What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is the trade name for the drug oxycodone hydrochloride. It is an opiate agonist, a substance that acts by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these drugs attach to certain opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, they can effectively block the transmission of pain messages to the brain. OxyContin is intended for use by terminal cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers as a pain reliever. It is an opium derivative, which is the same active ingredient in Percodan and Percocet.



What type of pain would require me to use OxyContin?
OxyContin is prescribed for pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, cancer, arthritis, migraines, and back pain. It is used to relieve severe to moderate levels of pain. OxyContin tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.



Are there activities that I am limited to performing while taking OxyContin?
You should not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or do other possibly dangerous activities while taking OxyContin. OxyContin may interfere with your ability to do certain things that require your full attention. If, for instance, you are driving a car while taking OxyContin you may become disoriented or sleepy and lose control of your vehicle – in turn endangering your life and the lives of those around you.



What should I do if I still have pain while taking OxyContin? Can I take other medications?
Because OxyContin is a very strong medication, you should not adjust the dose without first speaking with your physician. Combining OxyContin with some other types of medication such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and other pain medications may be dangerous due to the risk of interactions of these medications that can result in injury or death. You should speak with your physician before taking any other medicines with OxyContin.



Can I drink alcohol while taking OxyContin?
You should not drink any beverage that contains alcohol while you are taking OxyContin. OxyContin, when combined with alcoholic beverages, may have dangerous interactions that can result in serious injury or death. Mixing OxyContin with alcohol or another legal or illegal drug can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure, seizures, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or other serious threats to your health.



Is OxyContin addictive?
Taking OxyContin daily can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body shows signs of narcotic withdrawal if the medication is abruptly discontinued. This is not the same thing as addiction, which represents a situation in which people obtain and take narcotics because of a psychological need. Physical dependence can be treated by slowly decreasing the OxyContin dose when it is no longer needed for the treatment of pain. However, do not change your medication dosage without direction from a doctor.



How do I determine if my pain is severe enough to require OxyContin?
If you have pain every day that lasts for a large part of the day, and the pain is moderate to severe in intensity, OxyContin may be a good choice for you. Only a physician can determine if OxyContin is right to manage your pain. If you only need a pain reliever occasionally and this adequately treats your pain, OxyContin is NOT the right drug for you. If a pain reliever is only needed for a few days, for example following a dental or surgical procedure, OxyContin is not the right drug for you.



What are the side effects of OxyContin?
The most common side effects include:
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Sweating



What are the symptoms of an OxyContin overdose?
Slowing of breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold, clammy skin, and small pupils. Frequently, the OxyContin user goes to sleep; breathing will decrease until stopping completely. If you believe you or someone you know is in danger of an OxyContin overdose or has become addicted to the substance, please contact your physician immediately for treatment. In addition, contact an experienced Brown & Crouppen OxyContin attorney, as you may be entitled to recover damages due to your addiction.


  Is anything being done to warn consumers about the possible dangers of taking OxyContin?

  Should I contact an attorney if I have been harmed by, or become addicted to, OxyContin?

  How much does an attorney evaluation cost in these types of cases?

  What should I do if I want to sue the manufacturer of OxyContin?

  What is a tort personal injury?

  When is a prescription of OxyContin considered a criminal activity?

  If a member of my family is addicted to OxyContin, what can I do?

  Has there been any class action lawsuits against the makers of OxyContin?

  When should I contact an attorney?

  Will my OxyContin case go to trial?