Opana Addiction And Treatment Options

Prescription opioid misuse has played a central role in the United States opioid epidemic. Each year, it’s involved in thousands of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. alone.

Opana, also known as oxymorphone, is a commonly misused prescription opioid. It is prescribed for severe pain that isn’t relieved by other painkillers.

The extended-release formulation of Opana was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2017 at the FDA’s request due to its high potential for misuse. The immediate-release form may still be prescribed in limited circumstances, but oxymorphone is far less commonly prescribed today than in previous years.

Unfortunately, this drug can be addictive and has serious side effects. Addiction treatment, such as a medication for opioid use disorder or a rehab program, can help you combat drug use.

Examples Of Opana Drug Abuse

Opana misuse is a form of substance use, or any use of Opana that is not prescribed by a doctor.

Examples of Opana abuse include:

• taking higher doses than prescribed
• taking doses more often
• taking tablets from someone else’s prescription
• mixing Opana with other drugs (i.e., polysubstance use disorder)
• crushing and snorting Opana tablets
• injecting Opana (after dissolving into a liquid)

Addiction to Opana begins with misuse. When misuse becomes a pattern or a frequent behavior, it can have effects on the brain that can make it addictive.

People obtaining oxymorphone outside of a licensed pharmacy face a significant risk of fentanyl contamination. Counterfeit oxymorphone pills, including those sold as Opana, frequently contain illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which can be fatal in microgram quantities.

Treatment For Opana Abuse And Addiction

Quitting Opana for good and healing from the effects of addiction is possible.

Opana addiction treatment can come in several forms, depending on your physical and mental health needs, or those of your loved one.

Treatment programs for Opana addiction include:

Opioid Detox Program

If you’ve become addicted to Opana, getting off it will first require detoxification, or opioid detox, to help with withdrawal.

The safest method is what’s known as medically assisted detox. This is a type of detox program that can be found through a detox facility or addiction rehab center.

Medical detox can offer medication for withdrawal, medical supervision, as well as a safe and quiet place to undergo Opana withdrawal, which can last up to 14 days.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient drug rehab, also known as residential treatment, is highly recommended for people with chronic or severe addiction. Inpatient treatment offers comprehensive support in early recovery.

Inpatient programs will commonly offer:

• medical care
• behavioral therapy
• support groups
• dual diagnosis care
• medication for opioid use disorder
• family therapy
• holistic therapies
• relapse prevention planning
• aftercare support

An inpatient rehab program requires staying at a rehab facility for about 30 days, on average, to help you build the groundwork for a healthy, fulfilling, and successful future in recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the most effective method for treating opioid addiction, and may be offered on both an inpatient or outpatient level.

This involves the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) to relieve withdrawal symptoms, in combination with counseling and various types of therapy.

Research shows that people who receive MAT are significantly more likely to remain in recovery, with substantially lower rates of fatal overdose compared to those who attempt abstinence without medication.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment can provide ongoing support for people who are medically stable, have completed a rehab program, or who can otherwise benefit from a lower level of care.

Unlike residential rehab, this does not involve staying in a treatment center overnight. This typically involves attending therapy, support groups, and meeting with a doctor regularly.

Why Do People Abuse Opana?

Opana is a prescription medication that can offer pain relief. It can also cause mild to moderate euphoria, often described as a “rush” of happiness and relaxation.

Opana misuse may start out as someone simply seeking greater or faster pain relief. They may take higher doses, take doses more often, or change their route of administration (e.g., inject it).

Unfortunately, opioids like Opana can quickly lead to tolerance and physical dependence. This can make it difficult to stop taking Opana because of the development of withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects And Symptoms Of Opana Abuse

Opana abuse can be identified by certain physical, mental, and emotional side effects. When misused, these side effects can be even more pronounced.

The following are potential side effects of opioid use disorder:

• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• mental fogginess
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• slow or shallow breathing
• reduced blood pressure
• slowed heart rate
• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• tiny pupils (constricted pupils)
• itchiness
• mood swings

Additional side effects, such as collapsed veins, can also occur. This may occur if someone injects Opana. Other side effects can also occur from snorting or plugging Opana.

What Causes An Opana Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease that develops as a result of oxymorphone abuse. It does not happen instantly, but rather over time, with the repeated abuse of this drug.

What Makes Opana Addictive?

Opana is a controlled substance that depresses the central nervous system, which can cause feelings of relaxation and calm.

It attaches to what are known as opioid receptors in the brain, and increases the amount of brain chemicals like dopamine that regulate your mood and hormones.

With repeated abuse of Opana, the brain may stop producing these chemicals naturally. Once this occurs, you may have an addiction to or dependence on Opana.

Signs Of An Opana Addiction

Addiction can be difficult for some to recognize. People who become addicted may try to hide it, or may be in denial of their addiction.

Experts have, however, identified some common signs that may be useful for determining if you or a loved one has become addicted to a prescription drug like Opana.

Common signs of Opana addiction include:

• excessive drug use
• taking Opana in ways other than prescribed
• being unable to cut down on or stop taking Opana
• constantly thinking about Opana
• combining it with other drugs for stronger effects
• continuing to use Opana despite negative consequences
• going to multiple healthcare providers for prescriptions
• having opioid withdrawal symptoms (e.g. stomach cramps, anxiety, sweating)
• taking illicit opioids to relieve withdrawal
• feeling out of control with your substance use

Addiction can develop in anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or income level.

However, the risk for addiction tends to be higher among people with a prior history of substance abuse, people with mental illness, and people with a family history of addiction.

What Are The Dangers Of Opana Abuse?

Opana abuse can pose several dangers. These include rapid physical dependence, as well as a psychological addiction and increased risk for life-threatening opioid overdose.

Overdose occurs when someone takes too much of one or more drugs. This is a serious concern. An opioid overdose can cause coma (unresponsiveness), permanent brain damage, and even death.

Opana Overdose Signs And Symptoms

Illicit opioids, including Opana bought on the street, can sometimes be laced with other drugs, including fentanyl, a very powerful opioid that can be deadly even in small doses.

Mixing Opana with other drugs (including alcohol) is a risk factor for fatal overdose. Knowing signs of Opana overdose can be life-saving, if the overdose is treated quickly.

Signs and symptoms of overdose include:

• bluish lips, skin, or fingernails
• pale, clammy skin
• unresponsiveness
• slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• extremely small pupils
• limp muscles
• weak pulse
• nausea or vomiting
• seizures
• snoring (from a blocked airway)
• stomach spasms

An Opana overdose can be treated with Narcan, also known as naloxone. This is an opioid overdose reversal drug that can prevent a fatal overdose if administered quickly.

Naloxone is now available over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription. Anyone in a household where opioids are present should keep naloxone on hand and make sure people nearby know how to use it. After administering naloxone, call 911 immediately. Additionally, fentanyl-laced opioids may require multiple doses.

What Is A Lethal Dose Of Opana?

Too much Opana can lead to fatal outcomes. Studies show this opiate may be lethal if taken at doses of or exceeding 172 mg/kg.

There is no safe dose of Opana when taken outside of medical supervision. Tolerance, body weight, and co-ingestion of other substances all affect how much is dangerous for any individual. Even people with high tolerance face a lethal overdose risk, particularly when the supply is contaminated with fentanyl.

See more about lethal doses of drugs.

Risks Of Long-Term Opana Abuse

Over time, repeated abuse of Opana can have serious consequences on all aspects of your life, from your health to your relationships, social life, and ability to work or care for others.

Other long-term risks include:

• increased risk of heroin use
• poor mental health
• chronic constipation
• erectile dysfunction
• irregular menstrual cycle
• insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• severe drug addiction
• withdrawal symptoms

How Long Does Opana Stay In Your System?

Opioid analgesics like Opana generally remain in a person’s system for one to four days on average. This drug can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and for up to 90 days in your hair.

See more about how long opioids stay in your system.

Oxymorphone Addiction FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Opana abuse, addiction, and treatment options.

❓ What Is Opana?

✔️ Opana is a brand name for the prescription opioid medication, oxymorphone. This opioid painkiller is typically prescribed for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain.

Opana is chemically similar to pain relievers like oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, and the illicit drug heroin. It has a high potential for abuse and can be addictive.

❓ What Does Opana Look Like?

✔️ Oxymorphone comes in the form of an immediate-release (short-acting) or extended-release (long-acting) tablet. It is also available in an injectable liquid formulation.

❓ What Are Common Slang Terms For Opana?

✔️ Oxymorphone, or Opana, may be referred to by a number of street names to avoid detection.

Common street names for Opana include O bomb, blue, biscuits, and blue heaven among others.

❓ How Much Does Opana Cost On The Street?

✔️ Opana, like other prescription opioids of abuse, can be bought and sold illegally on the street. Street oxymorphone may cost upwards of $40 per pill.

Read about the cost of illicit and legal drugs sold on the street.

Find Treatment For Opana Addiction

Thousands of people look for opioid addiction treatment each year, for themselves or a family member. Overcoming addiction and rebuilding life in recovery is possible.

Browse our website to find a treatment center to contact today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff