Oxymorphone Addiction: Signs, Health Impact, and Treatment Options

Oxymorphone is an analgesic medicine commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Healthcare professionals typically prescribe this drug only when needed because it has habit-forming potential. As oxymorphone is used for chronic pain, individuals may begin self-medicating without proper guidance in an attempt to relieve pain. 

Being an opioid pain reliever, oxymorphone carries a significant amount of risk for misuse and dependence. This substance causes moderate to severe addiction and also overdose if not taken care of. In the blog, we will talk about signs, risk factors, and dangers of oxymorphone abuse, along with how professional treatment can help prevent misuse and support recovery.

What Is An Oxymorphone?

Oxymorphone is an opioid pain medication available in tablet form. It is typically prescribed in minimal doses to patients who suffer from chronic pain and when other pain relievers do not work. This prescribed drug was previously sold under the brand name Opana or Opana ER, which has now been discontinued in the United States due to its high potency for addiction. 

Oxymorphone is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms for the management of chronic pain. Due to its risks for misuse and drug dependence, oxymorphone is prescribed with caution and is to be used under medical supervision.

How Does Oxymorphone Work?

Oxymorphone works as a pain reliever by binding with opioid receptors in the brain and eliminating the pain sensation. The drug can alter how the body perceives and responds to pain signals, making the discomfort feel less agonizing and more manageable.  

Besides blocking the pain signals and curbing pain sensations, oxymorphone also produces a sense of emotional comfort for people who use it. They often feel relaxed and calm. This happens because the opioid triggers the release of dopamine, which gives a feeling of pleasure and relief. This explains why oxymorphone is effective for severe pain and also why it carries high potency for substance misuse and dependence.

Is Oxymorphone an Addictive Substance?

If you are using this prescription medicine for the first time, you need to know that oxymorphone is a highly addictive substance. Since this medicine belongs to the opioid family, it causes misuse and dependence, especially when taken to self-medicate or without proper professional supervision. 

According to NIH research studies, oxymorphone induces typical opioid-like side effects when the individual stops taking the drug. Often, the symptoms are uncomfortable and may trigger relapse. Individuals who have already developed a dependence on oxymorphone reported intolerable side effects that are difficult to shake off.

How To Know Whether You Have Oxymorphone Addiction – Signs To Consider

The signs of oxymorphone addiction are similar to those of any other opioid substance abuse. At the beginning, the person feels like they will not survive without the drug. This sets the stage for psychological dependence. As the cravings grow stronger, the person may begin to consume the substance regularly, leading to tolerance and addiction. 

Here are the common signs of oxymorphone addiction:

• Intense cravings that lead to repeated urges to use the drug
• Taking higher doses or continuing the drug beyond the prescribed timeline
• The person may find it hard to discontinue the drug despite several attempts
• Feeling anxious and irritable when not using the substance
• Lack of interest in social activities
• Using oxymorphone for emotional relief
• Difficulty with focus and concentration
• Unable to accomplish daily tasks successfully
• Feeling drowsy and having a slow reaction time
• Developing a tolerance to higher amounts of the drug to feel the same effects
• Loss of interest in activities they once liked
• May experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

Likely Causes and Risk Factors

Several biological, psychological, and environmental factors may contribute to oxymorphone addiction.  Some of the risk factors feed on one another and increase the person’s likelihood of drug tolerance and dependence.

Medical factors:

• Using oxymorphone for pain management for a longer duration than what was prescribed by healthcare providers
• Misusing the drug and using it for a pleasurable high, not for pain
• Use of extended-release formulations that stay in the body for a long time, causing euphoria and a feel-good effect, leading to potential misuse

Biological factors:

• History of substance use or opioid addiction
• When tolerance builds up, the person may require a  higher dose to experience the same effect
• Family history of addiction or genetic link can be a risk factor for oxymorphone addiction. NIH -backed research has suggested that family and twin studies consistently show higher rates of opioid dependence among individuals with a genetic link. 

Mental Health and Lifestyle Influences:

• Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, may increase the likelihood of prolonged oxymorphone use
• Using oxymorphone as self-medication to reduce anxiety, restlessness, and other emotional problems
• Using oxymorphone with other substances like alcohol or other drugs without medical supervision

Oxymorphone Statistics

Misuse of prescription opioids is common in the United States and is a major concern for public health and well-being.  Research references of SAMHSA suggest that about 8.6 million Americans older than 12 were reported to misuse prescription opioids in 2023. This misuse increases the risk of overdose and can prove fatal if timely intervention is not sought.

The Side Effects of Oxymorphone Abuse

As already mentioned, oxymorphone abuse leads to drug tolerance and dependence. It increases the risks of overdose if not treated at the right time. When oxymorphone is used in the wrong way, it leads to moderate to severe health problems. Some of the side effects can be divided into physical impacts and psychological impacts:

Physical Impacts

• Drowsiness
• Upset stomach
• Respiratory depression
• Excessive sweating during withdrawal
• Nausea or vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Pinpoint pupils
• Sleep disturbances
• Suddenly losing consciousness

Psychological impacts

• Strong cravings
• Euphoria or persistent sad mood
• Anxiety and persistent fear
• Forgetfulness
• Mental fog

Dangers of Oxymorphone Addiction

There are three major dangers associated with prolonged oxymorphone use. They are addiction, overdose, and using it with other substances. Addiction sets in when tolerance increases, and dependence continues, ultimately leading to overdose if not treated. When used with alcohol, oxymorphone may cause sedation, respiratory depression, and other serious health complications.  

Treatment Options

The treatment methods are varied, but the right choice depends upon the person’s medical history, years of substance abuse, and individual needs. Some of the treatment options are as follows: 

Medical detox: This involves a structured and supervised method to cleanse the body from oxymorphone, managing withdrawal symptoms safely under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This is a comprehensive approach that treats addiction with medications and therapy. It helps to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Intensive therapy: Once the detox phase of treatment is over, individuals are given therapy sessions that focus on learning new coping skills to manage cravings, handle trauma, or any other psychological problem that may have led to their substance abuse.  

Inpatient rehabilitation: This treatment facility works best with individuals who have moderate to severe oxymorphone addiction or those with a dual diagnosis. It provides 24/7 medical support that helps to reduce triggers of addiction, support a safe detox, and help manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.

Conclusion

Oxymorphone addiction is a treatable condition through medical support and ongoing therapy. With the right kind of recovery approach, patients successfully overcome dependence by managing withdrawal symptoms and rebuilding a healthier life for long-lasting sobriety.