Oxcycodone

Hey Sophia....

I understand what you are saying.... the reality is that - yes, people do steal these meds, can get withdrawal if you suddenly go off of them and people "can" become addicted (though the statistics are low for that).

It's not just oxycodone/oxycontin.... it's any narcotic, many of the anti-anxiety meds, a couple of the muscle relaxer and so forth.

Withdrawal: Your body becomes dependent on any of these meds.... if you go "cold turkey" off of them - your body is going to rebel. Be oxycodone, vicodin, morphine, any of the narcotics (and many, many non-narcotics, too). As long as you are taking your meds as prescibed... and continue to see your PM doc.... there's no reason for withdrawal to happen.

Addiction: The statistics for CP patients actually becoming "addicted" is low. Dependence happens as I described above - your body gets used to taking the meds..... Addiction is something different. It's physically and psychologically craving the medication; taking more than prescribed; etc etc.

Meds getting Stolen: All of CP patients should do whatever we feel will keep our meds the "safest" possible. For many, this includes putting them in a safe/locked box at home.... not letting others know what meds we are on.... and so forth.

So.... all that said!..... in my opinion -- these are issues no matter what narcotic you are on. Maybe others will have more input....

Take care, and good luck.... --Tina

The problem and reality of oxycodone is that it is one of the most valuable and available prescription medications on the street (along with hydrocodone). While there is a stigma attached to it because of people abusing the old formulation of oxycontin and the Florida "pill mills", the reality is that if you take it as prescribed, you will be fine. Under a doctor's care and supervision, it is one the best pain medications available. However, plenty of addicts seek out this drug, and people have even been killed for it. But everyone is right, addiction is not the same as being "dependent" on the drug.

Just take it exactly as prescribed and you will be fine. The only reason to be worried would be if you have had prior addiction issues (i.e., with alcohol or other drugs). This may lead you to misuse the medication at some point, but even then there are people who have had issues with booze and other drugs who can manage pain medications with help from their doctor. It just depends on each person.

People have also been known to steal money, cars, food, even your dog. As long as you use common sense and take precautions you should be fine.

Your body can experience withdrawls if you suddenly stop taking almost anything you ingest on a regular basis, because your body has become used to it, dependent on it. It doesn't even have to be a prescription or even a medication. I've seen people go through AWFUL withdrawls because they suddenly decided to stop drinking coffee or stop smoking cigarettes or stop eating red meat or stop eating junk food. The list is endless. The bottom line is, if your body has a set routine, that's what it wants, period.

Addiction to pain medication, especially in chronic pain sufferers, is extremely rare. In order to get these meds in the first place, we have to be under extremely close medical supervision in most cases. If you were to start exhibiting addictive behaviors, chances are your doc would catch it and help you back on the right path.

If you've been prescribed Oxycodone it's because your doc thinks it will improve your quality of life. If it has done that, then take it at face value...a medication that does its part to help you have less pain.

If it has NOT improved your quality of life, then stop taking it, just like you would stop taking any other medication that did not help you.

Everything on this earth has the potential to be harmful if someone were to try hard enough. Oxycodone is something that should be used with respect and common sense, but there's no need to be terrified. :)

  Hi Sophia I understand your situation because I have recently been rx oxycodone myself. I agree with the responses that you have received from the other members. Unfortunately it has not met my expectations because I'm still a strong 7 right now and spike upward higher to were I see stars with my pain. Everybody responds differently with any med and I'm fortunate to say I have not experienced any high's and the only  sides is extreme constipation lol...

  I can't tell you if you will have addiction tendencies toward it but I kind of doubt it since you are needing it and don't abuse it to begin with. I was an alcoholic for 18yr and never cared for pain meds at all! They usually made me sick so I self medicated with a ton of OTC's and with the alcohol shot my liver. I have made great progress with healing it and since my illness I listen to my Dr.s and use the pain meds rx'd to me.I have had good luck with the pain meds rx'd me after my illness.

  Addiction is a crazy beast! Almost 4yr later after I spent 27 days in the hospital I haven't had the first craving for alcohol since. Never again!!!

  Moral of my story is to take your Dr.s advice and just never abuse anything!