Oxycodone vs OxyContin

A message from Amatus Health CEO Mark Gold

To Our Dedicated Amatus Team Members:

As we follow the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global community, the health and safety of our employees and clients remains our top priority.

Our company serves a population that needs us the most during this most unsettling and unprecedented time. We, as the corporate teams, hold vital functions to support and allow our front lines, our facilities, to operate and provide quality care. Because our facilities’ services are contingent on our work, our offices will remain open until mandated otherwise by governing bodies.

Just as it is our mission to care for our clients and be there in time of need, it is on that same token that we take pride in caring for the needs of our employees. To that end, please:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with fixed elbow or tissue, and throw away the tissue immediately, wash hands after as well.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Do not shake hands.

Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible.

We recognize that you may have concerns and circumstances that would make it difficult for you to work from the office. If this is the case, please reach out to your supervisor to discuss further. Depending on your role, scope of responsibilities and the reason for your absence, you may be allowed to work from home at your supervisor’s discretion. If remote work doesn’t meet the approved criteria or if working remotely is not possible, you will be asked to utilize your PTO if you do not wish to come to the office.

We have amazing teams across Amatus and its companies. This moment reminds us that we’re all connected. We’re called upon to be our best selves with patience, understanding and compassion, so that we may stay committed and persevere together in all the days and years ahead.

As we go forward, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, and know that we always value your questions and feedback.

If you have any questions, please direct them to your supervisor.

Mark Gold | Chief Executive Officer

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.

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. They prescribe OxyContin for 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.

You can develop an addiction if you take these drugs in any of the above ways. This abuse can also lead to serious health issues such as organ damage and 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:

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.