Opioid pain medication is a synthetic formula that mimics drugs made from the opium poppy plant. Oxycodone is one of those opioids. This drug is highly addictive. Half of the people who take opioid pain medication for a three-month period will stay on the medication for five or more years. A grim outlook for those seeking temporary relief. This article will look at how to get off Oxycodone.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a narcotic, opioid pain medication. This drug treats moderate to severe pain.
Do Not Use Oxycodone Warnings
Oxycodone has serious side effects.
- Do not use Oxycodone if you have severe asthma or breathing problems. This drug causes constriction and should not be used if a blockage is present in the stomach or intestines.
- Do not use Oxycodone if allergic to the drug or other narcotics, including narcotic cough medicine. Avoid Methadone, Morphine, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Dihydrocodeine, and others.
- Do not use Oxycodone if tolerant to other narcotics. This can be a sign of opioid addiction.
Health Risks of Oxycodone
Life-threatening breathing problems are possible with the first 72 hours of treatment with Oxycodone. A person prescribed the medication for the first time or increasing the dose should be monitored during those 72 hours. Tell the prescribing doctor of any breathing conditions such as asthma, lung disease, or other conditions that cause difficulty breathing.
Oxycodone Overdose Risk
Overdose may occur if someone accidentally or intentionally takes too much medicine containing narcotics. A person is at risk for overdose when tolerance builds to the normal dose prescribed if he self-medicates with a higher dose. Always seek doctor recommendations if the prescribed dose is no longer working to relieve pain symptoms.
- Pinpoint pupils
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach spasms
- Low blood pressure
- Weak pulse
- Coma
- Drowsiness
- Possible seizures
- Shallow or difficult breathing
- No breathing
- Bluish-colored fingernails and lips
Immediately call for emergency help at the onset of any symptoms. If available, tell 911 the person’s name, age, weight, and condition. Tell the emergency team if you know when the medication was taken, how much was taken, and any product information available.
How to Get Off Oxycodone
When a person is ready to stop taking Oxycodone, he should talk to his doctor. The doctor will evaluate the best way to stop use of the narcotic. Be cautious not to let the doctor recommend alternative drugs to help ween you off of oxycodone unless absolutely necessary. Replacing one drug for another is never a good option. Only in extreme cases is this situation needed.
When Oxycodone has been taken as prescribed it’s possible to taper off the drug. This involves lowering the dose over a period until treatment can stop without side effects.
If the dose of Oxycodone has been high due to severe pain or prescription abuse, a medical detox may be the best avenue. This can include a short stay in a treatment center for observation during the withdrawal process. The doctor may prescribe other medication to manage the withdrawal symptoms.
While a short stay in a detox center is helpful, it’s only the first step in a successful treatment plan. Those addicted to Oxycodone or any narcotic should also receive behavioral counseling. It is best to be evaluated for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression. Treatment for mental health issues will help prevent relapse.
Drug Rehab in South Florida
Successful treatment of opioid addiction includes detox, behavioral counseling, evaluation, and long-term follow up care. Treatment may also include medication. If you are searching for answers for how to get off Oxycodone call Aion Recovery at 888-811-2879. We offer evidenced-based treatment and a continuing care plan to help you stay sober once treatment is complete.
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