Overdose signs

My Dad was recently put on oxycontin- short term- for hip pain.  He is having surgery next week.  My Mom called telling me that Dad was having to concentrate on his breathing, was dizzy and having problems concentrating.  I told her to bring him to the hospital.  I will be leaving to meet them but I thought that these were all signs of a overdose.  I really haven't had these signs when I was abusing so I am not sure.  Can anyone enlighten me?

[el_em_en_oh]

Get him to a doctor... (read below):

Serious Side Effects
Some side effects with OxyContin are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
* The urge to take more OxyContin than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose (see OxyContin Addiction)
* Falling or unsteadiness
* Unusual changes in mood or behavior
* Severe constipation
* Confusion
* A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
* Difficulty passing urine
* Low blood pressure (hypotension)
* Slow or irregular breathing
* Severe drowsiness
* Seizures
* Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
   o An unexplained rash
   o Hives
   o Itching
   o Swelling of the mouth or throat
   o Wheezing
   o Difficulty breathing.

[dominosarah]

I am glad he is on his way to the hospital......Let us know when you can how he is.     sara

[scoenen]

I guess he took his oxycotin but it was broken and then an hour later took his percocets.  He went to the hospital and is ok- htank God.  He was taking 10 mg oxycodone ER.  Does that mean that he got 10 mg of oxycodone all at one time?  Would that not be the same thing as taking two 5mg percs?  I am not as familar with oxycotin

[dominosarah]

This is great news to hear that he is okay!!

[el_em_en_oh]

Stands to reason that:

2 x 5mg Percocet = 1 x 10mg Oxycontin

Don't quote me on that though. I know Percocet has both Oxymorphone AND Acetaminophen in it, and Oxycontin has Oxymorphone only. I'm not certain what the Acetaminophen brings to the table as far as drug-interactions go, but your statement that the Perc and the Oxy are the same (2x5mg vs. 1x10mg) sounds about right.

Maybe someone in the Pain-Management Community would know. They're VERY familiar with narcotic pain-meds over there (as it's a part of their daily lives), so they might know better.

I'll shoot a PM to one of my buddies over there and see what's what...

[Tuckamore]

Hello Scoenen,

I am so glad that your dad is doing alright. What a releif. I do know the fear and concern.

I was asked by a member of the PM Community to respond to your post. I hope you don't mind.

Percocet (short acting) is oxycodone and acetaminophen. OxyContin is long acting oxycodone. As you know Oxycontin is a sustained release that provides a continuous dose over an 8 to 12 hour period. When broken ALL of the opiate floods into your system at one time which obviously exceeds the actual intended dosage. I am not certain on the exact number of mg that one would obtain from a broken tablet. I just know that it is significant. I've asked other nurses and a physician and non could give my a concrete answer. I am certain that a pharmacist would know.  

Oxymorphone is the generic name for Opana, Opana ER, Numorphan HCl. It is not part of  Percocet's ingredients or chemical make up.  Hope this helps.

All My Best to You and your Dad,
~Tuck

[scoenen]

Thanks for the information guys.  I wasn't sure if the mg stated on the Oxycodone ER meant that the 10mg were released over a 12 hour period or if you received a continuous dose equal to 10mg/hour.  I was on Fentanyl and that had amount that was released by hour so I wasn't sure which it was.  If it was 10mg/hour and he cracked the pill I figured he could/ was in some deep doodoo but if it was 10mg over a 12 hour period I did not think is was as dangerous since it would be similar to taking two 5mg percs.