OxyContin is a trade name product for the generic narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, an opiate agonist. Oxycodine is a central nervous system depressant. OxyContin is an oral, controlled-release oxycodone that acts for 12 hours, making it the longest-lasting oxycodone on the market. Its effects are similar to that of heroin. Therefore, both drugs are attractive to the same population of drug abusers. The abuse of oxycodone products has increased in recent years. Several deaths have resulted specifically from the abuse of OxyContin. OxyContin abuse has led to an increased number of pharmacy robberies, thefts, shoplifting incidents, and health care fraud incidents. Continued increases in the diversion and abuse of OxyContin are likely. Photograph, table, and list of 30 information sources