OxyContin essays

OxyContin essays OxyContin has recently skyrocketed to being one of the most popular drugs ever. Why is it that this particular drug has sparked so much interest in so many people? What exactly is this substance, OxyContin, and why has it turned into the latest media craze? OxyContin is indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock pain-killer is needed for an extended period of time.1 Oxycodone, the main ingredient in OxyContin is an opioid agonist, which means it targets certain parts of the brain, called opiate receptors, which causes the effects of the drug.1 It is also a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse potential similar to that of morphine, a similar narcotic painkiller.2 OxyContin tablets are supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160mg of time-released Oxycodone.3 Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine.1 Oxycodone principal therapeutic action is analgesia, or pain removal.3 Other effects include anxiolysis, or reduction of anxiety, euphoria, or intense happiness, feelings of relaxation, respiratory depression, constipation, miosis, and cough suppression, as well as analgesia.1 The most frequent side-effects of OxyContin include constipation, nausea, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting, pruritus, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and asthenia.1 Drug interactions include enhancement of the action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Oxycodone is metabolized via a specific enzyme in the liver, and other drugs that use this same enzyme interact with Oxycodone. While this enzyme in used by Oxycodone, a variety of drugs such as certain cardiovascular drugs including amiodarone and quinidine as well as polycyclic antidepressants.2 However, OxyContin is not the only drug on the market that contains Oxycodone, so why is it that OxyContin is criticized than any of the others? The ...