What is the K18 Pill? Identification, Side Effects, and Risks
Opioids are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system. Doctors prescribe them to treat moderate to severe pain because of their pain-relieving properties. However, they are also known to be habit-forming and addictive.
Individuals suffering from an opioid addiction are at an increased risk of experiencing an overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids were responsible for 80,411 overdose deaths in 2021.
There are many different types of opioids out there. If you have seen your loved one using a pill marker “K18”, you might be wondering what it is. The K18 pill is 5mg of oxycodone hydrochloride, a potent prescription opioid.
While some people might use K18 oxycodone pills to treat pain, many individuals abuse it as well. There are numerous risks associated with abusing oxycodone, including life-threatening overdoses when too much is taken at once.
What is the K18 Pill?
The K18 pill is a prescription opioid used for pain relief. It contains oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Experts classify this drug as Schedule II because there is a high risk of substance abuse despite its medical uses.
K18 oxycodone pills come in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Immediate-release forms of the drug are taken every 4 to 6 hours. On the other hand, extended-release pills are prescribed to be taken at 12-hour intervals.
Doctors might prescribe the K18 oxycodone pill to treat chronic pain. It is also used after surgery and procedures that can cause temporary pain. As an opioid pain medication, oxycodone affects the mu-opioid receptors to mask feelings of pain.
Even though the K18 pill helps manage pain, using it long-term is not recommended. Over time, you could develop a physical dependence, increasing the risk of addiction.
While most people get K18 pills via prescription, some criminal drug manufacturers might press fake versions of the medication. If you are buying K18 pills off of the street, there is no way to tell what substances the pills contain.
Identifying the K18 Pill
Knowing how to identify the K18 pill can help you determine whether your loved one is abusing them. It can also prevent you from taking a fake K18 pill that could contain dangerous adulterants.
These pills will have “K 18” engraved on one side of the pill. Between the K and 18, there will be an indent in the pill. It is also important to note that they are round or circular and white.
What are the Side Effects of Oxycodone?
If you are wondering what K18 pills do, you have to look at the side effects of oxycodone. K18 pills are prescribed to manage pain. However, people might abuse this substance because it causes feelings of euphoria and a drowsy high.
The common side effects of oxycodone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Decreased alertness and coordination
- Constipation
- Itchiness or skin reactions
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Mood changes
In high doses, oxycodone can cause respiratory depression. In other words, breathing could be slowed to dangerous rates or completely stopped altogether. When this happens, it is considered an opioid overdose.
Opioid overdoses are life-threatening. If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, contact emergency medical services immediately. Once they’ve received life-saving medical care, it’s time to start thinking about treatment options for substance abuse.
Risks of Abusing the K18 Oxycodone Pill
When you continuously abuse K18 pills, you will develop an addiction. Oxycodone affects certain chemicals in your brain responsible for pleasure and reward. Over time, your system will believe it needs oxycodone to function properly.
While addiction is a serious risk associated with oxycodone abuse, there are other dangers to be aware of. The dangers of abusing K18 pills include:
Addiction
The first risk associated with K18 oxycodone abuse is addiction. When you are addicted to oxycodone, your brain and body rely on it to function properly. This means you will have a hard time controlling how much of the drug you use.
If you suddenly stop using oxycodone, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms related to oxycodone addiction include:
- Agitation and anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
If you are addicted to K18 pills, a drug rehab center can help. A combination of medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning will allow you to regain control over your life.
Overdose
Another risk associated with K18 abuse is overdose. Because K18 pills contain oxycodone, taking too high of a dose can become life-threatening. Being aware of the signs of an opioid overdose can allow you to contact emergency medical services before it is too late.
The signs of a K18 pill overdose include:
- Lessened alertness and confusion
- Shallow or stopped breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Non-responsiveness
- Pin-pointed pupils
- Clammy skin
- Blue-ish color of nails and lips
- Gurgling or choking noises
A medication called naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of an oxycodone overdose. Even if you have this medication with you, you should still contact 911. Medical treatment is still necessary after naloxone is administered.
Long-Term Health Effects
Long-term oxycodone abuse can lead to serious health complications. Thankfully, receiving addiction treatment can prevent you from developing health conditions related to long-term opioid abuse.
The long-term health effects of abusing K18 pills include:
- Circulatory problems and low blood pressure
- Liver and kidney damage
- Cardiovascular complications
- Mood swings and personality changes
- Changes in interests and social isolation
- Sexual dysfunction and decreased libido
- Higher sensitivity to pain
- Long-term financial, professional, and relationship issues
Because of the many risks associated with abusing K18 pills, you should avoid using them long-term. If you are having a hard time quitting oxycodone use, you might be dealing with a substance use disorder. Drug rehab programs like Mandala Healing Center can help you overcome an oxycodone addiction.
Find Help for Opioid Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one abuse K18 pills, you are dealing with an opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction puts you at a serious risk of experiencing life-threatening overdoses and other long-term health risks. Attending addiction treatment will prevent you from dealing with lasting effects.
At Mandala Healing Center, we believe in offering evidence-based treatments with compassionate care. We will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that suits your specific needs.
Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.
Contact us today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment program.