Skip to main content

Guide to Oxycodone Side Effects: Understand the Risks & Symptoms

When you do stop oxycodone treatment, healthcare providers will taper your intake to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. There is not one standardized tapering schedule as the rate of tapering should be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and concerns. Generally, the rate and duration of tapering will depend on how long you have been taking the drug. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever that how addictive is oxycontin is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations, and it is also available in combination with other medications, such as acetaminophen.

  • The precise mechanism of action of Oxycontin is not known, but it may involve stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain.
  • Both of these drugs can pass through breast milk and harm your child.
  • How much sleepiness affects you depends on individual factors such as your age, overall health, and genetics.
  • Store oxycodone products in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose.
  • It works on your nervous system and brain to reduce the amount of pain you feel.

Other Opioids

Close follow-up with healthcare providers and creation of a pain management plan is an effective way to manage chronic pain. This plan may include limiting opioid medicines to the lowest effective dose for a limited period of time. The plan may also include non-medicine treatments such as relaxation techniques, massage therapy, or transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS). The combination drug Percocet, which contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen, is available to manage moderate to severe pain that’s not managed by non-opioid medications. Oxycodone is a commonly prescribed opioid for managing moderate to severe pain, but its risks of dependency, addiction, and side effects have prompted the exploration of alternative pain management strategies. These alternatives range from non-opioid medications to other opioids like morphine or fentanyl, as well as non-pharmacologic therapies.

oxycontin side effects

Dosage for OxyContin

OXYCONTIN contains oxycodone, a substance with high potential for misuse and abuse, which can lead to the development of substance use disorder, including addiction see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). There are no established conversion ratios for conversion from other opioids to OXYCONTIN defined by clinical trials.

In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation may be altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related adverse reactions see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Inform patients and caregivers not to increase opioid dosage without first consulting a clinician. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperalgesia, including worsening pain, increased sensitivity to pain, or new pain see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS. Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting OXYCONTIN or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages.

Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance

This is a prescription drug that’s used in adults to manage pain that’s severe enough to need an opioid medication. Oxycodone IR oral tablets are used when non-opioid pain treatments haven’t worked well enough or can’t be taken. Titrate the dosage of OXYCONTIN slowly in geriatric patients and frequently reevaluate the patient for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression. Do not abruptly discontinue OXYCONTIN in a patient physically dependent on opioids. When discontinuing OXYCONTIN in a physically dependent patient, gradually taper the dosage. Rapid tapering of oxycodone in a patient physically dependent on opioids may lead to a withdrawal syndrome and return of pain.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). “Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders. “Doctor shopping” (visiting multiple prescribers to obtain additional prescriptions) is common among people who abuse drugs and people with substance use disorder.

oxycontin side effects

Other Interactions

Regularly evaluate for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension see Use In Specific Populations. Use of higher starting doses in patients who are not opioid tolerant may cause fatal respiratory depression see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Consider prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose. Oxycontin (oxycodone hydrochloride) is available as controlled-release tablets in strengths of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 160 mg tablets (60 mg and above used only for opioid tolerant patients). Misuse, overdose, and withdrawal can have severe effects on your health and functioning.

Can I take other pain medications together with oxycodone?

Healthcare providers will continue monitoring vital signs and may provide additional doses if necessary. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. While it can be highly effective, its potency requires strict adherence to prescribed guidelines to ensure safety and minimize risks. Misuse or improper handling of oxycodone can lead to serious complications, including addiction, overdose, and life-threatening side effects.

oral concentrate: Schedule II

oxycontin side effects

Oxycodone IR oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health Alcohol Use Disorder history before you take oxycodone IR oral tablets. Boxed warning for use with drugs that affect a certain enzyme. Additionally, taking oxycodone IR oral tablets with drugs that affect a certain enzyme (type of protein), called CYP3A4, may impact the effects of oxycodone. This medication also has a boxed warning regarding risks if it’s used with certain other drugs. Your doctor will discuss your pain management plan and they’ll tell you about the safety of using other medications with oxycodone.

How to store oxycodone

They’re very similar, but there are some differences in side effects. Into Action is an addiction treatment center specializing in personalized treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, conveniently located in Houston, Texas and led by experienced master’s level counselors and medical professionals. Additionally, combining oxycodone or any opioid with other substances is extremely dangerous. For instance, pairing alcohol and oxycodone can result in breathing issues and increased confusion.

Leave a comment