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.
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:
- Medical detox program
- Womens detox program
- Mens 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.
