OxyContin in Ohio
OxyContin is a problem in Ohio and across the United States. It is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocation, fractures, neuralgia, arthritis, lower back pain, and pain associated with cancer. OxyContin contains oxycodone, the medication's active ingredient, in a timed-released tablet. Oxycodone products have been illicitly abused for the past 30 years. OxyContin produces opiate-like effects and is sometimes used as a substitute for heroin. Illicit uses of OxyContin include crushing the tablet and ingesting or snorting it. Most individuals who abuse this drug do so to gain euphoric effects, relieve pain, and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Those who take the drug repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance to the drug's effects.
OxyContin was approved by the FDA in 1995. It is an opium derivative which happens to contain the same active ingredient as Percodan and Percocet. Although this drug is intended for and effective for terminal cancer patients in Ohio and across the United States, it is also used for those who suffer from chronic pain. OxyContin has been linked to at least 120 overdose deaths nationwide. OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) tablets are an opioid analgesic supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablet strengths for oral administration. The tablet strengths describe the amount of oxycodone per tablet as the hydrochloride salt.
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