Roxicodone is one of many opioids that are commonly prescribed for pain management. Like other opioids, despite this medication only being available by prescription, many individuals become addicted to it. At Clearbrook Massachusetts, we’re aware that prescription drugs are just as addictive and problematic as illicit drugs, so much so that an entire drug epidemic has been ongoing since the introduction of opioids into the medical world. To spread awareness and possibly prevent further cases of addiction and overdose, we’re sharing the common Roxicodone side effects and additional problems that can occur as a result of abuse.
Roxicodone Addiction
While you may have heard of oxycodone, what is Roxicodone? Also referred to as Roxi or Roxy, Roxicodone (oxycodone hydrochloride) is an opioid analgesic that’s prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Like other opioids, it works by targeting the central nervous system and alleviating pain.
Roxi attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, activating the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. While it alleviates pain, users often become addicted to the sense of euphoria caused by the surge of dopamine.
Patients who take Roxicodone exactly as directed by their doctors are still at risk of becoming addicted. Those who take more than the prescribed dose, take it more frequently than directed, or mix it with other drugs and alcohol, are not only at risk of addiction but overdose as well. Individuals who develop a physical and mental dependence on Roxicodone should receive a medical detox like the one offered at our Massachusetts drug rehab. Detoxification at our facility focuses on helping patients recover from withdrawal symptoms and helps to kickstart their recovery.
Some common symptoms of Roxicodone addiction include:
- Having a new or changed friend group (usually made up of other people who also engage in substance abuse)
- A decline in school or work performance
- Financial problems
- Frequently talking about their drug use or prescription pills
- Isolating themselves from others
- Loss of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed
- Obsession with taking Roxicodone
- Odd and noticeable changes in their behavior
- Physical changes like extreme weight loss
If you recognize any of these signs of Roxicodone addiction in yourself or a loved one, our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab offers detox and residential treatment to help patients physically and mentally recover from drug abuse. Do not wait until it’s too late to get help.
Common Roxicodone Side Effects
The side effects of Roxicodone may vary in severity depending on the dose, how long the person has been taking it, and whether they mix it with other substances. Drug interactions with Roxicodone are common and can increase the likelihood of addiction as well as severe symptoms.
Roxicodone side effects can be separated into short-term or immediate effects and long-term effects. Short-term Roxy effects occur within an hour after the person has taken it and can last for a few days. Long-term symptoms of Roxi refer to mental and physical ailments that occur in the long run as a result of frequent drug abuse.
Short-term Roxy side effects include:
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of discomfort
- Headache
- Itching and rash
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pains
- Weakness
Chronic Roxicodone abuse can lead to more severe symptoms, many of which are irreversible. Some of the most common long-term side effects of Roxicodone include:
- Addiction
- Anemia
- Atelectasis (the collapsing of the lungs and airways)
- Depression
- Heart failure
- Impaired function of the adrenal glands (these are responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline)
- Kidney damage
- Lung failure
- Respiratory depression
- Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (spasm of the bile duct tract that causes stomach pain)
- Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
- Thrombophlebitis (an inflamed vein caused by a blood clot)
- Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels)
The more a person abuses Roxy pain medication, the more likely they are to experience these side effects. The risk of overdose also increases when a person misuses or abuses the drug by crushing Roxie pills and snorting them or mixing the drug with other substances. Individuals with severe addictions can benefit from inpatient treatment such as the kind offered at our Clearbrook rehab in Massachusetts.
Help for Roxi Medication Addiction
Long-term opioid abuse can lead to a variety of problems aside from addiction, including failed relationships, unemployment, homelessness, and more. If you or someone you care about is battling Roxicodone side effects and addiction, our opioid rehab can help.
Call Clearbrook Treatment Centers today at 570-536-9621 or send us your contact information to learn more about our Massachusetts substance abuse treatment.
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