OxyContin™
It's a powerful pain reliever that is legally available only with a doctor's prescription. It has the same properties as heroin since they are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. OxyContin™ is a product containing oxycodone. Other pharmaceutical products containing oxycodone include Percodan™ (with aspirin) and Percoset™ (with acetaminophen). All of these require a prescription.
Many people, including teens, believe that pills are safer than "street drugs" such as heroin or cocaine. Prescription drugs are safe only when used under a doctor's care and according to directions on the label. When prescription drugs, including OxyContin™, are used improperly and illegally they are every bit as dangerous as illegal drugs.
Possessing or selling OxyContin™ without a prescription is illegal and punishable under the law.
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OxyContin™ abuse is not limited to one part of the country—kids in Massachusetts are also speaking out about what's happening to them.
Listen to these radio public service announcements—and hear about the toll Oxy takes on everyone.
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OxyContin™ is an opioid. Side effects of OxyContin™ are similar to heroin:
- Drowsiness, constipation, depressed breathing
- Taking a large single dose can cause breathing to shut down, or even death
Symptoms of withdrawl include:
- restlessness
- muscle and bone pain
- insomnia
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey")
Opiods should not be used with substances such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. Since these substances slow breathing, their combined effects could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence—the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. This can also include tolerance, which means that higher doses of a medication must be taken to obtain the same initial effects.
Ryan thought he could handle OxyContin™—but it became his life.
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Hundreds of deaths have been caused by the misuse of OxyContin™. Many of these deaths include teenagers who got hooked and couldn't get off the drug. Read more stories about kids and OxyContin™.
How much do you know about OxyContin™? Test your knowledge here.
Learn more about OxyContin™ and what DEA is doing to control the illegal OxyContin™ trade.
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Teens involved with the Appalachian Media Institute in Whitesburg, Kentucky produced a video about the impact that OxyContin™ has had on lives in their community. It's a devasting drug when not used under a doctor's supervision for pain relief.
Click here to go to the Appalachian Media Institute web site, where you’ll find a link to the video "Because of OxyContin™".
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