Advertisement

OxyContin® is the controlled release form of oxycodone (Percocet). Unlike short acting pain medications that must be taken every 3 to 6 hours, OxyContin® tablets are taken every 12 hours, reducing the ups and downs of having to take pain medication several times during the day or night. This twice-daily dosing gives patients some freedom back, as well as quality nighttime rest that is sometimes elusive to FM and CFS sufferers.

Unlike Percodan and Percocet, OxyContin® contains no aspirin or acetaminophen that may be toxic in maximal daily doses. Most patients experience pain relief within one hour of taking a single tablet. OxyContin® is unique because there is no maximum daily dose or "ceiling" dose to analgesic efficacy, allowing physicians to slowly adjust the dosage upward when needed for pain control. In addition, there is no significant drowsiness or drug effect in most patients and it is generally well tolerated.

A doctor must prescribe OxyContin®. It must be used in the correct dose and patients are strongly cautioned to stay on the dosing schedule. Tablets must be taken whole in order to avoid potentially serious side effects.

Launched in 1996, OxyContin® was originally available in 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tablet strengths.