Oxycontin is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for drug addiction and is only available by prescription from a licensed physician.

Oxycontin contains oxycodone, a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. Oxycontin is designed so that the oxycodone is slowly released over time. You should never break, chew, or crush the Oxycontin tablet since this causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose. Oxycontin as a prescribed medication is a very effective and efficient analgesic. When used for legitimate medical purposes, this controlled substance can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans with debilitating diseases and conditions. It is often prescribed for cancer patients or those with chronic, long-lasting pain.

It is when it is abused that it begins to pose a serious addiction threat. This is what appears to be happening with this particular drug.

Taking Oxycontin daily can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body shows signs of narcotic withdrawal if the Oxycontin is stopped suddenly. This is not the same addiction, which represents a situation in which people obtain and take narcotics because of a psychological need, and not just to treat a legitimate painful condition. Physical dependence can be treated by slowly under the advice of a physician by slowing decreasing the Oxycontin dose when it is no longer needed for the treatment of pain. Concerns of drug addiction should not prevent patients with appropriate pain conditions from using Oxycontin or other narcotics for pain relief.

Oxycontin is a safe and effective pain medication when properly prescribed and used as directed. Oxycontin has also been used as a drug of abuse. You should protect your prescription and your medication from theft and never give Oxycontin to anyone else. You should destroy any left over Oxycontin tablets that you may have once your physician instructs you to stop taking the medication.