Posts Tagged ‘Codeine’

Limiting the Abuse of Oxycontin

Sunday, May 10th, 2009
Chris Hope asked:


has been used as a powerful painkiller for about the last 13 years. It is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The generic form of this drug is known as oxycodone, and Oxycontin is just a controlled release form of the medication, allowing for longer lasting effects. In clinical circles, oxycontin is administered as a pain relief agent for trauma to the body. It is used in cases of severe illnesses, fractures, and surgery recovery. Primarily it is only to be used in short term instances from a few days to a few weeks at the most, expected in cases of terminal illness.

Abusive Nature

Due to its addictive nature, Oxycontin is widely known for its abuse by thousands and thousands of people across the world. Addicts are attracted by its mood altering effects and euphoria-induced states. This has led to a significant increase in the illegal trafficking of oxycontin. Oxycontin is often moved through pharmacy diversion, physicians writing illegal prescriptions, faked (non-doctor) prescriptions, and theft. A few years ago in Australia, some 250,000 prescriptions for narcotics and codeine-based medications were given to about nine thousand known abusers. In the United States at the beginning of the decade, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimates that close to a million people were reported as having used Oxycontin for nonmedical use.

Curbing Oxycontin Addiction

The primary concern of the Drug Enforcement Agency in regards to Oxycontin is to limit over-prescription of the drug. A pilot program has been established to monitor how Oxycontin is prescribed, and have introduced regulations over the availability of the drug. Also local law enforcement has been asked for assistance in combating illegal use of the opiate. Purdue Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, is also willing to cooperate with government agencies to diminish Oxycontin abuse.

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What You Should Know Before Taking Ultram

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Heather Colman asked:


Ultram is a pain relieving medication prescribed to those who are suffering from pain at a moderate to severe level. In some cases, it is prescribed to patients who suffer from conditions that cause chronic pain such as in the joints or as a result of cancer. Furthermore, it could be prescribed for those who have undergone surgery and are in dire pain. Classified as opiate analgesics, Ultram works to decrease the pain that the patient experiences.

For those suffering from pain due to conditions, injury, or surgery, talk to your physician and find out if Ultram is right for you. It is important to understand that the medication does contain Tylenol and Codeine. Some people may suffer allergic reactions to either of these ingredients. For those reasons, Ultram is also a highly addictive form of medication and is generally used for short-term pain relief. Therefore, it is important that you only take the medication as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may suggest that Ultram only be used as a last resort and that you use another form of pain relief if possible, this will aid in lowering your risks of addiction.

If you are allergic to any medications such as Ultram itself or another form of pain relief medication, which includes morphine, meperidine, hydrocodone, codeine, oxycodone, propoxyphene, hydromorphone, or even corn, you should let your pharmacist or physician know before giving you this medication.

Be sure to let your physician know if you are taking any other non- prescription or prescribed medications. This includes any herbal products, nutritional supplements, or vitamins as well. Some drugs could cause an adverse interaction when combined with Ultram. Give a list to your doctor of any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. Even something as simple as taking an asprin for your headache could cause problems.

It is extremely important that you avoid the use of alcohol when taking this medication. If you have any history of alcoholism, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, or any cranial related issues, your doctor may not prescribe Ultram as a pain reliever.

As with any medication, Ultram does have its side effects. Some common side effects include weakness, dizziness, nervousness, headache, anxiety, shakiness, agitation, mood swings, muscle tightness, blurry vision, drowsiness, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sweating, itchiness, dry mouth, or flushing.

Serious side effects include rash, hives, abnormal sores in the facial areas, itching, flu-like symptoms, breathing, or swallowing difficulties, swelling of body parts, hoarseness, increased heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, and urination changes.

It is important to speak with your doctor about any conditions you may have or have had, that may increase the risks of the above symptoms. If you experience any symptoms that worsen or simply do not go away, contact your physician right away.

Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Ultram.



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