Under prescribed dosage, OxyContin is an effective pain reliever, but when crushed and snorted or injected, the drug produces a quick and powerful "high" that some abusers compare to the feeling they get when doing heroin. The NIDA reports that in some areas of the country, OxyContin abuse rates are actually higher than heroin abuse.
Because OxyContin, like heroin and other opioids, is a central nervous system depressant, and overdose can cause respiratory failure and death. Some symptoms of OxyContin overdose include:
* Slow breathing (respiratory depression)
* Seizures
* Dizziness
* Weakness
* Loss of consciousness
* Coma
* Confusion
* Tiredness
* Cold and clammy skin
* Small pupils
* Reduced vision
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Clouding of mental functions
Drug Rehab