Oxycodone Side Effects & Warnings

Oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) is an opioid medication used to help treat those suffering from severe pain. Oxycodone is an opiate analgesic and Schedule II controlled substance that can lead to psychological or physical dependence.

This prescription drug is offered in immediate-release or long-acting/extended-release tablets. Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen, including the brand name painkiller Percocet.
Oxycodone is a drug that comes with numerous side effects and warnings.

Side Effects Of Oxycodone

Oxycodone provides pain relief by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). As A CNS depressant, oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This can lead to side effects which range in severity, including sedation.

Common Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects associated with oxycodone, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), include:

• • constipation
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness
  • Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of oxycodone use may consist of:

• shallow breathing
• irregular menstruation for women
• erectile dysfunction in men
• fluctuations in heart rate
• low blood pressure
• withdrawal symptoms
• opioid overdose

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop taking your prescribed dose of oxycodone, you can experience withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms associated oxycodone withdrawal, as stated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), include:

• seizures
• tremors
• changes in mood
• sleeping problems
• anxiety or depression

Oxycodone Warnings

There are several warnings associated with the use of oxycodone, including abuse potential, contraindications, drug interactions, and overdose.

Oxycodone Abuse

Those who participate in snorting, smoking, or plugging oxycodone may experience life-threatening effects. The risk of dangerous effects can also increase when you take more oxycodone than prescribed or mix it with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Health Conditions

If a person suffers from a specific health condition, they should speak with their doctor before taking the drug. For instance, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may develop trouble breathing due to the respiratory distress which can occur.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid oxycodone as the drug may pass from mother to child through breast milk.
Additionally, those suffering from a head injury should avoid oxycodone, and those with disease of the adrenal gland, liver, or pancreas should not take the drug.

Drug Interactions

Oxycodone should not be taken with other substances due to life-threatening effects that may occur. Some of the substances to avoid while on oxycodone consist of:

• benzodiazepines
• antihistamines
• alcohol
• over-the-counter pain medications
• supplements or vitamins
• certain antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Those who combine oxycodone with other drugs and substances may experience serious dangers, including allergic reactions which can result in a person experiencing hives.

Oxycodone Overdose

Taking higher doses of oxycodone, or mixing it with other drugs/alcohol, can lead to severe Oxycodone overdose effects such as:

• clammy skin
• severe sleepiness
• breathing problems
• respiratory depression
• loss of consciousness
• death

If you suspect an oxycodone overdose has taken place, seek urgent medical attention. The medication naloxone (Narcan) can be administered to reverse the harmful effects of opioid overdose.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug abuse, Bedrock Recovery Center can help. At our inpatient treatment center, our team of healthcare professionals develop an individualized treatment plan just for you.

Our oxycodone addiction treatment options include medical detox, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, and group therapy.

To learn more about how our treatment plans can benefit you or a loved one, please contact us today.

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