Oxycontin Dosage

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is a tablet form of a combination of rapid release and slow release oxycodone. Oxycodone is a member of the opioid family and it is used for treatment of moderate to severe pain. Oxycontin is available in 10 mg, 20 mg 40 mg and 80 mg tablets, and oxycodone dosage is usually twice daily, although some patients find a need for three times daily Oxycontin dosage.   Oxycontin has a reputation for being especially prone to addiction and abuse in part due to its fairly high percentage of immediate release oxycodone, and some physicians try not to prescribe oxycodone for non-terminal patients with chronic pain.  Oxycontin is so popular as a recreational drug and addiction is such a problem that it has very black market street value, and has many nick-names including Hillbilly Heroin.

Oxycodone immediate release is often prescribed in combination with acetaminophen and common brand names include Percocet and Roxicet.  In general oxycodone is considered a somewhat more potent analgesic than codeine or hydrocodone, and is felt by some to have more euphoric effects thatn many other opioids.  Oxycontin dosage varies with individual, but Oxycontin dosage needs to be started low in opioid naïve patients.  Over dosage is common with prescription opioids, especially when the drugs are used for recreational purposes. Oxycontin is diverted for illicit use commonly, and it is often pulverized and smoked, injected, and inhaled nasally.   In all of these uses the intended delayed GI absorption is circumvented and over dosage is a major risk. ­

Oxycontin and most opioid analgesic commonly cause constipation; laxatives may be used to relieve the problem. Other Oxycontin side effects include memory loss, fatigue, dependency, and cognitive dysfunction. Like all opioids tolerance to the pain relief effect can occur and Oxycontin dosage creep over time can become a problem. ­­­­  If you have a lot of experience taking Oxycontin, you might want to leave a comment about the dosage here.