The Molecular Universe

Oxycodone and OxyContin

Oxycodone (shown below) is a drug which acts on the brain in much the same way as heroin or morphine. Oxycondone is marketed as OxyContin (the 'Contin' part of the name indicating continuous release) and when mixed with an analgesic the resulting combination is marketed as Percocet, Endocet, Tylox, Roxicet, Percodan, Endodan or Roxiprin.

Comparing the structures of oxycodone and heroin you will see many similarities. The receptors in your brain are similarly hard pressed to distinguish between the two molecules and the effects of oxycodone are very similar to the effects of heroin.

Medically oxycodone is a powerful pain killer and this is what the drug OxyContin is prescribed for. However, like heroin, which is also an effective pain killer, oxycodone is highly addictive.

This has led to many people originally prescribed oxycodone for their pain becoming addicted to the drug. Additionally, like heroin, oxycodone suppresses respiration making it quite possible for casual users to overdose and to be asphyxiated by the drug.