Opana: Abuse & Rehab

Although most people have heard of Oxycontin or Percocet addiction, there is another prescription drug that is garnering its share of national headlines.

Opana, a chemical relative to morphine, has been growing in popularity among drug users. It’s only been on the market for five years, but its powerful effects have made it one of the most popular prescription drugs for abusers.

What is Opana?

Opana is a prescription pain killer that is 6 to 8 times more powerful than morphine. It is prescribed for moderate to severe pain and is often used before surgery to reduce apprehension and help maintain anesthesia. Like its chemical counterpart, Opana creates a sense of euphoria but is less nausea-inducing than morphine. Because of its powerful effects, it’s very easy to become addicted to Opana after just a few uses.

Opana Addiction Symptoms

One of the most difficult parts of Opana addiction is that it’s initially hard to identify. The tablets are small and don’t give off a smell like some street drugs or alcohol. This makes it very easy for addicts to hide their use, and is also one of the reasons that Opana abuse has become so common in teens and young adults.
Although Opana users don’t need any special equipment to use the drug, concerned family members or friends can look for pill bottles, containers that are small enough to hold pills and white residue on surfaces from crushing the pills.

Loved ones should also be on the lookout for common Opana side effects, which can include:
•    Unexplained nausea and vomiting
•    Dizziness or drowsiness
•    Sudden anxiety or sweating
•    Frequent headaches and dry mouth
•    Constipation and gas

Even though it’s a prescription drug, it’s very easy to get it on the street. It goes by the name “octagons,” “stop signs,” “pink heaven” or “biscuits.” By crushing extended-release tablets and snorting, swallowing or injecting Opana, users can get a strong high that is similar to heroin or crystal meth. Some experts place it above morphine, heroin and dextromoramide in terms of addiction.

Long-term use can result in respiratory problems, hypotension, apnea and cardiac arrest. Since opana was designed for use with patients who have developed a tolerance to other pain killers, prescription drug addicts are at increased risk for overdose. They may use Opana in the same dosage as Oxycontin or Percocet, but since it is more powerful they may be putting their bodies at increased risk.