Oxycodone and its use
Oxycodone is a drug, which is used for reducing pain in adults.
It belongs to the class of opioids. Oxycodone can deal with moderate and severe pain.
The drug can be found in two forms: the IR tablets and the XR capsules. They differ in strength and area of use. The XR form of Oxycodone is taken for constant pain relief.
Safety recommendations
Some of the conditions and disorders you have may prevent you from taking Oxycodone. For example, people diagnosed with severe asthma or respiratory issues cannot be treated with this medicine.
Opioids may be quite dangerous. If misused, they lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. The medication shouldn’t be shared with other people or sold.
Oxycodone is not recommended for pregnant women as it may have a negative impact on the fetus and lead to life-threatening conditions for the newborn.
The drug can slow or stop the patient’s breathing. It can especially dangerous for elderly or ill patients.
Pre-treatment warnings
Oxycodone is not suitable for everyone. Most brands of the drug cannot be used for treating children under 18.
Before you start taking Oxycodone, make sure that this is a safe option for you. The following conditions may prevent you from taking this drug:
- issues with breathing, sleep apnea;
- seizures;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- mental illness;
- lung, kidneys or liver disease;
- urination problems;
- problems with your gallbladder or pancreas.
Opioid medicine should never be an option for pregnant women. Although the medicine is relatively safe for the mother, it can harm the baby. The newborn may develop an addiction to it and require medical assistance in the first weeks of his life.
If you learn about your pregnancy during the treatment, there’s no reason for abruptly ending your therapy. Notify your doctor about the changes in your condition and wait for the instructions. Most likely, the dosage of Oxycodone will be decreased.
Taking Oxycodone: rules and tips
If you want the treatment to be as effective as possible, follow all recommendations of your doctor. Carefully read the leaflet and stick to the prescribed dosage. Don’t take the medication for longer than necessary.
Oxycodone is usually taken with food.
The tablet or capsule with should not be broken, opened or dissolved in water or juice. You should swallow it as a whole. Put the pill in the mouth and swallow without chewing.
Some patients struggle with swallowing the whole capsule of the XR Oxycodone. In this case, it’s recommended to open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into something liquid-ish, like pudding or applesauce. The mixture of the drug and food should be swallowed without chewing.
Closer to the end of your treatment, gradually lower the daily intake of Oxycodone. Never cease medication abruptly.
What should NOT be mixed with Oxycodone?
All kinds of alcohol are not allowed throughout the therapy.
To prevent any self-harm or accidents, avoid driving or using dangerous tools. First, you need to know how your body reacts to the drug.
Check the prescription label on the container to make sure you’re taking the right medication. Errors may occur in pharmacies.
Oxycodone side effects
Opioid medicine may change the way your body functions and cause numerous side effects. From mild to severe, from short to long-term – it’s hard to predict what you may experience. Stay alert and contact your doctor if your treatment with Oxycodone causes any troubles.
In some very serious cases, you might seek immediate medical help. However, the majority of Oxycodone side effects are relatively mild. They include:
- sleepiness, vertigo, fatigue;
- migraines;
- different problems with the stomach (sickness, constipation, etc);
- itching or flushing.
Long-term use of the medication may cause temporary fertility problems in men and women. These effects are not permanent and will wear off with time.
What drugs may affect Oxycodone
Discuss the plan of treatment with your doctor in advance. Tell him about all meds you are taking at the moment. You never know how two or more drugs interact and what harm they can cause when taken together.
The list of possible interactions is long – it includes all types of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter, herbs, supplements, and vitamins). Your doctor should know your medical history well before prescribing Oxycodone.