The focus of this page is on oxymorphone, a prescription medication that’s used to treat moderate to severe pain. We will provide information on what oxymorphone is, how it works, its potential for addiction, and the side effects associated with its use.
The information provided in this article is intended to help individuals better understand this substance. If you or a loved one is struggling with oxymorphone addiction or any other substance abuse problem, it’s essential to seek help from a qualified addiction treatment provider like Peachtree Recovery Solutions.
Peachtree Recovery Solutions is a premier addiction treatment center located near Atlanta, Georgia that provides comprehensive and evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping clients achieve long-term recovery and regain control of their lives.
What is Oxymorphone?
Oxymorphone is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. This medication is associated with a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics, which work by changing how the brain and nervous system responds to pain. Oxymorphone is a potent drug and is typically prescribed when other pain medications have not been effective.
Oxymorphone is sold under various brand names, including Opana and Numorphan. It comes in several forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and injections. The extended-release tablets are designed to provide long-lasting pain relief, while the immediate-release tablets provide more immediate relief.
While oxymorphone can be an effective pain medication when used as prescribed, it is also highly addictive. Oxymorphone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Like other opioids, this drug has a high potential for addiction and dependence. It can cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation, which can lead to misuse and addiction. Individuals who abuse oxymorphone may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and cravings for the drug.
Dangers and Side Effects of Oxymorphone
While oxymorphone can be an effective pain reliever when used as prescribed, it can also be dangerous when misused or abused. Some of the risks associated with oxymorphone use include:
- Addiction: This drug is highly addictive, and misuse can quickly lead to physical and psychological dependence. When someone becomes addicted to oxymorphone, they can experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking the drug.
- Overdose: Taking too much oxymorphone can lead to a life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of an oxymorphone overdose may include shallow breathing, slow heart rate, extreme drowsiness, cold and clammy skin, and fainting.
- Respiratory depression: It can cause respiratory depression, which means breathing slows down or stops. This can be especially dangerous when someone takes too much of the drug, takes it in combination with other depressants, or has an underlying respiratory condition.
- Increased risk of accidents: It can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, which can increase the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
- Negative effects on mental health: Misusing oxymorphone can have adverse effects on mental health, including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
In addition to the dangers listed above, this drug can cause a range of physical and psychological side effects. Some common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Itching or rash
- Sweating
- Urinary retention or difficulty urinating
- Slowed breathing or respiratory depression
It’s important to note that these side effects can occur even when oxymorphone is taken as directed. However, they are more likely to occur when the drug is misused or abused.
Misusing this substance by taking higher doses than prescribed, taking it more frequently than prescribed, or taking it in ways other than prescribed can increase the risk of these problems.
If you experience any side effects while taking oxymorphone, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatments to help manage the side effects.
How Long Does Oxymorphone Stay in Your System?
The duration that oxymorphone stays in your system depends on various factors, such as the individual’s metabolism, age, weight, and dose of the drug. Generally, this substance can stay in your system for up to three days, depending on the dose and frequency of use.
What to Do if You Become Addicted to Oxymorphone
If you or a loved one is struggling with oxymorphone addiction, it is essential to seek professional help. At Peachtree Recovery Solutions, we offer individualized treatment plans that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Our programs include a combination of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). We also provide medically supervised detoxification to help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a comfortable and safe detoxification process.
Begin Treatment in Atlanta, GA
At Peachtree Recovery Solutions, we are committed to helping individuals achieve long-term recovery and live healthy and fulfilling lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with oxymorphone addiction, contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you start your journey to recovery.