Opana Overdose
Common side effects associated with regular Opana use include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, agitation, dry mouth, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, cardiac, arrest, low blood pressure (hypotension), high blood pressure (hypertension), and sedation. Other adverse effects include dizziness, fever, itching, constipation, chest pain (angina), slow heart rate (bradycardia), coma, flushing of the skin, swelling of the extremities (edema), nervousness, confusion, disorientation, dehydration, indigestion, decreased appetite, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and lightheadedness.
Even when the drug is taken as prescribed, Opana carries a relatively high potential for abuse. People who recreationally abuse the drug commonly crush, melt, and inject Opana. The extended-release version of Opana can be especially dangerous when it is abused in this way.
In 2015, emergency action was taken by state officials after an outbreak of HIV occurred in Austin, Indiana after people were injecting oxymorphone. In 2017, the manufacturers of Opana voluntarily removed Opana Extended-Release from the market due to the high rates of overdose associated with the illicit use of the drug.

In the event of an opioid overdose, this mechanism can become disabled. Severe respiratory depression is the primary risk factor associated with Opana overdose. It can ultimately lead to catastrophic organ failure, permanent paralysis, brain damage, and death. The other two most significant signs of Opana overdose are decreased levels of consciousness and pinpoint pupils.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700Clinically significant decreased levels of consciousness are the third leg of the opioid overdose triad. In this state, the patient is unaware of their surroundings. The individual may deteriorate rapidly from being fully alert and oriented to being borderline unconscious in minutes. Other signs of Opana overdose can include muscle flaccidity, weakness, cold/clammy skin, and blue fingernails and lips.
Patients who are not opioid-tolerant should initially be prescribed no more than 10 mg to 20 mg orally every four to six hours. Doses may be increased as needed at 5 mg increments until the minimum effective dose is reached. “Opioid-tolerant” is defined as taking the equivalent of 30 mg of oxycodone or 60 mg of morphine for at least a week prior to administration.
The priority for treating an overdose should be to ensure adequate breathing by securing and protecting the patient’s airway while providing assisted or controlled ventilation as needed. This may require the placement of an endotracheal tube or the use of a bag-valve mask. Oxygen therapy and the use of vasopressors can help treat pulmonary edema and cardiovascular depression.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700