What Are The Signs Of Addiction To Oxycodone
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My Son, who has Cancer, has been taking Oxycodone, 30mg for a little over a year, he says when he is out of his meds, he feels washed out, no energy, he hurts in his legs and body, and so tired. His Dr. cut his Prescription from 120 a month to 60 a month. Does this sound like he's addicted? I think so. Thank you all.

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Yes! Dependency and addiction are two very different things. It is very important to know the difference. Major emotional damage can be done if u accuse a dependent of being an addict. Sometimes it is a very very important drug to someone in pain. You dont want to hurt your son because of your fear. Keeping an eye on it is a very good idea, that should go without saying. But unless he show signs of addiction i wouldn't bring it up. Such as lying about drug use, amount, dosage. Putting themselves in situations that are illegal. Trying to obtain the drug from other drs., or people aka buying or borrowing from others. There are other signs but i dont remember them. U can google it. But its very important to take into account to dismiss the physical dependency questions. Anyone who is on the drug for long periods of tome will experience this. And is common for lots of other drugs. A persons body gets used to it and needs it to function. Its the same reason when you get a steroid pack when u are sick that you start with more pills and go down as you get better. If you stop suddenly you will feel sick. And it isnt always a flag for addiction. The best way to keep it in check is trust your dr, always tell them the truth, and keep the conversation flowing with the healthcare professionals. Most are very well educated in the risks vs the benefits. They will help keep you healthy and safe as long as you are honest. I wish u the best of luck and prayers for your son. Focus on kicking Cancers butt! Dont let the hysteria of misinformation put your son in needless pain. It is a legitimate drug with very legitimate uses. I was addicted for ten years. It could have killed me, but with out it i would have killed myself because of pain (not withdrawal). I made bad choices. I am clean over a year now. I have found other meds to control my pain way more effectively. But i truly believe that the drug is vital in treatment for people suffering in pain. It great that you are involved in your son's treatment. Because you are watching over him he is far less likely to fail into the pit of oxy addiction. Any good dr prescribing him that dose would have a very valid reason to do so. The dea is getting stricter on drs prescribing that drug. They have to have documentation to back them up or they could be investigated and lose their license. It your son isnt tolerating the drop in dosage well tell the dr. that is a large drop and it is totally understandable that he would be having side effects. Ask him if he can go back to 120 and drop in ten mg a month until he is at 60 mg. Its always best to be on the lowest effective dose. So bringing him down isnt a bad idea. But the dr should give you a reason for it. And you should be honest if it is making him sick. No dr wants their patents to suffer. They shouldn't judge him. Chronic pain is a sticky situation. Again good luck! Keep talking to his dr.

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Actually, from what you've described, that would be considered dependence, not addiction.

Dependence can happen with any medication that someone takes for a long period of time, whether it be a narcotic or a blood pressure medication. It just means that their body has gotten used to having that substance added, so it reacts if that substance is suddenly removed, because it basically forgets how to work without it and it takes awhile for it to readjust.

Addiction, however, is different. When someone is addicted, it means they are taking the medication because they like how it makes them feel, but since those are just side effects, the feeling eventually wears off. Thus, they have to take more and more to keep getting that enjoyable feeling back.

Thus, dependence occurs with regular use and is completely normal, but addiction occurs with abuse of something.

Learn more Oxycodone details here.

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If you have any questions or need more clarification, I'll be happy to help!

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