Oxycontin
Oxycontin-A Wonder Drug?
In 1995, the FDA approved a miracle drug, which would aid in a person's ability to cope with the severe pain associated with cancer. Purdue Pharma L.P. of Stamford, Connecticut, introduced the wonder drug that would eventually be the demise of many. Oxycotin would, for several, lead to addiction, criminal behaviors, and, for some, their lives. The intent of releasing the drug was solely to treat patients suffering from chronic pain. Since the release of the drug, doctors are now prescribing the medicine for moderate pain as well. Patients have become extremely addicted and have gone to extreme lengths to obtain the "poor man's heroin," which may include criminal activities. Recovering addicts endure an extreme withdrawal process, therefore, treatments may include extreme medications such as methadone, yet recurrence is frequent amongst abusers. The lucky ones who have survived kicking the habits created by the wonder drug, and the victims' families of those who have not, are collaborating to change the laws and regulations on such addictive pain relieving medications.
"Oxycontin is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or long-lasting pain. The medication's active ingredient is Oxycodone HCl, which is also found in drugs like Percodan and Tylox." (U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources) The main ingredients of oxycontin have similar addiction factors that are equivalent to morphine. Opioid substances "act by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these drugs attach to certain opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, they can effectively block the transmission of pain messages to the brain." (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Oxycontin ranges in prescription strengths, between ten mg to one hundred and sixty mg, in a single twelve-hour time released tablet, as compared to Tylox that contains only five
In 1995, the FDA approved a miracle drug, which would aid in a person's ability to cope with the severe pain associated with cancer. Purdue Pharma L.P. of Stamford, Connecticut, introduced the wonder drug that would eventually be the demise of many. Oxycotin would, for several, lead to addiction, criminal behaviors, and, for some, their lives. The intent of releasing the drug was solely to treat patients suffering from chronic pain. Since the release of the drug, doctors are now prescribing the medicine for moderate pain as well. Patients have become extremely addicted and have gone to extreme lengths to obtain the "poor man's heroin," which may include criminal activities. Recovering addicts endure an extreme withdrawal process, therefore, treatments may include extreme medications such as methadone, yet recurrence is frequent amongst abusers. The lucky ones who have survived kicking the habits created by the wonder drug, and the victims' families of those who have not, are collaborating to change the laws and regulations on such addictive pain relieving medications.
"Oxycontin is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or long-lasting pain. The medication's active ingredient is Oxycodone HCl, which is also found in drugs like Percodan and Tylox." (U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources) The main ingredients of oxycontin have similar addiction factors that are equivalent to morphine. Opioid substances "act by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these drugs attach to certain opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, they can effectively block the transmission of pain messages to the brain." (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Oxycontin ranges in prescription strengths, between ten mg to one hundred and sixty mg, in a single twelve-hour time released tablet, as compared to Tylox that contains only five
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