Opana (Oxymorphone) Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Table of Contents
What Is Opana (Oxymorphone)?
Oxymorphone is a schedule II controlled substance. It is an opioid painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. This medication works well for treating pain. However, many people misuse it because it can create a strong high when used recreationally.
Oxymorphone works by attaching to nerve receptors in the brain and increasing the body’s threshold to pain. It also changes the way the pain is experienced and perceived. When abused, it creates intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation, as well as pain relief.
Oxymorphone was sold as Opana. In June 2017, the FDA asked the maker to take it off the U.S. market. This was due to high abuse rates and the ongoing opioid crisis in America. Opana ER was taken off the U.S. market in July 2017. However, doctors can still legally prescribe generic versions of extended-release oxymorphone tablets in the U.S.
Slang for Opana
The following terms are street names or slang for Opana or oxymorphone:
- Blue Heaven
- Blues
- O
- New Blues
- Pink Heaven
- Pink Lady
- Pink O
- Stop Signs
- The O Bomb
How Common Is Opana (Oxymorphone) Addiction?
Oxymorphone has a high potential for abuse and addiction because it is a very powerful drug. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) did a survey in 2016. It found that 18.7 million people misused prescription drugs. This is about 6.9 percent of the population. One example of such a drug is oxymorphone.
Many people may begin using oxymorphone without intending to abuse it, taking it as prescribed by a doctor. But regular use can lead to tolerance, which will make a person feel like they need more of the drug to feel the same effects. As tolerance develops, the risk for Opana addiction increases, and is much more likely to occur.
Many people can become physically and mentally dependent on oxymorphone. If you have built a tolerance or are misusing it, get professional help right away.
What Are the Side Effects of Opana Abuse?
Short-term effects of oxymorphone abuse may include:
- Slowed respiration
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Fainting
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Long-term effects of oxymorphone abuse may include:
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
- Swollen abdomen/severe bloating
- Constipation
- Increased risk of developing mental health issues
- Tolerance
- Opana addiction
What Are the Signs Of Opana Addiction?
People with chronic pain may have a higher risk of becoming addicted to Opana. A person’s genetics is important. Their living situation also plays a role. Mental health issues, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, are significant too. Addiction does not discriminate and no one person is immune, so anyone may become addicted to oxymorphone.
Some common signs of oxymorphone addiction include:
- Frequently “losing” prescriptions and returning to the doctor for more
Seeing several different doctors to get more oxymorphone - Lying about an injury or exaggerating its severity to get oxymorphone
- Taking the drug in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing, chewing, or dissolving and injecting the tablets
- Buying oxymorphone from friends or strangers
- Feeling unable to stop taking the drug even after trying
- Prioritizing oxymorphone use above family, friends, work, and school
- Developing a tolerance to the drug
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Opana Detox and Oxymorphone Addiction Withdrawal
If a person addicted to oxymorphone tries to stop suddenly, they may feel many uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms. These symptoms are called withdrawal. The Opana withdrawal experience is different for everyone. It varies based on a person’s history with substance abuse, health, and other factors. A person may have some or all of these symptoms:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Teary eyes
- Yawning
- Hypertension
- Irregular heart rate
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and bone pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Attempting to detox from oxymorphone at home without professional assistance is dangerous. It’s also unlikely to be successful without professional support. Detoxing in a medically-assisted detox center is the safest and most comfortable way to get sober. It helps you stop abusing oxymorphone for good.
When you arrive at the detox center, the medical staff will do a full exam. This helps them understand your physical and mental needs. This information will help create a personalized detox plan. It will support the person in slowly reducing drug use and moving towards sobriety.
While the client is in detox, the medical team will check on them often. This is to make sure they are comfortable and doing well in the program. Any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms will be treated with medication. The client will also attend individual and group counseling as they can. Once the client has reached a stable state of sobriety, recommendations will be provided for ongoing addiction treatment.
When it’s all said and done, medically-assisted detox helps prevent relapse. It offers medical and therapy support. It also reduces discomfort during detox. Plus, it provides a safe, sober place to rest and recover.
How Long Does Opana Stay In Your System?
The half-life of oxymorphone is about 9 to 11 hours. It takes about five to six half-lives for the drug to be almost fully gone from your system. Opana can be found in your system for about 2 to 4 days after your last dose. This time can change based on your age, sex, metabolism, and organ function.
Opana (Oxymorphone) Withdrawal Timeline
It’s important to remember that each person will experience Opana detox and withdrawal differently. This timeline is just a general guide for what you or a loved one may or may not experience during Opana withdrawal.
- 12 to 24 hours after the last dose: Early Opana withdrawal symptoms may begin to appear during this time. They typically include anxiety, restlessness, and other flu-like symptoms.
- After the last dose, the person may start to feel some symptoms. This can happen 2 to 3 days later. They might experience muscle pain, nausea, headaches, sweating, trouble sleeping, stomach issues, and general irritation. Strong drug cravings are also common during Opana detox.
- 3 to 5 days after the last dose: Most intense Opana withdrawal symptoms usually go away by now. However, a person may still feel stomach cramps, muscle aches, chills, and tiredness.
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Long-Term Rehab for Oxymorphone Addiction
After completing an oxymorphone detox program, a person might want to join a long-term rehab program. This can help with ongoing Opana addiction treatment. Long-term rehab is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as treatment that lasts at least 90 days or longer. Research shows that long-term treatment gives better results. It is more likely to lead to lasting sobriety than shorter treatment.
The main goal of long-term drug rehab for oxymorphone addiction is to help people.
It aims to help them recognize harmful behaviors.
It also focuses on changing those behaviors. This includes addressing attitudes that have led to their addiction.
Opana rehab offers therapy to help with trauma and shame. It also works to remove barriers that have stopped personal growth in the past.
During rehab, clients work with addiction specialists, doctors, therapists, and peers in recovery. They aim to achieve these goals:
- Gain more knowledge and insight about the disease of addiction
- Thoroughly work through all 12 steps in the 12-step program
- Practice relapse prevention strategies
- Develop important life skills like personal responsibility, healthy relationship building, and self-care
- Begin the healing process with family, friends, and other loved ones
Drug rehab centers offer a safe and supportive space. Here, clients can recover at their own pace. They are protected from the temptations and triggers of the outside world.
Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab
There are two primary types of Opana treatment: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. Before deciding on an oxymorphone rehab program for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. This will help you make a better decision regarding the care and recovery of yourself or a loved one.
- Inpatient drug rehab means clients stay at a rehab center during their treatment program. During this time, clients live with other people in recovery. They also attend individual and group counseling sessions on-site. Clients typically stay at the facility. They only leave if they have a pass. They can also go out for group activities with others in treatment. These Opana treatment programs are usually gender-specific. They offer a strong structure during early recovery.
- Outpatient drug rehab programs are more flexible. They consist of group meetings that last several weeks or months. Clients live at home but attend group meetings several times each week. Meetings are held at a safe, clinical location and are facilitated by addiction treatment professionals. Clients learn the same materials in outpatient programs as in inpatient programs. However, outpatient programs are less structured and offer more flexibility. This oxymorphone treatment program is perfect for someone who cannot stay in an inpatient rehab center for 90 days.
What is the cost of Oxymorphone Addiction Treatment
The cost of Opana rehab varies greatly from program to program and largely depends on several factors, including:
- The client’s insurance coverage
- The type of rehab program
- The location
- The amenities offered
- The duration of treatment
Many drug rehab centers offer different payment options. These include medical insurance benefits, EAP benefits, private loans, and out-of-pocket payments. No matter your financial situation or if you or a loved one has insurance, there are many ways to pay for rehab.
Continued Care Options for Oxymorphone Addiction
Addiction to oxymorphone and other prescription opioids is not something that is easily overcome. For this reason, many people in recovery choose to continue their Opana treatment with sober living programs and aftercare. These addiction recovery support services are made to help people stay sober. They also help individuals gain experience and confidence in living independently without using drugs or alcohol.
Sober Living Programs
Sober living homes, also known as transitional living homes or ¾ houses, are safe and clean places. They provide group living for people in recovery. Most residents have already completed Opana detox and rehab programs but need continued support to maintain their recovery.
Most sober living homes also provide recovery support services which may include:
- Regular drug testing
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Personal monitoring programs
- Therapeutic services
- Employment and volunteering assistance
- One-on-one mentoring with a sober coach
Sober living programs are very helpful for people who lack a safe and drug-free home after rehab.
The cost of sober living can change based on the type of home, the location, and the support services provided. Typically, payment is collected on a monthly basis, similar to the way rent at an apartment would be.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are great for individuals who are recovering from oxymorphone addiction. These programs are designed to support alumni of drug rehab and sober living programs by providing weekly group sessions. Group meetings can serve many purposes for those involved. They can be a weekly sobriety check-in. They offer a chance to share personal struggles and achievements. These meetings provide a safe place to encourage others. They also allow people in recovery to connect with others who think like them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxymorphone is a strong pain medicine. It is used for moderate to severe pain. It comes in two forms: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER)
Yes, it carries a high addiction and dependence risk (Schedule II controlled substance) similar to morphine and oxycodone
Withdrawal can include sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, abdominal cramps, increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle and bone pain, teary eyes, and yawning
Withdrawals usually start within hours after the last dose. They can last for several days. The length of withdrawal depends on the dose, how long the drug was used, and personal factors
IR gives quick pain relief in 30 minutes and lasts for 3 to 4 hours. ER is taken every 12 hours for managing chronic pain
No, you should never stop suddenly. This can cause physical dependence and withdrawal. It is best to taper off gradually
Common effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and respiratory depression
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