⁠What are K18 Pills?

“K18” is a strong prescription painkiller that contains oxycodone. It usually comes as a round, white pill and is a powerful opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. When taken under a doctor’s care, it can provide much-needed relief, but pain pill addiction is still a big risk.

Whether you’ve been prescribed the K18 pill or you’re worried about someone misusing it, it’s important to understand how it works and what to watch out for. This article breaks down what you need to know, from how it’s used to possible side effects to where to turn for help if you need it.

How Does the K18 Pill Work?

When you take the K18 pill, its active ingredient, oxycodone, targets specific parts of your brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors. These receptors control how your body processes pain. By binding to them, oxycodone blocks pain signals and releases chemicals in your brain called endorphins that help you feel good and create a sense of relief.

The pleasure from endorphins can compel people to keep taking the pill, even when their pain is gone. As time goes on, they may begin depending on the drug to feel a sense of well-being, and this could progress to full-blown addiction.

What are the Common Side Effects of K18 Pills?

The side effects of this opioid medication depend on a person’s health, how much they take, and how long they use it. Common, milder side effects include nausea, especially as your body gets used to the medication. Some people also feel dizzy, overly sleepy, or lightheaded. Adjusting the medication’s dose or having it with food can help to reduce these effects. As for dry mouth and headaches, drinking more water can help.

Serious Side Effects and Risks

One of the most dangerous effects of K18 pills is respiratory depression. This happens when the medication slows down your breathing to the point that your brain and body do not get enough oxygen. High doses and simultaneous use of alcohol or benzodiazepines can heighten the risk of respiratory depression.

Some people might also experience irregular heartbeats or significant changes in their blood pressure. These fluctuations can cause medical emergencies like heart failure or a stroke. If you notice this happening on time, please seek medical help right away, especially if the person already has a heart condition.

The K18 pill can also affect your brain, causing things like deep sedation, confusion, or a lower level of consciousness. In more severe cases, it can cause intense memory and thinking difficulties, and even convulsions which could make tasks like driving or using machinery dangerous.

On top of that, opioids like K18 can cause severe constipation, which is common but can also lead to a serious condition like bowel obstruction. If you experience intense abdominal pain or throw up dark green liquids, it might be a sign of this surgical emergency.

Signs of K18 Addiction

If someone is developing an addiction to K18 pills, there are a few behaviors and physical signs you might start to notice, both in their actions and how they seem to be feeling.

In terms of behavior, they might start taking the pills more often or in higher doses than they were prescribed. They may even go as far as "doctor shopping," i.e., trying to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors. They could also start missing important responsibilities at work, school, or home. People with an addiction may isolate themselves, pulling away from family and friends, and they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

One of the most noticeable signs you can see on a user's outward appearance is that their pupils get really small—pinpoint. You might also see them nodding off or being excessively drowsy, almost as if they’re drifting in and out of sleep. Slurred or slow speech is another red flag. Sometimes, they might feel nauseous or throw up without any clear reason, which can be a sign their body is reacting to the drug.

They might go through unexplained and sudden mood changes, like becoming irritable or agitated over something that would usually not get that reaction from them. If they already struggle with anxiety or depression, those symptoms could worsen. They might also constantly be craving oxycodone and plotting how they get their next fix.

If you’re noticing these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to take it seriously. Addiction can happen quickly, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Need Help With a K18 Addiction?

If you’re worried that you or someone you know has gotten addicted to K18 pills, it is not the end of the world. Many people are going through the same thing. Consider a well-equipped and inclusive addiction treatment center like Pride Detox. 

Pride Detox is an LGBTQ-focused rehabilitation center that provides a safe, supportive atmosphere where you can focus fully on your recovery. Our treatment programs will help you develop better coping skills and a support system to prevent future struggles.

Call 1-562-554-5375 to learn more about our programs and therapies and how you can begin your journey to recovery.