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Flowerpots Asked September 2021

Does OxyContin cause hallucinations?

My mother took one at bedtime and in the morning she said she saw a man with a green rope trying to tie her legs. And she got out of bed and used her walker to go to the restroom. She normally needs help in the restroom.

againx100 Sep 2021
My mom had been oxy for years and never got addicted to it. After 2 knee surgeries, she doesn't need it anymore and had no issues getting off of it. Not every gets addicted.

At 96, addiction would seriously be one of my last concerns. Much more of a priority is having her be comfortable and not suffer needlessly.

But, the right amount is important and then she can hopefully have reduced tolerable pain without losing her mind.

Good luck.

JoAnn29 Sep 2021
I didn't think they prescribed this drug anymore. Its very addictive. Do not allow her to take anymore until you talk to the doctor who prescribed it. I am with CM about it accumulating in the system. I think in general medications of anykind build up in the elderly because they don't get rid of it as easily anymore.

Tramadol will give you hallucinations too.

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Geaton777 Sep 2021
I agree with Countrymouse that it needs to be reported back to her medical team and then maybe ask if there is a lower dosage or if the pills can be broken in 2.

Your profile says your mom is 96 years old. You don't list dementia as a known issue, but it can start manifesting at any time. Did you see her take only 1 pill? Or are you going by what she told you? It is possible that she forgot and took more than 1. It is possible that the hallucination is from a cognitive issue and coincidental to taking the Oxy. Also, please be aware that it is highly addictive to anyone who takes it. Withdrawal has its own problems. Please manage giving her the pills just to discount overdosing. And do not keep it in a place where she (or any other person who comes in to her house) can find it.

Countrymouse Sep 2021
I believe if you look in the patient information leaflet that comes with it you will find hallucinations among the possible side effects, yes. My mother began to have auditory hallucinations, and the explanation was that her impaired kidney function meant that the oxycodone was accumulating in her body so that she was unintentionally overdosing.

If your mother really needs this drug for effective pain relief, I should: 1. report the suspected hallucination to whoever prescribed it; 2. ask whether you should reduce the dose, increase the intervals, stop it altogether, or do something else. Meanwhile, reassure your mother that she is not losing her mind!

The good news may be that she was able to go to the restroom unaided because she's suddenly not in pain. Sigh. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have just ONE remedy that doesn't cause two new problems?!

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