OxyContin

OxyContin has been known to trigger seizures or make them worse. Use it with caution if you have a seizure disorder

Like other narcotic painkillers, OxyContin can slow your reactions and make you drowsy. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or undertake other hazardous activities until you know how the drug affects you.

OxyContin can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and light-headedness, especially when you first stand up.

The empty shell of the OxyContin tablet sometimes appears in the stool. This is not a reason for concern.

OxyContin is not for use in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking OxyContin

While using OxyContin, check with your doctor before taking any other drugs that slow the nervous system. The combined effect can impair breathing, reduce blood pressure, and lead to coma. Drugs in this category include the following:

Antipsychotic drugs such as Compazine, Mellaril, Stelazine, and Thorazine
Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril, Robaxin, and Skelaxin
Narcotic painkillers such as Demerol, Percodan, and Vicodin
Sleep aids such as Ambien, Halcion, and Sonata
Sleep-inducing antihistamines such as Benadryl and Phenergan.
Tranquilizers such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax
Alcoholic beverages

If you are already taking such drugs, your starting dose of OxyContin will be reduced by at least half.

Certain other painkillers can reduce OxyContin's effect, or even cause withdrawal symptoms. Caution is necessary when combining OxyContin with drugs such as the following:

Butorphanol (Stadol)
Nalbuphine (Nubain)
Pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin NX)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

OxyContin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

OxyContin makes its way into breast milk. Nursing is not recommended if you are taking this drug.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

OxyContin is taken every 12 hours. The tablets come in strengths of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 milligrams. The starting dose of OxyContin is determined by your physical condition, the type of painkillers you've been taking, and your tolerance for narcotics. The doctor will adjust the dose until you have little or no pain when OxyContin is supplemented with no more than 2 doses of a second painkiller. The dose of OxyContin can be increased every 1 or 2 days. If a higher dose has excessive side effects, the doctor will adjust it downward and increase the dosage of supplemental painkillers.

Overdosage

An overdose of OxyContin can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of OxyContin overdose may include:
  Cold and clammy skin, diminished breathing, drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma, flaccid muscles, pinpoint pupils, slow heart rate