According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Opana is an increasing problem in the Northern United States. Like most drugs of its class, it is highly addictive and can cause major damage in a short time. In order to protect yourself and those that you love from this new drug threat, it is important to know everything that you an about it.
What is Opana?
Opana is a very powerful painkiller. People use it by crushing it and putting it in a syringe. They then inject it much like heroin. This is what is leading to an increased number of people being diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis in the north east as well as the Midwestern United States. Its active ingredient is oxymorphone, one of the most powerful painkillers on the market today. Many people who use it for both legal and illegal purposes become addicted to it very quickly.
Side Effects of Opana
There are a variety of side effects to using Opana. These side effect range from mild to severe to life threatening. These side effects are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- dry mouth
- headache
- itching
- fever
- fatigue
- dependence
- addiction
- seizures
- chest pain leading to a heart attack
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- respiratory failure
These side effects are often the reason why people stop using Opana. Many of them become extremely uncomfortable quickly.
Long Term Effects of Opana
Opana abuse can lead to addiction, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and other mental issues.
The long term effects of Opana have not been studied as extensively as the short term ones have. Many of them are still unknown. A few of the known ones are:
- dependence
- addiction
- bowel death
- cramping
- severe stomach pain
Many of those who are put on Opana as a prescription are on it due to a long term chronic and terminal illness. Those that use it recreationally are not normally forthcoming about long term effects although they are thought to be similar to other powerful opiates such as:
- memory loss
- cognitive dysfunction
- respiratory depression
- respiratory distress
- other mental issues
Using it illegally can cause legal and social consequences due to its addictive nature.
Concern Over Opana Use
The growing concern over illegal Opana use is the danger of secondary infections. More and more cases of HIV and other complications of illicit drug use, are being reported. This include secondary infections, and vein collapse. Most people who abuse Opana recreationally find out the nasty side effects very quickly. The addiction to Opana is extremely strong and the withdrawal is extremely difficult to deal with. This is why it requires treatment in many cases.
How to Find Help for an Opana Addiction
If you or someone you love is addicted to Opana or any opioid drug, it is time to get help. If you call us at 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?), we can help you find the treatment that you need before long term damage can occur.
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