Oxycodone is the generic name for a painkiller medication that belongs to a group called opioid analgesics. Its main job is to work its way up to your brain and change your body’s response to pain.
It’s typically prescribed in pill form and should be taken orally. Oxycodone is known as an around-the-clock pain treatment, which means it should be taken on schedule and not on an as-needed basis.
Why People Use Oxycodone
Doctors typically prescribe Oxycodone to individuals with moderate to severe body pain. This medication is usually taken after surgeries, during illnesses, or if someone has ongoing pain in a specific part of their body.
While Oxycodone is known to relieve pain, it can be potentially dangerous. Oxycodone is highly addictive — and dependence on the drug may result in undesirable side effects or an overdose.
Mental Side Effects of Oxycodone
Oxycodone has a variety of possible side effects, so let’s start with the mental ones.
The following symptoms are relatively common and may go away with continued use:
- Relaxed & calm nature
- Sleepiness
- Abnormal dreams
- Anxiety
While the effects above are nothing to worry about, call your doctor right away if you begin to feel a sense of confusion or cloudiness.
Physical Symptoms from Oxycodone
Now, let’s focus on what can physically happen to you after taking Oxycodone.
These symptoms are natural and even normal for those using Oxycodone:
- Constipation
- Loss of strength or muscle
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Noisy breathing
While these side effects aren’t desirable, they aren’t necessarily dangerous either. If you experience any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor as soon as possible to avoid dangerous results such as an overdose:
- Chills
- Cold sweats
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or faintness
- Fever
- Tight chest
Signs of An Oxycodone Overdose
Oxycodone overdose is very possible for individuals who misuse the drug. If you think that you or someone you know might be experiencing an overdose on Oxycodone, look out for the following signs and call a hospital or medical center as soon as possible:
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Small pupils
- Decreased responsiveness
- Extreme drowsiness
- No muscle movement
- Slow heartbeat
Even though Oxycodone can be potentially fatal when used irresponsibly, its more minor side effects are easily manageable and can be handled properly when the patient uses only their prescribed dose.
Using Oxycodone Responsibly
Since Oxycodone is so addictive, it’s important to know the facts before using so you can do it responsibly. Here are a few things you should know before taking Oxycodone:
- Risk for addiction is higher if you have history of a substance abuse disorder
- Stop taking all other pain medications and don’t take with other medicines
- Do not stop taking suddenly — wean off if deciding to stop using
- Take Oxycodone with food
- DO NOT: mix with alcohol, use if pregnant, or use if you have asthma.
To learn more about Oxycodone and its effects, give us a call at 267.719.8528. We offer comprehensive care for any addiction issues for pain relieving drugs such as Oxycodone. Visit here for more information.
