Oxycodone Side Effects

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone Dosage 

Oxycodone comes as a solution (liquid), a concentrated solution, a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet (Oxycontin), and an extended-release capsule (Xtampza ER) to take by mouth. The solution, concentrated solution, tablet, and capsule are taken usually with or without food every 4 to 6 hours, either as needed for pain or as regularly scheduled medications. The extended-release tablets (Oxycontin) are taken every 12 hours with or without food. The extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER) are taken every 12 hours with food; eat the same amount of food with each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxycodone exactly as directed.

Long Term Effects of Oxycodone

Opioid pain relievers such as oxycodone are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription). Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths.

Prescription opioids such as Oxycodone works by binding and activating opioid receptors on cells located in many areas of the brain, spinal cord, and other organs in the body, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure. When opioids attach to these receptors, they block pain signals sent from the brain to the body and release large amounts of dopamine throughout the body. This release can strongly reinforce the act of taking the drug, making the user want to repeat the experience.

What are the Side Effects of Oxycodone?

Oxycodone affects everyone differently, but its side effects may include:

Oxycodone and Alcohol 

The effects of combining oxycodone and alcohol can be very dangerous, as both substances depress the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) so that they slow down or even stop breathing and heart function when they are ingested simultaneously in large enough quantities. Irreversible major organ and brain damage resulting in physical and cognitive disabilities can result from mixing oxycodone and alcohol. This combination can also be deadly in large enough quantities of both substances being ingested.

Doctors will never prescribe oxycodone to patients who are known to abuse alcohol. In addition, it is not advisable to drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. Chronic (long-term) use of oxycodone and alcohol can have serious long-term health consequences and may lead to:

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms 

Giving up oxycodone after a long time of use can be challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. It’s important to seek advice from a health professional whether you have been taking it with a prescription or not.

The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely. They typically begin in this window of time and peak within 72 hours. These symptoms can last days, weeks, or even months. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person-to-person and are different depending on the type of oxycodone taken. Symptoms usually last around one week and can include:

The psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

Attempting to go cold turkey by quitting oxycodone on your own can leave you at risk for relapse or, worse, overdose and death.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Because of the effectiveness and the legality of prescription drugs, it’s often challenging to convey the dangers connected with them to the public. The National Institute on Drug Abuse stresses that education is crucial in preventing abuse of and addiction to substances like oxycodone. Prevention is preferential to treatment, as it helps a person avoid the struggles of drug abuse and the possibility of addiction in the first place.

Medications 

Medications can be helpful in this detoxification stage. This is to ease craving and other physical symptoms that can often prompt a person to relapse.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be considered by all individuals seeking treatment for Oxycodone addiction. Drugs such as Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Vivitrol may aid a person struggling with Oxycodone addiction in their recovery.

• Lofexidine. FDA approved, a non-opioid medicine designed to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is the primary medication for detoxification and Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms.

• Methadone (Dolophine or Methadose) is a slow-acting opioid agonist. Methadone is taken orally so that it reaches the brain slowly while preventing withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is only available through approved treatment programs, where it is dispensed to patients on a daily basis.

• Buprenorphine (Subutex). FDA approved. Buprenorphine relieves drug cravings without producing the “high” or dangerous side effects of other opioids. Suboxone is a novel formulation of buprenorphine that is taken orally and contains naloxone (an opioid antagonist) to prevent attempts to get high by injecting the medication.

• Naltrexone (Vivitrol). FDA approved. It is a medication primarily used to manage alcohol or opioid addiction by reducing cravings and feelings of euphoria associated with substance abuse. Opioid-addicted individuals should not receive naltrexone before detoxification.

• Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. It can be given as a nasal spray or it can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies or Psychotherapies – therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help modify the patient’s expectations and behaviors related to drug use and increase skills in coping with various life stressors.