You may have often been prescribed by your doctor for the usage of a medicine called Roxicet to relieve you from moderate or severe pain. But do you know what the various ailments which it cures are? If no, then read on to know about the composition, types, side effects and the precautions to be taken while consuming this medicine.
What is Roxicet?
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Picture 1 – Roxicet
Source – drugs-expert
Roxicet, a pain reliever, is a name for a combination of the generic drugs- Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. It is a highly addictive Schedule 2 drug. Oxycodone is in the class of drugs called narcotic analgesics, which helps in relieving moderate to severe pain. Acetaminophen, although a less potent pain reliever, complements and intensifies the effects of the Oxycodone.
It is available in other brand names as well, which include :
- Endocet,
- Magnacet,
- Narvox,
- Tylox,
- Percs,
- Paulas,
- Perloxx,
- Primalev,
- Roxicotten and
- Percocet 2.5/325
Roxicet can be administered in several ways- orally, intravenously, intramuscularly or even rectally.
Roxicet Strengths
Roxicet is available in the following strengths:
- Roxicet oral solution – This contains 5mg of Oxycodone and 325mg of Acetaminophen, per 5 ml.
- Roxicet 5/325 mg tablets – It contains 5mg of Oxycodone and 325mg of Acetaminophen.
- Roxicet 5/500 mg caplets – It contains 5mg of Oxycodone and 500mg of Acetaminophen.
Before taking Roxicet
You are advised not to take Roxicet if you are allergic to either Oxycodone or Acetaminophen. Keep the doctor informed, if you possess any of the following symptoms, before using Roxicet:
- Underactive Thyroid
- Asthma, COPD< sleep apnea, or any other breathing disorder
- An intestinal or pancreas disorder
- Any seizure disorder like Epilepsy
- Liver or kidney disorder
- Low blood pressure
- Enlarged prostrate.
- Brain tumor or any sort of head injury.
- Mental illness.
You should never use Roxicet without telling your doctor, as it may cause undesirable effects.
Roxicet Dosage
Always take Roxicet exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Never take it in larger amounts, or for a longer duration than recommended by the doctor. Do not stop using the medicine suddenly, without informing your doctor. You may need to you less and less before completely withdrawing the usage of this medicine.
On Missing a Dose
Acetaminophen and Oxycodone should always be taken as prescribed and required by the body. If you are on a regular medication, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it is too late, and time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not consume extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Roxicet Overdose
An overdose of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen can be fatal. It is absolutely necessary to seek medical help if you have consumed too much of this medicine. The first symptoms of Roxicet overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, confusion and weakness. Later on, there may be symptoms such as pain in upper stomach, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or darkening of your eyes.
Overdose symptoms also include jaundice, extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, fainting, coma, blue lips, weak pulse, and no breathing or slow heart rate.
Roxicet Liquid
Roxicet is available in the form of tablets, syrups or injections. If Roxicet oral liquid is being used, there is a prescribed dose for its consumption which should be generally followed. Measure the Roxicet oral liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or cup, not the regular table or tea spoon. Store the liquid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Always keep a track of the amount of Roxicet used from each bottle. Oxycodone is a drug of abuse and you should not allow anyone else to use it without being prescribed. The amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1000 mg per dose and 4000 mg per day. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to prevent yourself from constipation while you are on a scheduled medication of Roxicet.
Roxicet Side Effects
The use of Roxicet may have certain side effects. Roxicet may impair your thinking or reactions. You should seek immediate medical help if you are troubled with any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Roxicet.
- Shallow breathing, slow heart beat;
- Fainting, feeling light-headed;
- Problems with urination
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Nausea, jaundice, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, upper stomach pain
- Confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
These are the serious side effects of Roxicet. Some of the less serious impacts of Roxicet are:
- Dry mouth
- Mild nausea
- Feeling dizzy or drowsy
- Blurred vision.
Continuous use of Roxicet may cause a loss of concentration, dizziness, sweating, constipation, dry mouth, nausea or drowsiness in the users. They may also experience personal and psychological issues that can affect relationship and impair function, which may result in employment difficulties, family or financial problems, and even legal problems.
Roxicet Addiction
Roxicet is a highly powered pain killer, and if its use is not monitored carefully, it can result in Roxicet Addiction. Roxicet Medication is usually followed after a surgery, and should not be recommended for a long period of time. Although this is a prescribed medicine, yet it can cause addiction as it belongs to the same family as other illicit opiates as Heroin, Oxycontin, Morphine, Vicodin, etc.
The chief cause of Roxicet Addiction is the presence of Oxycodone in the medicine. Oxycodone causes the user to crave the drug with intensity and complete preoccupation. The user would not hesitate to go to any means to get the drug; such is the effect of oxycodone on them. Not only does he suffer a physical decline, but also a moral decline, as their possession with the opiate will seek a priority over their life.
The persons who are addicted to Roxicet show signs of isolation, illogical explanation, change or lack of friends, lying or even stealing as for that matter.
Roxicet Addiction Treatments
Roxicet addiction hampers our nervous system, causing immense damage to the body and our mind. The person suspected with this addiction should be bought under the purview of medical supervision and should be given due attention. This drug can cause immense damage if the user is not bought under the supervision of a physician and his medical plan.
As a primary step to the treatment of this addiction, the user has to go through the process of Detoxification. He is recommended to go to the detoxification center to quickly start with this process. This is to be followed by the recommendation of the physician. He is even recommended to take the help of a qualified Psychiatrist. Psychological evaluation is a very effective treatment at this stage, as it helps to get rid of the addiction completely. The user should be under complete medical care until he has completely recovered from this addiction and its harmful effects.
Roxicet Abuse
Roxicet is a pain reliever, but it gradually blocks the pain receptors in the brain, and makes the user feel euphoric. He starts craving for the drug, as the desire is gradually becomes a want. So much so, that the withdrawal symptoms are not only severe, but almost impossible.
There should be a close monitoring for the administration of Roxicet to follow the potentially harmful impacts and severe complications:
- Hypotensive Effect
- Head injury and increased Intracranial Pressure
- Hepatotoxicity
- Respiratory depression.
Roxicet and Pregnancy
It is not derived through medical tests whether Roxicet can cause any fatal damage to the pregnant women, as animal reproductive tests have not been carried out through Roxicet. But it is suggested that this medicine should not be given to pregnant women, unless the physician so prescribes it. He may prescribe it when he thinks that the benefit of this drug is far more to outweigh the potential hazards.
The negative effects of Roxiocet on pregnant women are:
Labor and Delivery: Roxicet causes serious impacts on the respiratory system of the new born, so it should not be given to the mothers immediately prior to delivery
Nonteratogenic Effects: Roxicet can cause placental barriers. It may also result in the foetus being completely drug dependent.
Nursing mothers: Nursing mothers should avoid the consumption of Roxicet as it may cause respiratory depression and sedation in the new born. Both Oxycodone and Acetaminophen is excreted in the breast milk, which may result in lethargy in the infants.
Roxicet Withdrawl
Withdrawal from Roxicet can cause some very serious impacts on the body and the respiratory tract. It can cause respiratory depression. Therefore it is recommended that the use of Roxicet should not be stopped at once, instead it should be reduced slowly and then finally stopped to ensure safety to the patient.
Roxicet Withdrawl Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms for Roxicet are:
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Tearing
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupil
- Pronounced weakness
- Restlessness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Depression
- Running nose
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Backaches
- Vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Abdominal cramps
- Sweating
Roxicet is a very effective pain reliever. But you must have an idea about its negative implications as well so that you do not go onto becoming a Roxicet addict. Take this medicine only if it is recommended by your physician. It can benefit you if it is taken in the right amount, at the right time.
Reference:
http://www.drugs.com/roxicet.html
http://www.drugrehabwiki.com/wiki/Roxicet
http://www.drugs.com/pro/roxicet.html
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/roxicet
http://www.talkmedical.org/medications/5469/Roxicet
http://www.genesishouse.net/article-Roxicet-Addiction.html
http://back-pain.emedtv.com/roxicet/roxicet-p5.html
http://www.highpointtreatment.com/chemical-dependcy/prescription-drug-abuse/roxicet-abuse
