Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Oxycontin as follows:
- Oxycontin slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Increase intake of daily fiber can help the situation and promote regular bowel movements. Any signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and ileus, such as, intense bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting must be immediately reported. Any lack of bowel movement in 3 days must be reported to the physician.
- Oxycontin produces an intense feeling of drowsiness and dizziness, as a side effect to modifying the pain perception of brain. Patients can also experience hallucinations and mood changes due to Oxycontin use. Oxycontin must be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals taking antidepressants and other psychotropic medications that have the potential to induce hallucinations and mood changes. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Oxycontin affects you.
- Oxycontin has the potential to increase the intracranial pressure. Maintain a close watch for signs of elevated intracranial pressure, such as, headache, vomiting, double vision, and confusion. Individuals with history of head injury, curvature of the spine, and intracranial lesions are at increased risk for elevated intracranial pressures. Report any such findings to your physician immediately for a change in plan of care to be considered.
- Avoid using Oxycontin along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with Oxycontin and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression.
