Oxycodone is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. The drug is an orally administered narcotic pain reliever created to improve existing drugs such as morphine and codeine. Oxycodone can be used around the clock to treat various types of pain, but you should consult carefully with a doctor to determine the proper dose as it can be quite easy to take more than your body can handle. This may lead to an increased showing of side effects which will require additional treatment.
Oxycodone comes in a variety of tablet sizes, so it is important to read the directions for your prescription before you start taking any pills. Always take your dose with a large glass of water. Do not crush or chew your pills, as this will release the drug into your system too quickly. This could lead to an increased risk of side effects or an overdose. In most cases, doctors will begin with a low dose of Oxycodone and work up to higher doses as necessary. If the patient has been prescribed extended release tablets they may be on a minimum dose in order to avoid overdosing.
The most commonly reported Oxycodone side effects were reported in 1-5 percent of users. These included anorexia, nervousness, insomnia, confusion, anxiety, twitching, abnormal dreams and thought abnormalities. These symptoms are likely caused by Oxycodone's reaction with the central nervous system. Report these conditions to your doctor so you can work together to determine the best course of action. In most cases, your prescription will be lowered to help alleviate some of the extra stress the drug may be causing your system. In some cases, these symptoms will become better as your body becomes used to the medication.
Physical side effects of Oxycodone include fever, abdominal pain, rash, chills, gastritis, hiccups, and dyspepsia. Taking your prescription with a full glass of water can cut down on the likelihood of many of these symptoms. Try taking your pills with food if abdominal symptoms persist. Rashes, fever or chills could be a sign of an allergic reaction to the medication. If these symptoms persist, stop taking your prescription and contact your doctor regarding the best course of action. If at any time your symptoms feel life threatening or make it difficult for you to breathe, contact emergency medical services for assistance.
Less common Oxycodone side effects include pain in various parts of the body, migraines, depression, vomiting, dehydration, voice alteration, abnormal vision, urinary retention and increased appetite. These conditions are very rare, but should still be monitored to determine the extent of the reaction. Like any other side effect, these should be reported to your doctor so they can decide whether or not your dosage needs to be decreased or suspended to address these side effects. In most cases, side effects were not severe and relaxed as the patients continued their prescriptions.
Some preexisting conditions were made more severe by the addition of Oxycodone to the patient's regular routine. If you suffer from depression, flatulence, thirst, hypoesthesia, speech disorders, cough, exfoliative dermatitis, or impotence inform your doctor before you start taking oxycodone. Many side effects are increased or made worse if the patient begins exhibiting withdrawal symptoms as well. If you stop taking Oxycodone, be extra cautious in watching for side effects. Your doctor can help you determine if you are having a reaction to the medication and can recommend an appropriate level of treatment based on the side affects you are exhibiting.
Oxycodone is very strong so it is not often recommended for children or those still developing. If a young adult has been prescribed the drug, work carefully with a doctor to determine the proper amount and watch carefully for signs of side effects. Oxycodone is category B for pregnant women, meaning it is generally safe to take but there are some risks, particularly for the development of the infant's respiratory system. If you are on Oxycodone while you become pregnant, talk with your doctor about an appropriate schedule to stop taking the pills.
It is vital to note that Oxycodone, like most opiate-based medications, is extremely habit forming. It is not uncommon to develop a dependence on this drug, especially if it is taken at high amounts that are larger than the recommended prescription dosage. Overdoses and abuse of this drug has led to deaths in some patients. If you notice dependent-like behavior in yourself or someone you know, talk to your doctor immediately. They can recommend a therapy program to help ease the patient into the process of weaning themselves off the drug.
CNS depressants should not be used in combination with an Oxycodone prescription. These include any opioid-based medications, hypnotics, anesthetics or tranquilizers. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol while on Oxycodone. These substances can cause respiratory depression at an unsafe level. This could lead to the patient losing consciousness or doing damage to their body from the lack of oxygen. If you are already on one of these medications, inform your doctor so they can lower your oxycodone prescription. In many cases, cutting your prescription in half or to a third can avoid these issues.