Are OxyContin and oxycodone the same? As far as ingredients go, yes; these two drugs contain the same active ingredient. In terms of drug effects and drug uses, surprisingly no.
OxyContin exists as a brand name formulation of oxycodone. According to the University of Maryland, oxycodone, a naturally derived opium plant alkaloid works as the sole active ingredient in OxyContin. At this point, the similarities between OxyContin and oxycodone start to diverge.
As a base ingredient, oxycodone can be used alongside a handful of non-opiate pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The combination of oxycodone with non-opiate agents produces yet another line of brand name drugs, some of which include Tylox, Percodan and Percocet.
Whether using OxyContin or oxycodone, the risk of abuse and addiction applies for both drugs, though they do differ in strength and overall addiction potential. Ultimately, the difference between Oxycontin and oxycodone lies in how each drug relieves pain symptoms and their overall intended effects.
We can help you find OxyContin and oxycodone addiction treatment. Call 888-810-2643 today.
Oxycodone’s Base Effects
Like most every other opiate on the market, oxycodone essentially hijacks brain cell functions and interferes with nerve pain signal transmissions throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Oxycodone’s pain relieving effects result from the massive amounts of endorphin chemicals released throughout the brain and CNS. These same effects also account for the feelings of calm and euphoria experienced from taking the drug.
OxyContin is a brand name drug which contains oxycodone.
Along with acting as the brain’s chemical messaging system, endorphins are the body’s own natural “feel good” chemicals. Not only does oxycodone create its own “feel good” effect, but also kicks the body’s natural pain relief system into gear.
Oxycodone’s addictive properties take root within the brain’s reward pathway once the drug’s effects have all but reconfigured chemical process throughout the brain. Once a person becomes addicted to oxycodone, he or she remains at the mercy of the drug’s effects as brain cell functions continue to deteriorate with ongoing use.
Oxycodone use is dangerous. Call 888-810-2643 for help quitting oxycodone today.
Drug Effect Differences
OxyContin and oxycodone differ most in the types of effects each drug produces. In general, oxycodone delivers relief from pain symptoms on a short-term basis. Oxycodone takes effect within 15 to 30 minutes and offers pain relief for up to four hours.
OxyContin is formulated to produce pain-relieving effects for an extended period of time. OxyContin’s chemical structure comes with a built-in time-release mechanism that triggers brain cell endorphin secretions on a continuous basis. Rather than four hours of pain relief, users can expect up to 12 hours of relief from pain.
Addiction Risks
When abusing oxycodone or OxyContin, users typically crush up the drug tablet and smoke, snort or inject the drug. Engaging in this form of drug abuse with oxycodone carries of high risk of addiction. With OxyContin, the addiction risk increases exponentially.
OxyContin’s built-in time-release mechanism becomes null and void when crushed up into powder form. In effect, users experience the full force of the drug all at once compared to oxycodone’s short-term pain relief effects.
Even in cases where users abuse either drug as-is, in tablet form, OxyContin still carries a higher risk of addiction due to the incredible strain the drug places on brain cell functions. Ultimately, any form of drug use that veers outside prescription guidelines places a person at considerable risk of ongoing abuse and eventual addiction.
5 Long Term Effects of Oxycodone You Should Be Aware Of -
Oxycodone abuse can lead to painful withdrawal episodes and long term psychological issues. 
10 Possible Consequences of Oxycodone Abuse -
Oxycodone products such as OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet, and Percodan are some of the choice drugs for abuse and while the consequences of oxycodone abuse are more prevalent than ever, oxycodone products remain high on the list for diversions of controlled prescriptions drugs (CPDs). The DEA 2014 National Drug Threat Assessment reports that “According to the ... 
15 Common Dangerous Side Effects of Oxycodone -
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to chronic and severe pain depending on the prescription brands and formulations. Available in prescriptions drugs like Percocet, OxyContin, Roxicodone, and Oxecta; oxycodone is one of the most desirable drugs on the street for abuse and the maintaining of opioid addictions. Diversions of these drugs are continuously ... 
Telling the Difference Between Oxycodone Use and Abuse -
Oxycodone is prescribed in order to treat particular health issues and pain, however it can easily lead to an abuse problem. 
Dangerous Side Effects of Oxycodone -
Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever available in preparations of immediate release tablets from 5mg to 30mg, extended release tablets from 10mg to 80mg, and combined with other analgesics to enhance pain relief while minimizing the opioid content per dose. Oxycodone medications are prescribed to be taken orally and while some are intended to be ...