People who suffer from chronic pain or conditions like fibromyalgia commonly find that no single medicine or pain management treatment works for them. Some people will find that one medicine helps with their pain, but not to the point that it makes them feel normal.
Roxicodone and other prescription medications are often one of the first lines of defense for treating chronic pain. However, it is not uncommon for the patient to experience severe side effects from the medication, prompting them to seek other types of treatment.
Unfortunately, the search for an alternative medication can be very difficult and stressful because most drugs tend to have the same side effects. For instance, a patient may take this medication for chronic pain, but end up experiencing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Their doctor may then recommend using a different opioid medication in the hopes that it will be much less likely to cause side effects. If it turns out that they still experience the same symptoms, they may then turn to a different medication with similar side effects to Roxicodone.
What is Roxicodone and What is it Used for?
Roxicodone is a type of opioid medication and is considered a schedule II, controlled substance. It is made up of oxycodone and is used for the relief of pain, coughing, or diarrhea. While another medication comes in many forms, it must be taken by mouth only as instructed by a doctor.
Roxicodone is a pure opioid medication that is used in the treatment of pain. It is a narcotic analgesic that works by binding to the same receptors in the body that are activated by endorphins, which are naturally occurring hormones. By binding to these receptors, This medication creates a sensation of euphoria, which is what most people think about when they think about opioids.
Roxicodone is prescribed to persons suffering from a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Chronic back pain;
- Chronic pain associated with injuries;
- Persistent pain associated with cancer;
- Persistent, lingering aches and pains that keep coming back;
- Persistent, lingering aches and pains stemming from illnesses;
- Loss of appetite due to cancer or other illnesses;
- Persistent, lingering aches and pains associated with kidney disease;
- Persistent, lingering aches and pains associated with nervous system or disorders, such as multiple sclerosis;
The Dangers of this Pain-Relieving Medication
As a controlled substance, Roxicodone is not a safe drug to use recreationally. Because of its effects on the brain, it is commonly abused and used in conjunction with other drugs.
This drug is highly-addictive, meaning that a patient can easily get addicted to the medication. It is especially dangerous because it is used to treat chronic pain. Someone suffering from chronic pain is more likely to turn to non-medical sources of pain relief, such as alcohol and street drugs, in order to cope with the pain.
This kind of activity can easily lead to a dependence on Roxicodone and will make it even more difficult for the patient to recover from their pain once they stop using Roxicodone.
It would make sense that Roxicodone is prescribed under the care of a doctor, but in many cases, it is not. As an example, Roxicodone is one of the most abused medications among teenagers, as well as adults.
Opioid Receptors: How Roxicodone Binds to Them and Makes You Dependent, Even When Following the Proper Dosage Recommended by a Doctor
As you already know, opioids are used to treat chronic pain and they work by binding to opioid receptors. These receptors are located in the brain, the spinal cord, the gastrointestinal tract, and the uterus.
When opioid medications bind to receptors, it not only relieves pain, but it also creates a feeling of euphoria. By using opioids, patients are able to temporarily escape the pain that they are feeling, and as a result, they are able to function more easily.
Opioid receptors are located in different areas of the brain, which is why Roxicodone will have different effects on the body, depending on where they are located.
What are the Side Effects of This Medication?
While Roxicodone is a highly effective medication, it can also come with some significant side effects. Some of the most common side effects of this drug include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
If you are taking Roxicodone and are experiencing any of these side effects, you should talk to your doctor immediately. While some of these side effects can be managed with other medications, you should avoid taking other medications without first consulting your doctor.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience an Unusual Reaction to Roxicodone
Some side effects of Roxicodone may require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Chest pain
- New or worsening cough
- Swelling of the face, cheeks, or tongue
- New or worsening agitation or restlessness
- Decreased urination
- Sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Inability to speak
- Feeling confused
- Inability to focus
- A change in mood
If you are having trouble breathing, feel as if you are going to pass out, or have a sudden headache, sudden mood change, sudden dizziness, fainting, or any unusual reactions to Roxicodone, seek immediate medical attention.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Abusing Roxicodone?
If you have found yourself taking more of this medication than your doctor has prescribed, you may be wondering what the long-term consequences of abusing Roxicodone are. While taking Roxicodone for a legitimate medical reason can be beneficial, that changes very quickly if you take it without a prescription or at higher levels than you should.
Even if you are taking Roxicodone in small doses, abusing this drug can still have very serious consequences. You should never take Roxicodone without a prescription, even if someone has offered it to you, or you feel like you need it.
The potential long-term consequences of abusing Roxicodone include:
- Liver damage
- Respiratory depression
- Kidney damage
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty urinating
- Loss of bowel function
- Muscle spasms
- Paranoia
- Severe itching
- Hallucinations
Naturally, a dependency on Roxicodone can also lead to withdrawal, which is why it is so important to seek help from a medical professional if you have found yourself abusing this drug. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Pain
- Chills
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nervousness
- Fever
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Muscle tremors
- Different moods
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anger
- Inability to concentrate
- Rashes
- Vascular spasms
At this point, it should be clear that Roxicodone is a very dangerous medication to take, and abusing it can lead to a whole host of long-term consequences.
Because of that, you should always speak with your doctor before taking Roxicodone and do everything you can to avoid abusing Roxicodone. That being said, there are many treatment options available to help you get off of Roxicodone, so you should never feel like you have to go through withdrawal alone.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Seeking Proper Medical Aid When Taking Roxicodone
There is a lot of information out there about Roxicodone. While there are many people who use Roxicodone for the right reasons, there are also many people who abuse this drug. If you are taking Roxicodone for a legitimate reason and are experiencing withdrawal, you should seek help from a medical professional.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to Roxicodone or any other opioid, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. The sooner you receive professional help, the sooner you can begin your recovery journey.
