OXYCODONE

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Definition

Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant. Oxycodone's action appears to work through stimulating the opioid receptors found in the central nervous system that activate responses ranging from analgesia to respiratory depression to euphoria. People who take the drug repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance to the drug's effects. Thus, a cancer patient can take a dose of oxycodone on a regular basis that would be fatal in a person never exposed to oxycodone or another opioid. Most individuals who abuse oxycodone seek to gain the euphoric effects, mitigate pain, and avoid withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone or heroin abstinence.

Oxycodone has a high abuse potential and is prescribed for moderate to high pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocation, fractures, neuralgia, arthritis, and lower back and cancer pain. It is also used postoperatively and for pain relief after childbirth. OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox are trade name oxycodone products.

OxyContin is designed to be swallowed whole; however, abusers ingest the drug in a variety of ways. OxyContin abusers often chew the tablets or crush the tablets and snort the powder. Because oxycodone is water soluble, crushed tablets can be dissolved in water and the solution injected. The latter two methods lead to the rapid release and absorption of oxycodone.

Common Questions

What is an opioid?

Opioids are commonly prescribed because of their effective analgesic, or pain relieving, properties. Studies have shown that properly managed medical use of opioid analgesic compounds is safe and rarely causes addiction. Taken exactly as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.

Some common types of opioids are: oxycodone, OxyContin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and meperidine.

Morphine is often used before or after surgery to alleviate severe pain.

Codeine is used for milder pain and severe coughs.

OxyContin is an oral, controlled release form of the drug.

Propoxyphene is also called Darvon.

Hydrocodone is also called Vicodin.

Hydromorphone is also called Dilaudid

Meperidine is also called Demerol. Meperidine is used less often because of its side effects.

What are some of the effects of oxycodone?

Dryness of the mouth

Confusion

Sedation

Light-headedness

Respiratory depression

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Sweating

Constipation

What are some of the risks of oxycodone?

Slow breathing

Seizures

Dizziness

Weakness

Loss of consciousness

Coma

Confusion

Tiredness

Is oxycodone addictive?

Yes!  Long-term use also of opioids can lead to physical dependence – the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. This can also include tolerance, which means that higher doses of a medication must be taken to obtain the same initial effects. Note that physical dependence is not the same as addiction – physical dependence can occur even with appropriate long-term use of opioid and other medications. Addiction, as noted earlier, is defined as compulsive, often uncontrollable drug use in spite of negative consequences.

Are there withdrawal symptoms?

Yes.  Some are listed below:

Restlessness

Muscle and bone pain

Insomnia

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”)

Involuntary leg movements

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