Pharmaceutical companies make a lot of painkillers. Two examples of these are oxycodone and OxyContin. Although these drugs have very similar chemical structures, they aren’t exactly the same. There are several differences between oxycodone vs. OxyContin.
If you are suffering from an addiction to opioids such as oxycodone or OxyContin, then it’s time to seek treatment at an opioid addiction detox center. At Serenity House Detox Houston, we’re committed to helping our clients overcome their opioid addictions using a range of holistic treatment options. To learn more about the services available, please contact Serenity House Detox Houston today by calling 866.516.8356 or using our convenient online form.
Oxycodone vs. OxyContin
First of all, OxyContin is the brand name for a prescription pain pill. It contains an extended-release form of oxycodone, which is otherwise an immediate-release drug. Oxycodone is the generic name for Roxicodone and Oxaydo, and the drug comes in capsules, tablets, and solutions. However, there’s no generic version of OxyContin.
Since these are simply different versions of the same drug, they both belong to the opioid class of drugs. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This action prevents your body from transmitting pain signals so that you don’t feel pain.
Generic oxycodone is used for treating moderate to severe pain. For instance, doctors often administer and prescribe it for recent injuries and after surgeries. They tend to reserve OxyContin for long-lasting pain relief for cancers and other chronic diseases. When patients experience severe pain, doctors might use both drugs to relieve their suffering.
However, doctors don’t usually prescribe oxycodone for more than three days because of its potency. In general, they direct patients to take it every four to six hours. A prescription for Oxycontin often requires the patient to take the medication every 12 hours.
Potential Side Effects
Despite the above differences between oxycodone vs. OxyContin, they tend to cause the same side effects. Some of the most common are constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and nausea. Changes in behavior or mood might also occur. Some people experience insomnia, itchiness, vomiting, and weakness too.
It’s far less common for people to have a severe reaction to oxycodone or OxyContin. Allergic reactions might involve hives, rashes, or swelling of the face, tongue, or lips. Breathing problems, confusion, and trouble urinating are other severe but rare side effects. If you suffer from any of these, seek immediate medical attention.
Dangers of Taking Oxycodone or OxyContin
Oxycodone and OxyContin are great for treating pain, but they’re addictive like other opioids, such as heroin. It’s possible to crush, cut or open oxycodone capsules or tablets to smoke, snort or inject the drug. Although these practices aren’t possible with OxyContin, abusing the drug is possible by taking high doses. The result is a temporary euphoric high. Symptoms of an addiction to opioids may include:
- Developing a tolerance for the medication, meaning that you need more of it to get the same effect
- Having cravings for the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take the drug
- Developing mental health symptoms due to substance use
- Attempting to stop using the drug and not being able to do so
If you’re struggling with an addiction to oxycodone or Oxycontin, it’s vital to seek treatment. This addiction can also lead to serious health issues such as organ damage. It can also lead to an overdose, which puts the user in danger of coma or death.
Learn More in Our Opioid Detox Program
Do you struggle with substance abuse and want to recover? Serenity House Detox in Houston can provide an OxyContin or oxycodone detox program. Our treatment center uses a range of services to give you the care you need, including:
- Medical detox program
- Women’s detox program
- Men’s detox program
- Addiction therapy services
- Meditation therapy program
- Relapse prevention skills
Don’t let your substance abuse problem end your life. Get help at Serenity House Detox and learn more about oxycodone vs. OxyContin. Call 866.516.8356 to take the first step toward recovery.
