OxyContin Abuse

[Guest guest]

Just saw a piece on CNN about the use of OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride)

by druggies. This drug is used for pain relief in cancer patients and

selected others and is a very good drug when used as prescribed; however,

there seems to have developed a black market for it in certain areas.

Seems the time release tab is crushed and taken all at once, producing

heroin-like effects. There have been a number of deaths recorded,

principally in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. It should respond to

naloxone, and the principal problems are with respiratory depression as with

other opioids.

Does anyone know of a case in Texas or the Southwest?

gene

E. Gandy, JD, LP

EMS Professions Program

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, TX

[Guest guest]

Gene,

Don't know of any cases here, but I do know that it is widely uses here in

Central Texas, Austin area. Almost all pt's I see with any type of pain

problem is on Oxycontin. I can definetly see how easily it could be abuse,

seems to be readily prescribed by the docs.

OxyContin Abuse

> Just saw a piece on CNN about the use of OxyContin (oxycodone

hydrochloride)

> by druggies. This drug is used for pain relief in cancer patients and

> selected others and is a very good drug when used as prescribed; however,

> there seems to have developed a black market for it in certain areas.

>

> Seems the time release tab is crushed and taken all at once, producing

> heroin-like effects. There have been a number of deaths recorded,

> principally in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. It should respond to

> naloxone, and the principal problems are with respiratory depression as

with

> other opioids.

>

> Does anyone know of a case in Texas or the Southwest?

>

> gene

> E. Gandy, JD, LP

> EMS Professions Program

> Tyler Junior College

> Tyler, TX

>

>

>