Oxycontin is the time-release form of oxycodone which is typically prescribed for chronic and severe pain. Due to the fact that it can contain a large amount of oxycodone, it has become one of the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. Overview OxyContin is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or long-lasting pain.1 The active ingredient is oxycodone, which is also found in drugs like Percodan and Tylox. OxyContin can contain between 10 and 80 milligrams of oxycodone in a timed-release tablet, compared to about five milligrams a day in Percodan. Various Factors Can Affect Whether You Get Hooked on Drugs How It's Used Generally, OxyContin is prescribed to be taken twice a day, a benefit over other pain-relieving medications that have to be taken several times a day. OxyContin is available in tablet form in seven dosage levels from 10 to 80 milligrams. It is usually prescribed to help patients with chronic pain, such as back and neck pain. It may also be prescribed to cancer patients to help decrease pain and improve function. How It's Abused People who misuse OxyContin use the medicine in amounts or ways that are not prescribed or intended. They can either crush the tablet and ingest or snort it, or they dilute it in water and inject it. Crushing or diluting the tablet disarms the timed-release action of the medication, but crushing OxyContin in this way can give the user a potentially fatal dose.2 In 2010, the FDA approved a new formulation of OxyContin to prevent such tampering. The drugmaker, Purdue Pharma LP, made changes so that breaking up the tablet does not immediately release oxycodone. Also, if someone attempts to dissolve these new tablets for syringe injection, the liquid becomes gummy. Despite these measures, the FDA continues to admit that abuse and misuse of OxyContin remain possible. Further, there is an increase in OxyContin abusers who are turning to heroin because it is a significantly lower-cost opioid. According to a 2013 study, nearly 80% of American heroin users reported misusing prescription opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin before they were introduced to the illicit street drug.3 Some of the street names for OxyContin include Oxy, O.C., Cotton, kickers, Ox, OCs, beans, rushbo, Orange County, killer, and hillbilly heroin. It is frequently mispronounced and misspelled as "oxycotton." If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database., Portland, USA, 97056  (Show me directions) Show Map

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