Oxycodone is an active substance from the group of opioids, which also includes, for example, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, tilidine or tramadol. Like many other opioids, oxycodone is used to treat severe and very severe pain. Up to now, the active ingredient has been little known in Germany. However, since it is said to have fewer side effects than other opioids, it is now being used more and more frequently. Learn more about the effects and side effects of oxycodone here.
Effect of oxycodone
Oxycodone exerts its effects at various opioid receptors in the brain and can effectively relieve severe to very severe pain. Its analgesic effect is considered to be about twice that of morphine. The opioid also has a sedative and sleep-inducing effect – although its effect here is considered weaker than that of morphine. Oxycodone also has a depressant effect on the cough center and in this respect is similar to the active ingredient codeine. Nowadays, however, dihydrocodeine is more commonly used instead of oxycodone. Painkillers: which one, when and for what?
Side effects of oxycodone
Compared to other opioids, oxycodone was relatively little used in Germany for a long time. For several years, however, more and more pain patients have been prescribed the active ingredient, as it is said to have fewer side effects than other opioids. However, scientific studies confirming this have yet to be conducted. As with other opioids, however, taking oxycodone is associated with a high risk of addiction. Common side effects of the drug include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and constipation. Mood changes (anxiety, euphoria, depression), sleep disturbances, drowsiness, and confusion also often occur. In addition, oxycodone can cause a number of other side effects – see your medication’s package insert for a complete listing.
Oxycodone overdose
An overdose of oxycodone may result in decreased respiratory center function, a drop in blood pressure, and decreased skeletal muscle tone. In addition, circulatory failure, unconsciousness, as well as the onset of respiratory paralysis are possible. Therefore, if you have taken too high a dose of the drug, you should always notify a doctor immediately.
Oxycodone and naloxone
Oxycodone is available in several dosage forms – including tablet, capsule, sustained-release tablet, suppository, and solution for injection. There is also a combination preparation that additionally contains the opioid antagonist naloxone. The combination of the two active ingredients is intended to reduce certain side effects such as constipation. When taken orally, naloxone exerts its effect only in the intestines and not in the central nervous system. This allows oxycodone to act undisturbed in the brain, while weakening its effect in the intestines.
Avoid withdrawal symptoms
When oxycodone is taken for a long period of time, withdrawal symptoms may occur after the drug is stopped. To avoid this side effect if possible, you should gradually decrease the dose. However, in order not to jeopardize the success of the treatment, you should only discontinue the opioid after consulting your treating physician. Do not stop therapy on your own authority under any circumstances.
Contraindications of oxycodone
Oxycodone must not be taken if there is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. In addition, the opioid must also not be used if.
- Severe respiratory depression is present.
- You are suffering from intestinal paralysis.
- A severe COPD or bronchial asthma is present.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding your child.
- You suffer from acute, severe abdominal pain (acute abdomen) or delayed gastric emptying.
If any of the following conditions are present, you should take oxycodone only after a careful cost-benefit evaluation by your doctor:
- Functional impairment or disease of the liver, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, lungs, adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, or prostate gland.
- Obstructive inflammatory bowel disease
- Circulatory regulation disorder
- Alcohol or opioid dependence
- Epilepsy
Elderly or debilitated patients should also seek advice from your doctor before taking the drug.
Interactions with other medications
Taking certain medications may increase the side effects of oxycodone. These include sleeping pills and sedatives, medications for allergies and vomiting, medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease, other opioids, alcohol, and medications that affect the central nervous system. In addition, the following medications and agents should not be taken at the same time as oxycodone or should be taken only after consultation with a doctor: MAO inhibitors, cimetidine, or coumarin-type anticoagulants.
