Oxycodone and Oxycontin are both powerful prescription painkillers belonging to the opioid drug class. They are often prescribed to help treat and manage chronic severe pain in patients with traumatic injuries. These painkillers are classified as Schedule 2 controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) because of their addictive nature and high potential for abuse.
Many people who are prescribed painkillers often don’t know the difference between oxycodone vs Oxycontin. While the 2 names sound the same, one is a generic drug and one is a name-brand drug. Medical professionals, healthcare staff, and rehab personnel typically understand the differences between oxycodone vs Oxycontin. Many people in the general public, however, are often unfamiliar.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between oxycodone vs Oxycontin.
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What is oxycodone?
Besides being a painkiller and a Schedule 2 controlled substance, oxycodone is a powerful analgesic that your body can quickly become dependent on. Oxycodone is generally found in extended-release tablets or capsules but can also come in a liquid form for those who have trouble swallowing pills. In general, oxycodone is prescribed to treat severe pain such as the pain that accompanies chronic diseases or severe injuries.
What is Oxycontin?
Oxycontin is the brand name for oxycodone, and it is available as an immediate or extended-release formulation. While Oxycontin is often used to treat the same types of injuries and illnesses as oxycodone, extreme pain which requires round-the-clock management is usually prescribed Oxycontin. A single Oxycontin dose releases oxycodone medication continuously for up to 12 hours. Oxycontin can effectively manage severe pain for up to 24 hours with 2 daily doses.
Oxycodone vs Oxycontin: Similarities and Differences
While both drugs are powerful opioid painkillers that work similarly by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, there are some subtle differences. Oxycontin is typically prescribed for patients who need lasting, round-the-clock pain management while oxycodone provides more immediate pain relief. Oxycodone is often prescribed for immediate relief of pain due to severe injuries while Oxycontin is commonly prescribed for pain due to chronic illnesses, such as cancer.
When comparing oxycodone vs Oxycontin, it is important to understand that Oxycontin is basically a slow-release formulation of oxycodone. The pharmaceutical formulation of both medications is very similar and both medications have a high potential for abuse. They are both narcotic analgesics that should only be taken under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
Oxycodone and Oxycontin Are Dangerous Opioids
Oxycodone and Oxycontin are both powerful narcotic opioids used to treat and manage severe pain. These drugs are heavily regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) because of their high potential for abuse. You can easily become physically dependent or addicted to these powerful opioids after just a short time. Oxycodone vs Oxycontin should only be taken under the strict supervision of medical professionals for the shortest amount of time possible.
If you’ve been abusing oxycodone or Oxycontin, it is crucial that you get help now. These drugs should not be stopped abruptly because you may experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It is best to seek the professional help of a specialized team with experience in the medical detox processes and drug rehabilitation follow-up. It is possible to live a healthy life free of oxycodone and Oxycontin abuse.
