About Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a synthetic medication, which treats pain.
Oxycodone belongs to the opioid class.
This is a prescription drug that can be purchased in two forms: IR tablets and XR capsules. The extended-release form of Oxycodone is given regularly, while the immediate-release pills are used on an as-needed basis.
Information for your safety
Take care of your well-being and discuss all possible options of treatment with your doctor. It may turn out that Oxycodone is not the medicine that you need or may take. For example, patients suffering from severe asthma, respiratory problems, or issues with the digestive system cannot take this drug.
Any kind of misuse may be fatal or dangerous. Addiction and overdose are not rare conditions. That is why you should store your meds in a place where others cannot find them.
During pregnancy, treatment with Oxycodone should be postponed. Opioids can harm the fetus and lead to life-threatening results in the baby.
Read this before the treatment
The market is full of multiple brand names and types of Oxycodone. Not all of them are the same. A huge part of this medicine is not approved for patients under 18.
Ask your doctor if the drug is safe to use. He may need to know if you had one of the following conditions:
- problems with breathing, sleep apnea;
- a head injury, brain tumor, seizures;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- mental illness;
- problems with the following organs – lungs, liver, or kidneys.
During pregnancy, it’s better to avoid treatment with Oxycodone. The drug may have a negative impact on the baby and cause multiple problems with the health. Sometimes, a baby may be born dependent on opioids.
If you begin using this medicine and find out that you are pregnant, don’t end your treatment without the doctor’s instructions. Discuss what can be done in your case (normally, the doctor will advise to slowly decrease the dosage of Oxycodone).
How to take Oxycodone?
Follow the prescription and information on the leaflet. Don’t take more pills than necessary and don’t prolong your treatment. If you feel an increased desire to take more Oxycodone than required, contact your doctor.
The pills are taken with food.
The best way is to swallow the tablet or capsule as it is. Dissolving or breaking the tablet is not recommended.
If you find it hard to swallow an XR capsule, you may open it and add the medicine to your food. In this case, take a spoon of applesauce or a pudding and add the medicine. Swallow the mixture without chewing.
What you should avoid when taking Oxycodone
Oxycodone may influence your routine and cause some inconveniences. However, the restrictions we mention are necessary to keep you safe and healthy.
- Alcohol is forbidden.
- Driving is not recommended.
- Avoid using heavy machinery.
Check if the medication you buy matches the prescription. Any error or misuse is dangerous.
Several side effects of Oxycodone
Your doctor cannot predict what negative effects of the treatment you may experience. However, it’s always good to know about them in advance. Keep in mind that you need to seek medical help or call your doctor if the symptoms bother you for a long time.
Young and elderly patients may experience different side effects. From breathing problems to infertility. Ask your doctor for more information regarding your case.
Some of the mildest and relatively harmless side effects include:
- feeling sleepy or tired;
- having a headache or vertigo;
- problems with the digestive system;
- itching or red eyes.
Oxycodone in combination with other drugs
This is an important part of any treatment because people often need more than one drug. If you are currently taking any other drug, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Every medication counts – even vitamins and herbs.
Sometimes, it can be recommended that you stop taking some meds. This is necessary to ensure the safe and effective work of Oxycodone. Since opioids are quite dangerous, don’t omit any part of your medical history.
Remember if you ever took any antidepressants, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or drugs to deal with anxiety or mental disorder. This can help the doctor create the full picture of your health state.