Oxycontin (Oxycodone) was first approved by the FDA in 1995 as a prescribed drug to relieve moderate to severe pain over an extended period of time.  It is to be taken twice a day over a 24 hour period.  Because it is time released, it should be swallowed whole.  If it is chewed, crushed or broken, the body could overdose as it would be absorbed into the body too fast.  The drug should be discontinued after the injury is healed.  However, a growing problem with Oxycontin is that it can be addictive.  Patients have developed a tolerance for the drug, needing to increase the dosage to get the same affect without the advice of a doctor.  The active ingredient is an opioid and affects the body and mind with a euphoric feeling.  It has been compared to the same feeling as heroin.  It blocks pain messages to the brain and central nervous system.  Some side effects are slow breathing, drowsiness, and constipation.  Withdrawal symptoms can be severe.  They include flu-like symptoms with fever, nausea, headaches, and cold flashes.  There are signs to look for if addiction is suspected.  Some of the signs include mood swings, loss of interest in food, isolation from friends and family, slurred speech and several visits to the doctor seeking additional prescriptions.  Oxycontin is manufactured by Perdue Pharma L.P. and can be beneficial for patients with severe chronic pain like cancer.  Doctors and patients should be well educated to be fully informed of its side effects.

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