OxyContin is the time release version of oxycodone and is highly potent. Used to treat around-the-clock serious pain, OxyContin has become a powerful drug of abuse and can easily lead to overdose or death in this case. Taken at therapeutic, prescribed levels, OxyContin can be an extremely effective medication to treat severe pain for those suffering cancer and other serious ailments. In the wrong hands, OxyContin is deadly and has caused quite an epidemic in this country. An overdose happens when a person ingests more of a drug than what the body can handle. Most of the time it’s accidental, but it can be intentional. OxyContin overdose can happen in patients who are legitimately prescribed the drug but happens more often among recreational users or those who had a prescription and became addicted. When used regularly, even for a short time, OxyContin can cause patients to develop a tolerance, meaning the regular dose no longer produces the intended effects. Increasing the dosage can be extremely dangerous, even fatal.
How OxyContin Overdose Happens and Signs to Watch For
Altering or tampering with a dose of OxyContin can quickly lead to overdose or death. This includes crushing, chewing or otherwise breaking the pill to feel effects quicker. This causes the rapid release of a potentially lethal amount of the drug to flood the system. Taking OxyContin with other substances can also cause an overdose or death. This can include alcohol, other narcotic drugs, other prescription medication and illicit substances. OxyContin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Other medications that have this effect will magnify medical complications when combined.
Symptoms of an OxyContin overdose can vary among users. They include slowed or difficult breathing, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, weak or limp muscles, extreme fatigue that can progress to coma, cardiac arrest and death. Emergency medical attention should be sought immediately at the onset of any of these symptoms. Medical treatment could include pumping the stomach, inducing vomiting or giving activated charcoal so the body doesn’t absorb the OxyContin . Medications may also be given to counteract the effects of the drug.
Safe, Humane Treatment for OxyContin Addiction
Taking too much OxyContin or misusing it in other ways can lead to addiction and overdose. The Waismann Method of rapid detox successfully and safely treats OxyContin addiction. Our humane rapid detox rids patients of opiate addiction in a matter of days, compared to weeks or months with other detox and rehab facilities. It’s performed in an accredited hospital and takes less than two hours using medicine to cleanse patients’ opiate receptors. This occurs while they are under deep sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists. The withdrawal phase is accelerated and happens while patients are sedated. They awake opiate-free without awareness of withdrawal symptoms that occurred. We also offer renowned transitional care in our Domus Retreat aftercare facility. Our serene, holistic approach to recovery includes services such as massage, biofeedback therapy and counseling.
