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Similar to heroin, oxycodone produces â along with pain management â a euphoric high caused by stimulation of the reward center of the brain. Oxycodone elevates levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is considered the pleasure chemical of the brain. On the street, OxyContin is known as âOxy,â âOC,â âOxyCotton,â âHillbilly Heroin,â and âKickers,â and is often used if heroin or morphine is not available.
Peak levels and half life of OxyContin. The effects of OxyContin start one hour after administration and last for 12 hours in the controlled release formula. Peak plasma concentrations of OxyContin vary by dosage, but are reached between 4-5.5 hours after taking the medicine.