Opiates
A medication or illegal drug that is either derived from the opium
poppy, or that mimics the effect of an opiate (a synthetic opiate). Opiate drugs
are narcotic sedatives that depress activity of the central nervous system, reduce
pain, and induce sleep. Side effects may include over sedation, nausea, and constipation.
Long term use of opiates can produce addiction, and overuse can cause overdose
and potentially death.
Oxycontin
OxyContin
contains oxycodone, a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine.
OxyContin is designed so that the oxycodone is slowly released over time, allowing
it to be used twice daily. You should never break, chew, or crush the OxyContin
tablet since this causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet
all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose.
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