How to Use OxyContin for Pain Management

Classed as a narcotic analgesic, OxyContin is a potent pain reliever used in the management of a wide variety of conditions. This drug is one of the "big guns" turned to time and again for its ability to resolve moderate to serious pain. Read on to learn how to use OxyContin for pain management.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Give your doctor a full rundown of your medical history before you begin to use OxyContin for pain management. Special care has to be exercised if you have conditions like Addison's disease, a head injury or asthma.
2. Wash down each dose of OxyContin with a tall glass of water. Unless you have a sensitive stomach, this is the best way to take the drug.
3. Know how to ingest OxyContin in the event of stomach upset. In cases like this, the drug should be buffered with milk or food.
4. Follow your prescription to the letter. Remember, OxyContin is a potent drug, and taking more than the recommended dosage could result in severe side effects or fatality.
5. Keep a close eye on your intake of OxyContin, since the drug is known to be habit-forming. This is especially true if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
6. Use a gradual approach when ending your treatment with OxyContin. If you choose to stop using the drug all at once, you could suffer discomfiting withdrawal symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the minor side effects of OxyContin. These include decreased sex drive, sweating, itching, constipation and muscle twitches.
• OxyContin is a controlled-release medication, designed to be experienced in a way that allows for gradual absorption into your system. Do not compromise this by crushing, chewing or breaking your OxyContin capsule. The capsule should be ingested whole to avoid a situation in which potentially fatal doses of the drug are released into your bloodstream.
• Be very careful if you have chosen to take OxyContin while driving, operating machinery or engaging in any other potentially hazardous activity. OxyContin may trigger the sort of drowsiness and dizziness that could compromise your ability to perform these activities in a safe manner.
• Don't mix OxyContin with alcohol, since alcohol can dangerously increase the levels of drowsiness you are likely to experience when taking this powerful drug.
• OxyContin is best avoided by pregnant and nursing women, since it can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in newborns and nursing infants.
• Exercise caution when combining OxyContin with other medications. It has been known to dangerously amplify the effects of other pain relievers and drugs, such as antidepressants, anxiety medicines and muscle relaxants.
• Stop taking OxyContin immediately if you experience major side effects like seizures, unconsciousness and hives.