Oxycodone
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.
Side Effects
In high doses, overdoses, or in patients not tolerant to opiates, oxycodone can cause shallow breathing, bradycardia, cold, clammy skin, apnea, hypotension, pupil constriction, circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest, and death.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: Slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, cold or clammy skin, small pupils.
User Population:
Every age-group has been affected by the relative prevalence of oxycodone availability and the perceived safety of oxycodone products by professionals. Sometimes seen as a "white-collar" addiction, oxycodone abuse has increased among all ethnic and economic groups.
What is the most important information I should know about oxycodone?
Oxycodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxycodone should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking oxycodone. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. Never take more than your prescribed dose of oxycodone. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Oxycodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using oxycodone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may instruct you to take this medication only "as needed" for acute pain (e.g., pain after surgery) or on a regular schedule for chronic pain (e.g., cancer pain). If you are taking this medication only as needed for pain, remember to take it as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medication may not work as well. If you are using the oral liquid, use a specially marked medicine spoon or medicine cup to measure the correct amount of medication. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions. If you have nausea, you may take it with food. If nausea persists or worsens, consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with minimal head movement). The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain medications, and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. If so directed by your doctor, you may also take long-acting narcotic medications or use narcotic patches for chronic pain, in which case this medication might be used for "breakthrough" pain only as needed.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of this medication after you stop taking it.
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