sleep or euphoria. Opioid:?A synthetic or semi-synthetic substance producing an opium-like effect, often prescribed for alleviation of moderate to severe pain; a prescription painkiller in the opiate class.

At this time the patient is completely addicted to the medication, since the medication does decrease the pain, it also releases the dopamine chemical in the brain the feel good chemical. During this the brain is no longer releasing the chemical dopamine; this will cause the patient to start to show signs and symptoms of withdrawal. A person who is withdrawing from Oxycontin may exhibit signs of stomach upset, aggressive behavior, flue like symptoms, agitation behavior, becoming increasing restless. Now that the patient cannot receive medication from the doctor the next step to receive the fix is to buy the drug off the street. If the person is able to find the drug on the street, the person will usually spend up to eighty dollars for one pill of Oxycontin 80mg. some of the ways that the person can ingest the medication for a faster effect is to crush and snort the pill, dissolve the drug and inject the drug straight into the vein. When injected in to a vein, or snorted the person, will get the full effect of the drug at one time this is called a bolus. In case the person is unable to acquire the medication, the next step would be heroin to ward off the withdraw pain. Since heroin and Oxycontin are chemically the same, the person may feel the same effects but at a cheaper price on the

OxyContin also known by its generic name Oxycodone is an opioid drug that relieves moderate short-term to severe long-term pain (1). It is generally used in palliative care for terminally ill patients in the hospital (3). The problem with OxyContin is there are many possible side effects such as dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, mild itching and loss of appetite, like any drug but addiction is never mentioned (1). There is a lot of controversy when it comes to OxyContin as it not only helps patients in the hospital but also helps someones high. OxyContin is continuously being abused, increasing the total amount of death rates as users continue to look for a rush. OxyContin allows that rush when it is chewed or crushed

In a state like Kentucky where a large portion of the popular are hard working blue collar workers, on the job injuries are bound to occur. Often times, opiate-based prescription drugs like Oxycontin are prescribe to combat issues with pain. For a short period of time, that's an effective treatment method. However, extended use of these kinds of painkillers can quickly lead to an addiction.

It is effective in treating most types of severe pain, including back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia pain, osteoarthritis, mental relaxation and can also create an euphoric sensation. To treat extreme pain, oxycontin is utilized with severe pain like fractures, injuries and cancer. Oxycontin has social advantages as an individual with chronic headache can get immediate relief by using oxycontin for better quality of social life.

For the past twenty years, the United States has been faced with an extremely high substance abuse problem which OxyContin has directly

There are three types of prescribed abused drugs: opioids, depressants, and stimulants. The most powerful is opioids. Opioids are used to block out pain. Some of these include opanas, oxycontin, and roxicodone, and 5.1 million Americans abuse them regularly (Drugabuse.gov). Some of those pills can cost any where from five dollars a pill all the way up to ninety dollars a pill (Drugs a-z) and could even cost more than that depending on where you live. Some of the street names can be roxy, o.p.s, oxy, and captain coden(Drug abuse.gov). ´“At the age of 20, I became an addict to a narcotic,which began with a prescription following a surgery.¨´-James. People normally become addicted to painkillers because of doctor giving them prescriptions after a major surgery.

Oxycodone, often sold as OxyContin, is an opiate drug that come is an opioid that comes from the poppy plant. Sometimes, Oxycodone will be combined with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to increase the effective and potency of the drug. In all of its forms, Oxycodone changes the way the central nervous system responds to pain by creating a euphoric and sedative effect. This time-released painkiller meant for patients who need of moderate to severe pain relief after surgery or a major