What is Roxicodone?

Roxicodone is an oxycodone hydrochloride tablet and is considered an opioid analgesic. Roxy is part of a class of opioid medications used to treat pain. An opioid analgesic does not turn off the nerves. Instead, these drugs change the way the brain perceives pain. They act on the opioid receptors in the central nervous system that block pain sensations. Opioid analgesics work presynaptically and postsynaptically. This means that the electrical signals are interrupted from the beginning and end of the potential message, changing the chemical response that moves on to the neurons. The neurons transmit messages between areas of the brain and between the brain and the nervous system.

Analgesics relieve pain and inflammation, but analgesic opioids (narcotics) are used to relieve pain. They are found chiefly in tablet form, both immediate-release and extended-release. Analgesic opioids are highly addictive and must be closely monitored by a treating physician. Roxicodone tablets are an immediate-release oral formula of oxycodone hydrochloride, which means its effects are felt faster than oxycodone tablets (extended-release).

How Roxy works is not fully understood; however, it is known that the CNS opioid receptors are found in the brain and spinal cord, which is responsible for its impact on the brain and body. “Opioid-induced analgesia responds that it occurs without loss of consciousness.” As part of the oxycodone family, it does produce respiratory depression.

As with other narcotics, the body builds a tolerance and requires more significant amounts of the drug to feel the impact. Tolerance and cravings can lead to side effects and dependence. There are three main types of analgesics:

  • Non-opioid analgesics
  • Compound analgesics (this type has non-opioid and low-strength codeine combined)
  • Opioid analgesics or narcotics

Who should avoid taking Roxy?

Because Roxy is an opioid analgesic, certain conditions make taking this medication dangerous. It is even more difficult if it is arbitrarily combined with other street drugs. Here are a few conditions that can be dangerous when opioid analgesics are used:

  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Alcohol abuse
  • History of brain tumor
  • Cancer
  • Enlarged prostate
  • History of head injuries
  • Psychosis
  • Asthma
  • Hypotension
  • History of seizure
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease

Mixing Roxy with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, increases the chances of an overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in “2020, 16 percent of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepine… [such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin]. The DEA also warns that counterfeit pills (those illegally manufactured) are actively being sold on the street, and many contain the active ingredient of fentanyl. These pills look like prescription opioids and have the same markings as prescription opioids. DEA, in 2019 “found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.

Dangers in mixing depressants

When combining CNS depressants with other depressants known as downers, the body responds by slowing the respiration rate. This increases the risk of

  • Damage to the brain and other organs
  • Overdose
  • Death

Signs of mixing depressants which can lead to overdose are:

  • Slow breathing
  • Weak pulse
  • Altered mental status or confusion
  • Passing out
  • Cold or clammy skin

Other adverse or contraindications of Roxy may include

  • Respiratory depression
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma
  • Gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus (muscles of the intestines do not move)
  • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated)
  • Adrenal insufficiency (the body does not make enough hormones)
  • Spasm of the Sphincter

When a person suddenly discontinues using Roxy, the body will go through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms depend on the length of the drug taken, the dosage, the person’s age, health, mental status, etc. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful and include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Breaking the cycle of addiction

These drugs, opioids, CNS depressants, and stimulants all impact the brain’s ability to communicate with the body’s organs and nervous system. If you have been taking Roxy and find yourself seeking increased dosages to achieve the euphoric effect of the first time, you may be suffering from a problem. Your health and safety are in danger if you use other illicit drugs in combination with Roxy. The longer a person engages in multiple drug abuse, the more complicated the process of stopping may become.

Addiction has stages and cycles. It begins rather innocently at first and quickly, depending on the drug, takes over one’s life.

  1. Initially, one feels the drug’s rewards: feeling good, euphoria, or a reduction in negative feelings. A person repeats the use of the prescription or pharmaceuticals to experience these positive, calming feelings. However, repeated use of the drug(s), which includes alcohol, alters the messaging function in the brain and alters the reward receptors leading to the need to use more.
  2. A person may become aware of the drug-seeking behavior and the negative consequences of drug use and try to stop. He/she/they may be able to abstain for some time, but at some point, a trigger will happen, and the person will return to using.
  3. This phase is followed by increased use. The individual does not start from the small dosages taken at the beginning; instead, he/she/they will begin at the levels where he/she/they left off. Shame and guilt complicate the relapse and lead to greater use.

This cycle may be repeated numerous times, increasing the withdrawal symptoms, the cravings, and the seeking behaviors. When the body has gone through a period without these drugs and alcohol, and use begins again at higher levels, a person can overdose.

Once changes in the brain have occurred, withdrawal and abstinence require more than the willpower to stop using. Opioids, which include Roxy, are notoriously addictive! Indeed, if you take opioids for more than two weeks, you will experience withdrawal symptoms even under a physician’s care.

If you are tired of being trapped by the cycle of addiction and the negative consequences that follow, call today to speak with a representative. Our licensed medical and clinical staff can help you regain your life. Do not let fear stop you from taking back your life. Call now, call today!

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