What is Roxanol? Side Effects and Warning

Since prescription opioids burst onto the scene over 20 years ago, they have become America’s fastest-growing and most devastating drug addiction. According to a recent statistic, opioids are involved in over 70 percent of drug overdose cases.²

In this article, we will first discuss the attributes and side effects of Roxanol as well as the dangers involved with its misuse. Later we will cover the common options for drug addiction treatment.

 

What is Roxanol?

Roxanol also known as morphine sulfate, is a non-synthetic opioid that derives from the opium poppy plant. Opioids are powerful painkillers that when used properly have medical benefits. However, Roxanol morphine carries a significant risk of dependency and addiction.

Prescription opioids like Roxanol are Schedule II controlled substances. This means that they have been approved for medical purposes, but their use is strictly regulated. When prescribed, Roxanol is taken as a 20mg/ml oral concentrate. It releases within 15-30 minutes and its effects last for 2-4 hours.¹

Roxanol is used to treat moderate to severe pain for those who have chronic pain and are also opioid-tolerant. It is used to treat pain after surgery. In fact, many have taken Roxanol without knowing it as it is commonly used in epidurals to provide relief from labor contractions.

Roxanol works to relieve pain by targeting opioid receptor sites throughout the central nervous system.⁵ However, Opioids like Roxanol also travel to the brain where additional receptor sites exist.

Like other opioids, morphine sulfate carries a risk of abuse and dependency. Abruptly stopping the use of Roxanol can lead to the presence of drug withdrawals, while long-term users of Roxanol may develop Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). OUD, more commonly known as opioid addiction, is a disease marked by compulsive and destructive drug use.

Side Effects and Warning of Roxanol

• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramping
• Physical and psychological dependency
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Disturbed Sleep (unusual sleeping patterns, obstructive breathing during sleep)
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Flushing or skin rash accompanied with warmth, redness, and tingling

Some side-effects of Roxanol can be severe and even deadly. If you experience any of the following side effects while using Roxanol, contact your doctor immediately.

• Difficulty breathing (hypoxia)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swelling in the face tongue or throat
• Clammy or pail skin
• Seizures
• Severe exhaustion
• Blueness around the mouth
• Feeling like you are about to faint or lose consciousness

Roxanol Warnings and Interactions

• Talk to your doctor before using Roxanol if you have sleep apnea, difficulty breathing, narrowing of the stomach or bowels, or high carbon dioxide in the blood.³
• Other CNS Depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines, MAO inhibitors, and antihistamines have been found to increase the depressant effects of Roxanol.⁴
• Using morphine simultaneously with anticoagulants or (blood thinners) can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants also known as blood thinners.⁴
• Taking Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Librium, and Valium increase levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. When used in conjunction with opioids like Roxanol, it can increase respiratory depression which in certain cases can lead to slowed or stopped breathing and hypoxia: a lack of oxygen needed for vital bodily functions.⁶
• Medications for depression or Parkinson’s disease such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline can increase the likely hood of hypertension.³

Treatment Options for Drug & Alcohol Abuse at All American Detox

All American Detox is a substance abuse treatment center offering both drug detox and rehabilitation services for drug and alcohol abuse.

Detox Services

Detox is the first step of addiction treatment and a very crucial part of the recovery process. Once a person abruptly stops using a drug they were regularly taking, the body struggles to normalize its functions without the presence of that drug. This results in what is known as drug withdrawals.

Drug withdrawals can range from mildly uncomfortable to painful and even deadly. They can also be emotionally intense, causing both powerful urges to continue using and a host of other psychological symptoms.

Due to the risky nature of detoxes, attempting them without the help of addiction professionals is highly discouraged. Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal:

• Increased blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Dehydration
• Disturbed sleep
• Fever
• Sweating
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Distress
• Shaking or shivering
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Hallucinations

At All American Detox Center, we offer drug detoxification services that feature 24/7 medical support and evidence-based strategies that maximize comfort and reduce harm. Our facility treats a range of substance abuse problems including:

• Opioids/Painkillers
• Benzodiazepines
• Heroin
• Cocaine/Crack
• Crystal Meth
• Prescription Drugs

Drug Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation is about building the support and skills necessary to sustain recovery. Inpatient rehabilitation treatment is a program where clients are offered a place to live, eat, socialize and learn more about themselves within the context of their substance abuse issues and barriers to recovery.

At our residential inpatient rehab program in Woodland Hills, California you will immerse yourself with peers in counseling, enjoy holistic therapies, and experience modern amenities in a structured and engaging environment.

Conclusion

Morphine sulfate better known as Roxanol is a powerful opioid that is used to treat pain during the surgery and for those with chronic pain. In addition to numbing the body’s perception of pain, Roxanol also travels to the brain producing an uptick in the neurotransmitter dopamine–a drug associated with pleasure and motivation.

Despite being a prescription drug, Roxanol like other opioids carries the risk of dependency, especially when abused. Dependency occurs when the body needs the drug in order to function properly. Abruptly stopping Roxanol can lead to the presence of withdrawal symptoms which can be serious if not treated properly.

Detox for Roxanol and other drugs provides individuals with a safe and effective way to get clean while overcoming withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, inpatient rehabilitation is recommended. It provides individuals with the education, training, and emotional skills to stay the course of recovery and achieve long-term sobriety.

Get Help Today

Are you with a loved one struggling with prescription opioid abuse? Drug addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. At All American Detox Center, we provide premium inpatient detox and inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation to the greater Los Angeles area.

Call us today at (844) 570-1301 to speak to one of our addiction treatment professionals.