Oxycodone has become the face of prescription opioids in recent years. As many attribute the overprescription of pain relievers as a major factor in America’s opioid epidemic, oxycodone continues to be at the forefront of this discussion. With the United States continuing to lead the world (1) in prescriptions written each year, many wonder what the long term implications can be and, more importantly, what can be done about it. A powerful tool in combating the damage done by opiate addiction is awareness. As more people become aware of the various forms that these prescription opioids take, they are empowered to do their part. An important and powerful variant of the prescription opioid oxycodone to remain aware of is yellow oxycodone.
If you or a loved one finds themselves caught in the addictive cycle that can result from opioid use, there is help available. Now more than ever, quality substance use treatment is necessary and Guardian Recovery is available to answer that call. Our highly trained clinicians are available to help with the specific needs of each individual as they begin their journey to freedom from addiction. Recovery is possible, and Guardian Recovery is here to help. Call today to speak with an admission counselor to begin.
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What Makes Yellow Oxycodone Chemistry Unique?
Oxycodone, (2) in its pure form, is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the naturally occurring opium poppy. It has powerful pain relieving properties and is prescribed for this purpose. A derivative of oxycodone is oxycodone hydrochloride. This substance is water soluble and is what gives this particular version of oxycodone its color. The most common application of this compound is when it is combined with acetaminophen to make the brand name drug Percocet.
The Pharmacology of Yellow Oxycodone & How it Affects the Body
Yellow oxycodone is a full opioid agonist. This means that it binds with specific opioid receptors in the brain and body. In blocking these receptors, it creates a barrier for the brain and body to become unable to send and receive signals of pain. It is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses.
The Therapeutic & Medical Uses of Yellow Oxycodone
As yellow oxycodone binds to the opioid receptors found in the brain and body, it decreases their ability to send and receive signals of communication. One of the primary roles of these opioid receptors is to communicate signals of pain throughout the body to the brain. If these receptors are inhibited then the body is unable to communicate signals of pain to the brain making the user unable to feel the pain.
The Risks & Benefits of Yellow Oxycodone
Like using any powerful opioid, oxycodone carries benefits as well as significant potential risks. The primary benefit of these prescription pain relievers are the treatment of chronic pain. For those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure or are experiencing the pain associated with cancer and its treatments, prescription opioids provide a much needed relief to those suffering.
The risks involved, however, can be potentially dangerous. As opioids enter the brain (3) they interact with the neurotransmitters responsible for the brain’s reward system. Naturally, this system is designed to release “feel good” chemicals during behaviors that your brain and body would benefit from repeating. These include exercise, sex and eating delicious food. When opioids interact with this system, they trigger this reward system causing the user to develop a strong desire to repeat the drug using behavior. This is the root cause for many opioid addictions and a major risk factor when taking prescription opioids.
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The Side Effects of Yellow Oxycodone
Common side effects (4) of yellow oxycodone may include:
- dry mouth
- stomach pain
- drowsiness
- flushing
- headache
- mood changes
Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant meaning that it will slow down important functions of the body’s nervous system. Though this can be beneficial when relieving pain, it is also responsible for slowing the rate of respiration. If too much of this powerful opioid is taken at one time it would cause the breathing to slow to potentially fatal levels. This is known as an overdose.
How to Safely Use Yellow Oxycodone
Now more than ever, the potential for danger exists when taking various opioid pills especially when you are unaware of where they came from. With the high numbers of accidental overdoses due to the presence of fentanyl in illicit pills, it is a safety hazard to those who use prescription medications for recreational purposes.
General guidelines for safety involved with prescription opioids include:
- Use only the amount prescribed by your physician.
- Keep prescription opioids in child proof containers out of reach of children.
- Consider alternative treatment options if there is a history of opioid addiction.
- Do not mix other substances with prescription opioids unless directed by your doctor.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Oxycodone is not recommended for use in combination with over 100 other prescription substances. It is also highly dangerous when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. As both of these substances interact with each other, they have a compounding effect on the body causing dramatically higher side effects than if used separately.
Alternatives to Yellow Oxycodone for Pain Management
If there is a history of opioid addiction, it may be wise to consult your physician for alternatives to opioid pain relievers like yellow oxycodone. Over the counter pain relievers that do not have addictive properties can provide options for those who do not wish to begin or continue prescription opioid use.
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The Potential for Abuse and Addiction
Many, unfortunately, make the mistake of assuming that because a substance is prescribed then it is automatically safe and non addictive. This is not true however, especially when referring to prescription opioids. Like any other opioid (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, etc.) use over time will develop a dependency and if this use is not monitored, addiction patterns can begin to emerge.
If you or someone that you love has experienced the addictive power of prescription opioids and is having trouble breaking out of those cycles, there is good news. Hope is available. Guardian Recovery understands the life controlling power than addiction can have, and that is why we are committed to providing the highest quality of substance use treatment available. Our admissions team is standing by 24/7 to assist you on your journey to recovery. Call today for a free, no obligation, insurance check. Your journey to sobriety can begin with one simple phone call.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46805
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=01db4606-d49c-4b10-a78a-1cf41880a9fb
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html#side-effects
