Psychopharmacology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Intravenous oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine in recreational opioid users: abuse potential and relative potencies.
Nonmedical use and abuse of prescription opioids is an increasing public health problem. Intravenous (IV) administration of opioid analgesics intended for oral use is not uncommon; yet, little is known about the relative abuse potential of these drugs when administered intravenously to recreational opioid abusers without physical dependence. ⋯ There were modest potency differences between oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, but their overall profile of effects was similar, indicating significant abuse potential when administered intravenously.