Joint Pain Medications - OxyContin and Side Effects

Oxycontin (oxycodone hydrochloride) is a pain reliver that is prescribed in 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and for opioid tolerant patients, 60 mg, 80 mg 160 mg doses. Many, perhaps too many, people routinely take this drug - how many do you know?

OxyContin is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance used for the management of moderate to severe pain, such as joint pain – knee pain-arthritis type symptoms and pain, when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.

A single dose greater than 40 mg, or total daily doses greater than 80 mg, may cause fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients who are not tolerant to the respiratory depressant effects of opioids.

Side effects can depend upon a lot of factors including dosage, opioid tolerance of the consumer, and other factors specific to the health of the consumer. The more frequent side effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, vomiting, and somnolence.

Severe reactions which may be associated with OxyContin includes respiratory depression (especially in larger doses), respiratory arrest, circulatory depression, hypotension, and shock.

Lesser common severe reactions include: Blood and lymphatic system disorders; Cardiac disorders; Ear disorders (tinnitus); Endocrine disorders; Abnormal vision; Gastrointestinal disorders; increased appetite; chest pain; facial edema; Infections; Dehydration; Neck and Back Pain; Hypertension; Speech disorder; Tremor and Vertigo; Agitation and Depression; Urinary retention or impairment; Decreased libido and impotence; Respiratory distress; and Skin problems.

I don’t know,… OxyContin just may be a miracle drug for some in relieving joint pain. I will never use it, if my Nutritional supplements start not working then maybe surgery, but to take prescription pain relievers every day,…well, it’s not just in me to take that risk just to treat the symptoms.