Oxy dosage question

[Boulder257]

I recently ran into a troubling question as it pertains to Oxy. I admit my own naivity on the subject, so I leave it to one of you to help understand. I have come in contact with Percocet, which contains 2.5MG of Oxy, but then I also see an 80mg Oxy tablet on the market. Is the 80mg a time released version? Can you cut the pill four ways to instead have 4 20mg doses? Can anyone send me to a decent place to learn about Oxy doses?

Thanks,

[happyhbmom]

I don't think an 80 mg IR is available in the US, is it?

[TrayCee]

80mg oxycodone can be cut.  80mg Oxycontin is time released and should not be cut.  When a time released pill is broken or cut its no longer time released and all the drug is released at once.

PLEASE be very careful with this med, its REALLY strong, especially if youve only been taking 2.5 mg

Hope this is helpful.

[happyhbmom]

There are many and varied doses of opiate pain relievers available in both instant and extended release so that chronic pain patients can get the best coverage they can get.  Indeed, some very tolerant people can take an extended release 80 mg oxycontin tablet.  However, that could be a very dangerous pill for another person, for whom it was not prescribed.  And if you cut it it becomes even more dangerous (hopefully this is harder with the newer formulation).

Never, ever take an opiate medication meant for someone else.  Many opiates on the market are only safe for people who are already "tolerant," and that is a determination to be made by a doctor.

If you go to your doctor and they do not think your pain is severe enough to be worth the risks of opiate medications, take that opinion very seriously.  These medications are not harmless.

[optimus22mac]

Flower has given you very good advice.  The only place you should be sent to learn about any type of medication is the doctor or pharmacist that has prescribed it to you.  The difference between a 2.5mg percocet and an 80mg oxycontin is astronomical, and could mean the difference between life and death.  Cutting a time release form of medication can lead to fatality...these are very serious medications with very serious side effects.  

[flower12345]

There is a new Oxycontin on the market. You should not cut any type of long-acting medication. Oxycontin is a long-acting medication and thus you shouldn't ever cut it because you can die of an overdose. The new pill is more tamper-proof. Please be careful. Yes, the 80mg. tablet is an extended release pill that releases medication over a 12 hour period.  Can you talk to your doctor about the questions that you have? Are you prescribed oxycodone? Please don't cut any medication without asking your doctor first.

Hugs,

Flower