Opana addiction can have a devastating effect on your health and well-being, as well as that of those who love you. You owe it to yourself and your family to receive the help of an Opana detox program. For more information, call our 24/7 Addiction Helpline at 888-446-5952.
Like other pain medications, the use of Opana is growing. According to IMS Health, the number of Opana prescriptions dispensed increased over 400% in 5 years — from 268,000 drugs in 2007 to 1,220,000 in 2012. Along with the increase in use comes an associated increase in misuse and abuse. Recent DAWN ED reports show emergency room visits more than doubled from 2010 to 2011, with 4,599 oxymorphone-related visits in 2010 to 12,122 in 2011. And, as with other opioid-related occurrences, many users went to emergency departments seeking help for Opana detox.
So what is this relatively new pain medication, and what are its dangers?
What is Opana (Oxymorphone)?
Opana is the brand name of a medication that contains oxymorphone, which belongs to a class of drugs called opioids. Oxymorphone has analgesic properties that can effectively treat moderate to severe pain when used as prescribed for medical purposes. Opana tablets are available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations. In addition, it is available in a form that is injected.
Oxymorphone and its brand name equivalent, Opana, are classified under Schedule II of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. And as such, it carries a high potential for abuse. Doctors describe it as more similar to morphine than OxyContin, containing oxycodone. And like morphine, Opana’s most significant danger is the risk of respiratory depression if abused.
What are the Adverse Effects and Dangers of Opana?
Patients who take Opana for medical purposes can build a tolerance to it over time and unintentionally become dependent and, in some cases, addicted to the pain reliever. Unfortunately, others will intentionally abuse Opana for its powerful euphoric and relaxing effects.
On the Street, Opana is called Blues, Blue Heaven, Mrs. O, Oranges, Organa, Pink Lady, and several other names. Abusers chew or crush and inhale Opana ER tablets, which lead to rapid release and absorption of oxymorphone to create a potent high, and, consequently, a potentially deadly overdose. A new formulation of Opana was introduced in 2011 that resists crushing by abusers to help alleviate the illicit use of the drug.
Many opioid abusers mix painkillers with alcohol to increase the effects. Opana can be particularly dangerous when consumed with alcohol increasing the potential for overdose and even death. In addition to respiratory depression, other signs of overdose include pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, coma, and death.
What Are the Signs of Opana Addiction?
If you find Opana consuming your life, whether you are constantly craving the drug or searching for it, and its use is creating havoc and health problems, then you may be facing Opana addiction. You may experience feelings of guilt and shame because you can’t control the use of the drug. If you think you are addicted, do not abruptly stop taking it.
Suddenly discontinuing Opana can cause opioid withdrawal syndrome, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. It would be best if you did not attempt Opana withdrawal alone. Seek the help of a medical professional and the safety and comfort of an Opana detox facility.
Opana Detox and Rehabilitation
Your journey to sobriety begins with a safe and effective medically supervised Opana detox to comfortably rid your body of harmful opioid toxins. While detoxifying, you will also attend counseling and therapy sessions to develop the skills needed to free yourself from Opana addiction physiologically. For more information about our Opana Detox and recovery program, call our toll-free Addiction Helpline at (855) 904-7873. Our dedicated counselors are available 24/7 to answer any of your questions confidently.
