Opioids are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS) in your brain. Doctors might prescribe certain types of opioids to treat pain, while others like heroin are illegal to use. All opioids are considered to be habit-forming and addictive.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids were responsible for 80,411 overdose deaths in 2021.
One of the main opioids used to treat pain is referred to as oxycodone. There are several different formulations of oxycodone, with one of them being called Roxicodone or “Roxies” for short. This medication is immediate-release, offering quick relief from moderate to severe pain.
While Roxicodone is effective in managing pain, it is extremely addictive. You might abuse Roxicodone to experience a drowsy and euphoric high. Unfortunately, doing so puts you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
What are Roxies?
Roxicodone is the brand name for a type of prescription opioid used to treat pain. You might have heard of them referred to as Roxies, a slang term for the medication. Doctors use them in cases where immediate relief from pain is necessary, as they are extremely fast-acting.
This medication contains oxycodone hydrochloride and comes in the form of tablets. Doctors prescribe it in doses of 5mg, 15mg, or 30mg.
By attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, Roxies lower the transmissions of pain that are sent to your brain. As a result, any moderate or severe pain you are experiencing will be reduced. That said, opioids like Roxies do not treat pain, they only mask the symptoms of it.
Because Roxicodone is so fast-acting, it is highly sought-after as a drug of abuse. If you abuse Roxies, a drug rehab program like Mandala Healing Center can help you achieve long-lasting recovery.
What Do Roxies Look Like?
Opioid medications like Roxicodone are only available by prescription. If your doctor prescribes them to you, you will be instructed not to drive or operate heavy machinery. Due to the sedating and mind-altering effects of Roxies, driving could be extremely dangerous.
If you are worried that a loved one is abusing Roxies, knowing what the pills look like can come in handy. Roxicodone comes in three different doses, and each one looks a little bit different.
Roxies appear in the following different ways:
- 5mg – a white circular pill with “54 582” printed on one side
- 15mg – a yellow circular pill with “54 710” printed on one side
- 30mg – a blue circular pill with “54 199” printed on one side
If you are buying Roxies off of the street, you are at risk of being given a fake pill. Oftentimes, criminal drug manufacturers create pills pressed with other substances and sell them as Roxicodone. Unfortunately, you might come across fake Roxies containing fentanyl, which could be deadly to consume.
With that being said, you should never buy Roxies from a drug dealer. Abusing fake Roxies could lead to life-threatening overdoses. Only take Roxicodone when your doctor is prescribing it to you for a pain condition.
How is Roxicodone Different From Oxycodone?
The major difference between Roxicodone and oxycodone is how fast the substance is released into the body. Roxicodone contains oxycodone, however, oxycodone pills are usually not as fast-acting. The effects of Roxies can begin within 15 minutes.
While Roxies offer immediate relief from pain, the effects do not last as long as oxycodone. For example, Roxicodone begins to wear off after an hour or two. On the other hand, oxycodone can affect you for as long as 6 to 12 hours depending on the formulation.
Side Effects of Roxicodone
Roxicodone contains oxycodone, so that means the side effects will be very similar. Understanding how this drug can affect you might prevent you from misusing them.
The common side effects of Roxies include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Sedation
- Lightheadedness
- Pain relief
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Changes in mood
Using Roxies long-term can lead to physical dependence. Sadly, Roxicodone addiction puts you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose, as you might take larger amounts of the substance. The signs of an overdose might include low blood pressure, slowed breathing, clammy skin, and dangerously slow heart rate.
If you believe someone you love is experiencing a Roxicodone overdose, contact 911 immediately. If you have access to Narcan (naloxone), administer that while you are calling emergency medical services. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life.
How Long Do the Effects of Roxicodone Last?
Roxicodone tends to begin affecting you within 15 minutes of consuming it and only lasts up to 2 hours. However, this is only true for the immediate-release formulation of the drug. Other types of Roxies might cause longer-lasting effects.
For example, controlled-release Roxicodone might take longer to begin affecting you. The peak effects of this medication begin within 3 to 4 hours. The effects of controlled-release Roxicodone can last up to 12 hours.
If you are addicted to Roxies, you might not experience the effects as long as others, as your body has developed a tolerance. Additionally, once the effects wear off, you will experience opioid withdrawal. Thankfully, medical detox centers can help you safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one suffers from Roxicodone addiction, it’s time to seek help. Drug rehab programs like Mandala Healing Center can help you recover with a combination of medical detox, therapy, and counseling.
Contact us today to learn more about your opioid addiction treatment options.