OxyContin Overdose

OxyContin is a narcotic drug that contains oxycodone in an extended-release tablet and is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Taken as prescribed, OxyContin is highly addictive; abuse the drug by crushing the tablet to ingest it orally, intra-nasally or by injection and the rapid absorption into the bloodstream can lead to overdose. Despite its beneficial pain-relieving effects, OxyContin addiction and OxyContin overdose are deadly.

If you are addicted to OxyContin, whether or not you are legally prescribed the drug, Meditox would like to help you break that addiction and avoid a potentially fatal overdose. Meditox provides a proven and confidential OxyContin addiction treatment plan for individuals who would like to prevent the possibility of an overdose with an efficient, medical detox using Suboxone.

What are the Signs of an OxyContin Overdose?

Because an OxyContin overdose is life threatening, it is extremely important that you recognize it at the onset for what it is. The following list includes indications of an overdose of OxyContin:

Slow breathing (respiratory depression)
Seizures
Dizziness
Weakness
Loss of consciousness
Coma
Confusion
Tiredness
Cold and clammy skin
Small pupils
Reduced vision
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of mental function
Drop in blood pressure

Especially if you are alone and you begin to experience these symptoms, don't wait: call 911 emergency medical services immediately.

What Do I Do in the Event of an OxyContin Overdose?

If someone you are with has been taking OxyContin and shows signs of an overdose, call 911 as soon as possible. When your call is answered, stay calm and be prepared to furnish the following information if you can:

The name, age and weight of the person
How the victim appears to you and symptoms they are exhibiting
The strength and the amount of OxyContin that was taken
When and how it was ingested
If the OxyContin was prescribed for the victim

In the event that you suspect an OxyContin overdose but are not convinced it is an emergency, contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You should be ready to supply the operator the same information as you would a 911 agent. Poison Control is available 24 hours a day, 7days a week and is completely confidential.

How is an OxyContin Overdose Treated?

Most deaths occur during an OxyContin overdose because the patient stops breathing. When treating an OxyContin overdose, the main objective will be to open airways to allow the patient to breathe either on their own or with assistance. A medication such as naloxone is commonly administered to prevent respiratory depression. To prevent and manage circulatory shock and pulmonary edema resulting from an OxyContin overdose, it may be necessary to provide oxygen and vasopressors. If cardiac arrest or arrhythmias become apparent, cardiac massage or defibrillation will be required.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to OxyContin and therefore subject to an OxyContin overdose, call Meditox so we can help break the addiction and abuse of the drug that can quickly turn fatal.

How Do I Avoid an OxyContin Overdose?

To avoid an OxyContin overdose, do not drink alcohol or take any medications that include alcohol as an ingredient. The combination of alcohol and OxyContin creates a number of dangerous side effects. Also, never crush the OxyContin tablets and ingest the powder. Doing so may overwhelm the system with substantial quantities of oxycodone and the end result may be terminal.

Avoid an OxyContin Overdose Through OxyContin Addiction Treatment at Meditox

At Meditox, we offer a unique outpatient OxyContin addiction treatment plan that revolves around the exclusive medications, Suboxone and Subutex. These prescription drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OxyContin addiction in adults. Suboxone and Subutex take the place of OxyContin and have been proven to help abusers stop taking and misusing the drug. Our doctors at Meditox are qualified to get you started on your OxyContin treatment during your very first appointment. In fact, this single appointment is the only time commitment required by Meditox. Once you return home, you need only contact us if you need assistance in any way, a service we provide gladly and free of charge, any time of the day or night.

Call Meditox today to get the drug-free life you deserve, confidentially.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

MedicineNet.com: OxyContin Overdose
RxList.com: OxyContin Overdose

All Detox Programs

“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

More Success Stories