OxyContin shares its side effects with the whole family of opioids, these will range from a dry mouth, headaches, sweating, itching and constipation right up to dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
In cases where there has been an overdose of Oxycodone the most noticeable symptoms are slow breathing with a possible loss of consciousness, the skin will be clammy and cold and the pupils will become dilated, (the black centres of the eyes become tiny). There can also be extreme tiredness or confusion or possibly seizures. Emergency medical help should be called immediately.
When an addict doesn't have access to Oxycodone the withdrawal symptoms may include a general restlessness with involuntary twitching, pains in the muscles and bones, vomiting, diarrhoea and an intense feeling of coldness that may even bring on goose flesh.
Oxycodone abuse is not spread like the other illegal drugs, where shipments come in from abroad and are distributed to dealers who then sell them on which means that the police and other enforcement agencies do not have many tangible targets. It spreads by word of mouth so that it suddenly starts in a town or community and grows from there. As it is a legal drug, it may be obtained by somebody going to his or hers doctor complaining of severe back pain.
Vigilance is the keyword, doctors and nurses should be aware of an increase of young people complaining of severe pains and seeking medication. Those who are legitimately being prescribed OxyCodone should keep a close control of their pills and prescriptions.
© Ian Richards April 2006
