Have you looked into any prescription pain medication? I bet you came across oxycodone or oxycontin, right? It sounds the same to me, and that’s why many of us are confused. The fact is, Oxycodone and OxyContin are similar, yet not the same, and there is a significant reason as to why this makes a difference.
Whether you are suffering from chronic pain or just trying to understand your own prescription, you’ve come to the right place! We have gathered information to make your understanding of oxycodone and OxyContin clear and easy to understand.
What’s an OxyCodone?
It is an opioid pain reliever, or painkiller. There are many types of opioids, and they all do similar things for your body to relieve pain by working on your central nervous system.
When oxycodone works, it does this by binding to opioid receptors found in your brain and in your spine. When these receptors bind to oxycodone, the pain signal sent to the brain is not received.
Oxycodone is prescribed to many different individuals, including those suffering from pain caused by:
- Surgery
- Injuries
- Chronic illnesses
Oxycodone comes in many different types, but one of the most important differences among them is their duration and strength.
What Is OxyContin?
You might have noticed that if you searched OxyContin and buy oxycodone online netherland, they were both related or seemed to be similar in nature. OxyContin is a type of oxycodone drug that comes with its own prescription information and how it is prescribed.
To directly answer any questions, such as:
- is oxycodone the same as OxyContin
- is oxycodone oxycontin the same
No, the answer is that they are not, but there is a strong relation between the two.
OxyContin is one of many brands of oxycodone that are sold over-the-counter, but OxyContin is specially made. While OxyContin is indeed an oxycodone drug, the main difference between these two is the structure in which it is delivered.
OxyContin is an Opioid
You might have read in a few articles on the internet that “OxyContin is an opioid”. This is very much correct and also true of oxycodone. Any prescription containing any amount of oxycodone will be an opioid pain reliever.
OxyContin, in a sense, affects you in the same way as an opioid medication would:
- Altering how you feel pain
- Creating a relaxing effect
- Being habit-forming if misused
Many also ask if OxyContin is a narcotic, to which the answer is yes. The term “narcotic” is synonymous with opioids in many aspects.
Immediate-Release vs Extended-Release
Now we can get on to explaining the difference between oxycodone and OxyContin, and the reason as to why would be the delivery system for both of the drugs.
Immediate-Release Oxycodone
- Works in 15-30 minutes
- Lasts for 4-6 hours
- May need to be taken 4 or 5 times a day
Extended-Release OxyContin
- Works at a slower rate to ensure long-term relief
- Lasts for 12 hours
- Only requires two doses to be taken each day.
This makes OxyContin desirable for people experiencing chronic pain, and could offer continuous pain management without needing to continuously take pain medication.
Why the Difference Matters
Your doctor must take many things into account when choosing between oxycodone and OxyContin for you, as the two drugs perform differently when you take them. Factors, including the following, can influence the decision:
- How severe your pain is
- The length of time the pain will last
- How well you respond to pain medication
- Potential risks
Is OxyContin Addictive?
The most important factor for most users (the people experiencing pain) is the issue of whether or not it can be addictive. And the answer to that is yes, it can be. Like all opioids, OxyContin is associated with the potential for the following:
- Physical dependence
- Tolerance (the need for more over time)
- Addiction (if not taken as directed)
As such, it’s important to note that there are strict controls on how the drug is issued and it should not be taken without a prescription.
Side Effects of Oxycodone and OxyContin
Many of the side effects experienced will be the same, as they share the same active component. The common ones include:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Though more serious side effects exist, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Confusion
- Dependence
These are longer-lasting and can even stay longer than you may expect due to the timed-release nature of OxyContin.
Safety and Responsible Use
While browsing the internet for these drugs, phrases such as;
- Buy OxyContin online
- Order OxyContin online
These are words you should be wary of; OxyContin, like all prescribed drugs, is regulated. If you obtain it through an illicit means, you are not only at risk of being given a counterfeit drug, but incorrect doses and you may even end up risking your life. You should:
- Follow your doctor’s command.
- Do not drink alcohol or take other sedatives alongside OxyContin.
Oxycodone vs OxyContin – Which One Works Better?
This is a really common question that arises: Is OxyContin better or is OxyContin better? The truth is that there is no real ‘better’ drug here. If you’ve got a pain that is short and sharp and needs to be dealt with quickly, then oxycodone might be for you. It will be dependent on what kind of condition you have, how you react and will be directed by your physician.
Conclusion
So what’s the difference between oxycodone and OxyContin? Put simply, oxycodone is the actual substance used for pain, and OxyContin is a prolonged-release form of oxycodone designed to ensure there is a steady flow over a period. There are two distinct ways of using the same drug to try to assist those suffering from their pain. If it’s taken responsibly and acquired from reliable sources, it’s a tried and tested painkiller, but still has to be treated with care:
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