Opana vs. Roxicodone: Understanding the Differences and Risks in Opioid Use

Opana (oxymorphone) and Roxicodone (oxycodone) are two potent opioid medications that are prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. While both belong to the opioid class, they have distinct chemical properties, varying strengths, and unique risks associated with their use. Understanding these differences is essential for individuals who may be using these medications and for those seeking recovery from opioid use disorders. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we specialize in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction through evidence-based drug rehab programs, including our Intensive Outpatient Program, Residential Treatment Program, and addiction therapy programs.

What Are Opana and Roxicodone?

Both Opana (oxymorphone) and Roxicodone (oxycodone) are opioids that work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the perception of pain. Despite their similar mechanisms, the two drugs differ in terms of chemical composition, potency, and the way the body processes them.

Opana (Oxymorphone)

Opana is the brand name for oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations, allowing for different dosing options based on the individual’s pain management needs.

• Potency: Opana is significantly more potent than Roxicodone, which means that it can be more effective at managing pain but also increases the risk of misuse and overdose.
• Common Uses: Opana is typically prescribed for individuals who require long-term, continuous pain relief or those with chronic pain who have developed a tolerance to less potent opioids.
• Duration of Action: The extended-release formulation of Opana can provide relief for up to 12 hours, making it a good option for individuals who need constant pain control.

Roxicodone (Oxycodone)

Roxicodone is the brand name for oxycodone, another opioid that is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Unlike Opana, Roxicodone is often used for short-term pain management, such as after surgery or injury.

• Potency: While Roxicodone is still a potent opioid, it is generally less powerful than Opana. However, it still carries a significant risk for abuse, addiction, and overdose if not taken as prescribed.
• Common Uses: Roxicodone is available in immediate-release form, which is intended for quicker pain relief. It is typically prescribed for more immediate, short-term pain relief needs.
• Duration of Action: Roxicodone’s immediate-release formulation provides faster relief but may require multiple doses throughout the day to maintain pain control.

Key Differences Between Opana and Roxicodone

1. Chemical Composition:
   • Opana (oxymorphone) is derived from morphine, while Roxicodone (oxycodone) is derived from thebaine, a substance found in the opium poppy. This difference in chemical structure contributes to their distinct effects on the body.
2. Strength and Potency:
   • Opana is considered to be more potent than Roxicodone, meaning that smaller doses of Opana can provide the same pain relief as higher doses of Roxicodone. The increased potency of Opana makes it more likely to be misused, especially when individuals try to bypass the extended-release mechanism or crush the pill to ingest or inject it.
3. Risk of Misuse and Addiction:
   • Both drugs carry a high risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. Opioid use disorder (OUD) can develop even when these drugs are taken as prescribed, especially if used for long periods. Individuals who misuse either drug may develop a tolerance, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose.
   • Because of its higher potency, Opana carries an even greater risk of overdose when misused, making it one of the most dangerous opioids in terms of abuse potential.
4. Side Effects:
   • Common side effects of both Opana and Roxicodone include constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Due to Opana’s stronger effects, the risk of severe respiratory depression and other side effects is elevated.
   • Long-term use of these opioids can also cause dependence, which means that individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.

How Does Opana Work?

Opana, the brand name for oxymorphone, is an opioid pain medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the central nervous system. These receptors regulate pain and are responsible for the feeling of euphoria and relaxation that opioid drugs produce.

• Mechanism of Action: Opana alters the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain by mimicking natural chemicals in the body called endorphins. By binding to the opioid receptors, it blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively relieving pain.
• Duration of Effect: Opana is known for its longer duration of action compared to some other opioids, which is why it’s often used for chronic pain management. It comes in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations, with the latter designed for around-the-clock pain control.
• Metabolism: Opana is processed by the liver, where it is broken down into active metabolites. Its effects can last up to 12 hours in some individuals, especially with the extended-release form.

How Does Roxicodone Work?

Roxicodone is a brand name for oxycodone, another powerful opioid pain reliever used to manage moderate to severe pain. It operates similarly to Opana by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, but with some key differences in its formulation and effect.

• Mechanism of Action: Like other opioids, Roxicodone alters how the brain perceives pain. It does this by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and triggering the release of dopamine, which can create feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
• Duration of Effect: Roxicodone is typically prescribed as an immediate-release form, meaning it works more quickly but wears off within 4 to 6 hours, requiring multiple doses throughout the day for continued pain relief. This shorter duration can make it more prone to misuse.
• Metabolism: Roxicodone is metabolized by the liver, and its half-life (time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body) is typically shorter than that of Opana. This leads to a quicker onset and a more noticeable “high” but with a faster drop-off.

Risks of Opana and Roxicodone Use

Both Opana and Roxicodone carry significant risks, particularly when used outside of a prescribed medical context or when used for extended periods of time.

1. Opioid Addiction and Dependence

• The risk of developing an opioid addiction is one of the most significant dangers of using Opana or Roxicodone, especially in individuals who use these drugs for long-term pain management. Opioid addiction occurs when the brain becomes dependent on the drug to function, resulting in cravings, physical dependency, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not available.
• Opioid addiction is not only a personal health crisis but can also cause social and financial consequences, including job loss, strained relationships, and criminal behavior associated with obtaining the drug.

2. Overdose and Respiratory Depression

• Both Opana and Roxicodone can cause respiratory depression, which occurs when breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether. This is especially true when the drug is misused or taken in combination with other depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
• Overdose can be fatal, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdoses are a leading cause of death in the U.S.

3. Mental and Physical Health Complications

• Long-term opioid use can cause significant physical and mental health problems, including damage to the liver and kidneys, cognitive impairment, increased pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia), and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

How Opana and Roxicodone Are Misused

Opana and Roxicodone are both highly misused substances due to their pain-relieving and euphoric effects. Misuse of these drugs can lead to serious health risks, including addiction, overdose, and death. Some of the most common methods of misuse include:

• Crushing and Snorting: Users often crush tablets of Opana or Roxicodone to snort the powder, which causes the drug to be absorbed more quickly, providing an intense and rapid high.
• Injecting: Some individuals dissolve crushed tablets of Opana or Roxicodone in water and inject the solution into their bloodstream for an even faster onset of effects. This method significantly increases the risk of overdose and other severe complications, such as infection or blood clots.
• Combining with Other Substances: Mixing these opioids with other depressants, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can lead to respiratory depression (slowed breathing), a major cause of fatal overdose.

How to Prevent Opana and Roxicodone Misuse

Preventing the misuse of Opana and Roxicodone requires a multifaceted approach involving education, awareness, and careful medical management. Here are some essential steps to reduce misuse:

1. Strict Prescribing Guidelines:
   • Doctors should follow stringent guidelines when prescribing opioids like Opana and Roxicodone, including using alternative pain management options when possible and prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
   • Prescriber Monitoring: Regular monitoring through urine drug tests, pill counts, and prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) can help identify signs of misuse early.
2. Patient Education:
   • Patients should be educated about the risks of opioid misuse, signs of addiction, and the proper disposal of unused medications to prevent them from being taken by others.
3. Addiction Treatment Programs:
   • For individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, comprehensive addiction treatment programs can help manage addiction. These programs include residential treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support recovery.
   • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are highly effective therapies that can help individuals manage cravings and change harmful behavior patterns.
4. Support Groups:
   • Participation in support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, can provide a sense of community and accountability, helping individuals stay committed to their recovery.

Treatment Options for Opana and Roxicodone Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to Opana, Roxicodone, or any other opioid, seeking professional help is critical for successful recovery. Greater Boston Addiction Centers offers a range of evidence-based treatment options tailored to meet the individual needs of those recovering from opioid addiction.

1. Residential Treatment Program

Our Residential Treatment Program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals with severe opioid addiction. This inpatient treatment program focuses on detoxification, therapy, and medical supervision, providing patients with 24/7 care as they begin their recovery journey.

2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For individuals who need more flexibility but still require intensive support, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a structured therapeutic environment without requiring full-time hospitalization. Patients in IOP attend therapy several days a week, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving essential treatment for opioid addiction.

3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides a higher level of care than standard outpatient treatment, offering patients multiple hours of therapy per day. This program is perfect for those who need support throughout the day but do not require inpatient care.

4. Addiction Therapy Programs

At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we offer a range of addiction therapy programs, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These therapies help individuals address the underlying psychological issues that contribute to addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn strategies to manage stress and triggers in recovery.

Conclusion

Opana and Roxicodone are both powerful opioids used to manage pain, but their potency and potential for abuse make them dangerous if misused. Understanding the differences between these drugs and their associated risks can help individuals make informed decisions about their pain management options. For those struggling with opioid addiction, Greater Boston Addiction Centers offers a range of substance abuse treatment options, including residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and comprehensive addiction therapy programs. Make a call to GBAC right now at (617) 749-0166 to start your path to a long-term recovery!

FAQ on Opana vs. Roxicodone

What is the difference between Opana and Roxicodone?

Opana (oxymorphone) and Roxicodone (oxycodone) are both opioid pain relievers, but Opana is generally more potent than Roxicodone. Opana has a longer duration of action and is typically used for chronic pain management, while Roxicodone is an immediate-release formulation, offering quicker but shorter-lasting relief.

How does Opana work in the body?

Opana works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. It also induces feelings of euphoria and relaxation by releasing dopamine. It can be prescribed in both immediate-release and extended-release forms for chronic pain management.

How does Roxicodone work in the body?

Like Opana, Roxicodone binds to opioid receptors to block pain signals and produce feelings of euphoria. However, it is usually prescribed as an immediate-release form, which means it works faster but has a shorter duration of effect compared to Opana.

What are the risks of abusing Opana and Roxicodone?

Both Opana and Roxicodone carry a high risk of abuse and addiction. Misuse can lead to severe consequences, including overdose, respiratory depression, and even death. Common methods of abuse include crushing and snorting or injecting the drugs.