Oxycodone and its use
Oxycodone is a popular anti-pain medication of the opioid class.
It was created to manage all kinds of pain. Mainly, the drug is used to reduce moderate and severe pain.
This medicine is available in two forms (IR tablets and XR capsules). They come in different strengths. That is why the course of treatment differs too.
Important warnings
Oxycodone is a strong medicine that may lead to multiple unwanted reactions if misused. For example, it may lead to addiction or overdose. In rare cases, the drug can be fatal.
The following groups of patients cannot be treated with Oxycodone:
- people with severe asthma;
- patients with diagnosed breathing issues;
- anyone who has blockages in the stomach or intestines.
Vulnerable groups of adults (pregnant women and elderly patients) should be under the constant supervision of their doctors. Taking Oxycodone may be dangerous for the baby and people 65+ years old.
Ask your doctor if Oxycodone is the right treatment for you.
Who is this medicine NOT suitable for?
When it comes to prescribing Oxycodone, there are numerous restrictions and limitations. The drug cannot be distributed as a harmless vitamin.
This medication can be sold under various brand names and they all differ. For example, OxyContin cannot be used for treating children under 11. Most importantly: most of the variations are not suitable for patients under 18.
Before you receive your prescription label, discuss your medical history and condition with a doctor. Given the current health state, you will have your own plan for managing pain.
How do you know if this is the right medicine for you? If you don’t suffer from the following issues, you may consider taking Oxycodone:
- respiratory issues (including problems with lungs and sleep apnea);
- mental disorders;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- problems with the liver or kidneys;
- liver or kidney disease.
Taking opioids during pregnancy is risky for the fetus. The baby may become dependent on the medicine. As a result, such a newborn will require constant medical attention. It’s important to mention if you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby before the treatment starts.
If you find out about your pregnancy during your course of treatment, don’t stop taking Oxycodone. Contact your doctor or medical advisor and discuss the way you can slowly end your therapy. For example, the usual dose may be gradually reduced.
Tips on how to take Oxycodone
The main rule for all prescription drugs is to follow the instructions. Listen to your doctor, read the leaflet that comes with the container and find a medication guide. Never increase the dosage or prolong the treatment without the doctor’s permission.
This medicine is to be taken with food.
Regardless of the form of Oxycodone (capsule or tablet), swallow it without breaking or dissolving. Chewing medication is not allowed.
If you find it hard to swallow the big capsule, open it and add our medicine into the spoon with some food (pudding or applesauce will do perfectly). Take the drug immediately with your food, don’t save it for later.
As your treatment with Oxycodone comes to an end, contact your doctor and learn how to safely decrease the dose to prevent unwanted reactions.
Safety during treatment with Oxycodone
In order to prevent unwanted effects or problems with health, avoid any kind of alcoholic beverages during the entire treatment.
Driving or using heavy machinery and dangerous tools is not recommended until you learn how the drug affects your body.
Always check a new container with the drug – brand name and the strength of Oxycodone should match the ones on your prescription.
The negative effects of Oxycodone
The list of unpleasant reactions is long. They range from mild to severe, from common to dangerous. Some of the possible side effects include slow breathing with long pauses, blue lips and inability to wake up.
Such serious problems are more likely to happen in patients 65 years and more.
Health and relatively young who take oxycodone or other drugs from the opioid class may experience trouble with having a baby. There are no studies proving that this is a long-term or permanent effect.
When talking about the mildest side effects of Oxycodone, we need to mention:
- sleepiness, vertigo, fatigue;
- headaches;
- sickness, constipation, stomachaches;
- itching, red eyes, or flushing.
Oxycodone in combination with other drugs
Not all medicines are compatible. That is why it’s important to know about the drug-drug interaction and tell your doctor about all the medications you are using.
Interaction of some drugs may be dangerous for the patient’s health. Opioids don’t work well with the following categories of drugs:
- opioid medicine to manage pain or prescription cough medicine;
- sedative drugs;
- pills to deal with insomnia and sleep problems;
- muscle relaxants;
These are just a few examples of potentially dangerous drugs. They may not interact with Oxycodone the way you expect. The full list contains vitamins, herbs, OTC medications and other serious prescription drugs.