Can You Snort Xtampza

As medicine and pharmaceuticals continue to evolve, so do our consumption methods. Many individuals may find swallowing a pill too difficult, leading to other methods of ingesting their prescribed substances.  

An example of this is in the case of Xtampza, a narcotic opioid that gives users the ability to sprinkle the contents of the capsule instead of only being able to swallow it whole. Given this information, our Christian drug rehab asks the question: Can you snort Xtampza?  

What Is Xtampza? 

Xtampza is a brand name for the commonly abused opioid, Oxycodone, and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Typically administered through extended-release tablets, Xtampza ER gives users the ability to sprinkle the substance if swallowing pills presents physical issues. Being that it is a part of the opioid family, the drug naturally presents a high risk of addiction if not closely monitored by a physician.  

Patients also may experience a variety of side effects, including: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Changes in mood 
• Tiredness 
• Nausea 
• Seizures 
• Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth 
• Dizziness 

A doctor should be notified if symptoms worsen. It should not be taken if the patient experiences severe asthma or other lung irregularities. 

How Does Xtampza Work? 

Being that it is an extended-release tablet, Xtampza ER provides a dose of the substance that is meant to last over a long period of time, as opposed to short-term relief from immediate-release drugs. This means that patients should never take more than is prescribed at a time.  

Even if Xtampza is taken exactly as the doctor prescribes, the risk of addiction is still present and should be considered at any point of taking it. A medicine this strong should never be taken if the pain experienced is not around the clock. Any deviation from a doctor's recommendation will put the patient at risk of developing an addiction, overdosing, and even death.  

 Another hallmark of this medication is its flexibility in how patients can take it. There are four options available: 

• Swallow the capsule 
• Sprinkle the inner contents onto a soft food  
• Sprinkle it through the patients feeding tube 
• Sprinkle it into a cup 

 With all this in mind, it is important to consider the ways in which individuals prescribed Xtampza can abuse it.  

How to Abuse Xtampza 

The ease at which one can remove the drug's powdered contents does raise the question, is snorting Xtampza an option?  

The short answer: absolutely not. Manufacturers clearly state that electing to snort or inject Xtampza can result in an overdose or death. Unfortunately, an individual caught in the throes of addiction may not consider this as seriously as they should.  

The concern should not be about asking, "Can you snort Xtampza?" Rather, the question should be, "Why am I asking this question in the first place?" 

 Electing to ingest a prescribed substance in any way other than those discussed with a doctor is like walking a tightrope. It places an immense amount of danger and risk in the hands of the vulnerable. Even if it works out the first time, the relief is short-lived, and once you step off, you may find that the road ahead seems even longer and more treacherous than before. 

What factors influence how long Xtampza ER stays in the body?

Several factors impact the duration for which Xtampza ER remains in the body. These factors include age, gender, kidney function, liver health, body weight, body fat percentage, genetic makeup, and opioid tolerance. Elderly individuals may eliminate Xtampza ER more slowly compared to younger adults. Women tend to have higher levels of Xtampza ER in their blood than men. People with kidney issues eliminate the drug at a slower rate, while those with impaired liver function may take significantly longer to clear Xtampza ER from their system. Additionally, a person's weight, genetics, and tolerance to opioids can also influence how efficiently Xtampza ER is processed and eliminated from the body. It's essential to consider these various factors when determining dosage and managing pain relief with Xtampza ER.

What is the half-life of Xtampza ER?

The half-life of Xtampza ER, which represents the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body, is 5.6 hours after administration. This indicates how long it takes for the drug concentration in the bloodstream to decrease by half. It typically takes 24 to 36 hours for the plasma concentrations of Xtampza ER to stabilize at a steady state after continuous administration.

How long can Xtampza ER be detected in the body through urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests?

Xtampza ER can be detected in urine from one to three days after ingestion. Blood tests can identify the presence of Xtampza ER for up to six hours following intake. Hair screenings have the ability to detect Xtampza ER for as long as 90 days after the last dose. Finally, saliva tests can recognize Xtampza ER for up to 36 hours, with detection times varying based on the individual's unique metabolic factors.

What is the treatment protocol for Xtampza ER overdose?

The treatment protocol for Xtampza ER overdose involves securing the person's airway and providing support for their breathing. An opioid antagonist is administered to counteract the effects of the overdose. If the individual is conscious, they may be assisted with a breathing mask; however, if they lose consciousness, a breathing tube may be inserted to maintain the airway. Oxygen therapy can help in cases of fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and vasopressors may be utilized to manage low blood pressure. In instances of clinically significant respiratory depression, naloxone, an opioid blocker, is given to rapidly reverse Xtampza ER's effects by disconnecting it from the body's opioid receptors.

Treatment for Opioid Addictions 

At Faith in Recovery, our Christian-based recovery programs are designed to aid you in your battle with substance abuse through a compassionate, faith-driven perspective.   

No matter what stage of addiction you may be in, Faith in Recovery is waiting to accept you with open arms. We believe in helping each individual realize their own potential through the eyes of God and his glory while harboring a sense of community for people from all walks of life. 

To learn more about our Christian addiction counseling options, call Faith in Recovery at 888-280-4763 today! 

Related Readings: 

• Understanding Opioid Addiction 
• How to Manage Opioid Withdrawal