Opana (Oxymorphone) Addiction | Opana In Ohio

A wide range of fully synthetic and semi-synthetic opiate and opioid drugs have been developed and approved for medical use, allowing healthcare providers to better manage severe pain and chronic pain.

However, narcotic painkillers like Opana have a high potential for physical dependence, abuse, and addiction and are frequently diverted for high-risk recreational use.

What Is Opana?

Opana IR and Opana ER are strong brand-name prescription pain relief medications containing the opioid drug oxymorphone hydrochloride. They are produced by Endo Pharmaceuticals.

These medications, which are formulated as immediate-release and extended-release tablets, are prescribed to treat severe or chronic pain after injury, surgery, or as a result of a chronic medical condition like cancer. They are also often used in combination with general anesthesia.

Oxymorphone is also available as a generic medication. No other oxymorphone brand names besides Opana are on the market as of 2022.

Is Opana A Controlled Substance?

As with other opioid medications, Opana and Opana ER are classified as Schedule II controlled substances and are only legally available with a valid medical prescription.

A Schedule II designation indicates that Opana, while it does have a valid medical use, is considered to have a very high potential for abuse leading to the development of physical and/or psychological dependence and addiction.

Side Effects Of Opana Use

The most common side effects of oxymorphone are:

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fever
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating

Is Opana Addictive?

Unfortunately, oxymorphone has the potential to be severely addictive, especially when taken in higher doses than recommended.

Each time the brain experiences the high provided by this drug it will form a deeper connection between that pleasure and its trigger, driving a person to keep taking Opana or other narcotics through intrusive thoughts and intense drug cravings.

Opana Abuse

Drug abuse occurs whenever a drug is used for any other purpose or taken in any other way than directed by a licensed healthcare provider. 

Opana abuse may include 

• selling or giving the drug to others to use
• taking more Opana than prescribed
• taking it more often than prescribed
• using it with other psychoactive substances to increase the overall effect
• obtaining prescriptions under false pretenses

Opana tablets are taken orally, though the drug is also sometimes tampered with to increase its effects. This can include parachuting (crushing the drug into a powder and swallowing it in a tissue), plugging, snorting, injecting, or smoking the drug.

Effects Of Opana Abuse

Oxymorphone is a strong opioid agonist, which means that when the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream it binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and in the brain in particular.

This binding action mimics the body’s natural endorphins, which contribute positive feelings of wellbeing. However, oxymorphone produces intense effects that can change how the body reacts to pain signals at lower doses and trigger a potent dopamine-driven euphoria at higher doses.

Oxymorphone will also tend to slow down the central nervous system, lowering a person’s heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and both physical and mental tension while the drug remains active in the body.

Opana Overdose

If the concentration of the drug in the body is too high, or it is mixed with other CNS depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or muscle relaxants, oxymorphone can cause opioid overdose symptoms similar to oxycodone (Oxycontin), heroin, and fentanyl.

When this happens, a person’s heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, body temperature, and level of consciousness will all likely fall dramatically. 

At the same time, the victim’s pupils will tend to shrink to pinpoints while their lips and fingertips turn blue and their skin grows cold and clammy.

In the worst case, a person may stop breathing entirely due to respiratory depression, leading to brain damage or death.

If you suspect an oxymorphone overdose has occurred, immediately call for emergency medical attention and provide first aid to the victim, including using the opioid antidote drug naloxone (Narcan) if available.

Opana Withdrawal

Over time, Opana addiction can do severe damage to an individual’s personality, behavioral health, relationships, financial stability, and overall physical health as well.

Prolonged use will likely result in the development of physical dependence, a condition in which the body becomes dependent on the drug, and any attempt to cut back or give it up produces uncomfortable and often severe Opana withdrawal symptoms.

Opana Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction, including oxymorphone addiction, is a form of substance use disorder that should be addressed in a professional drug addiction treatment program.

After an evaluation, participants will receive a personalized treatment plan that may include evidence-based treatment options such as:

• medical detox
• inpatient treatment
• behavioral therapy
• medication-assisted treatment using methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone
• aftercare support

If you or your loved one struggle with opioid abuse, dependence, or addiction, contact Ohio Recovery Center today to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Does Opana Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, Opana can show up on urine, saliva, blood, and hair tests as oxymorphone or its metabolites. The detection window for Opana use can be about 1 to 3 days on average.

Learn more about Drug Testing For Opana

How Much Does Opana Cost On The Street?

Opana costs around $1 per mg on the street. Sometimes it can cost up to $2 per mg. Factors that determine Opana’s street price include location, purity, quantity purchased, and your relationship with the dealer. 

Learn more about Opana Street Value & Prescription Cost