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Oxycodone
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is in a group of drugs known as opioids or narcotic analgesic pain relievers. It is a drug available
in liquid, tablet and capsule form used to medically relieve moderate to severe short term and long term pain.
It reduces pain by working on the central nervous system and changing the way the brain and nervous system
responds to pain.
Oxycodone is the active ingredient in prescription drugs such as Percocet®, Endocet®, Roxicet ®Tylox ®
and Percodan®, which are combined with acetaminophen and aspirin as short acting pain relievers. Other
short acting oxycodone tablets are Supeudol® and Oxy IR® which contain 5, 10 or 20 mg of oxycodone. The
most recently produced drug, Oxycontin® contains 10 to 80 mg of pure oxycodone. It is a long acting, timereleased tablet used to treat people who need regularly scheduled doses of pain medication over a period of
time. It is commonly used to control the pain associated with cancer.
On the street, Oxycontin® is chewed or crushed in order to inhale or inject it. The oxycodone is absorbed
quickly, creating a euphoric high. It increases the chemical, dopamine in the brain, which is linked to pleasure.
Street names include, Oxy, OC or Hillbilly Heroin. Oxycodone based drugs are made legally by pharmaceutical
companies and are available by prescription. When these drugs are taken as prescribed by a physician over
a short period of time, they can be safe and effective.
Effects
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intense sense of well being, pleasure
(euphoria)
extreme sense of relaxation
confusion
drowsiness, sedation
dizziness, light headedness
pinpoint pupils, blurred vision
dry mouth
nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of
appetite
headache
itching
sweating
anxiety, depression
decreased breathing and heart rate
seizures
loss of consciousness, coma
Long Term Effects
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weight loss, malnutrition
irritability, moodiness
blurred vision, reduced night vision
constipation
menstrual irregularities
lung problems
low sex drive, sexual problems
depression
poor concentration
pain sensitivity, body is unable to make natural
painkillers, small pains seem severe
death
Whenever injected drugs are used with shared needles, there is an increased risk of bacterial and viral
infections such as hepatitis and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Oxycodone and Addiction
Regular oxycodone use can be psychologically (the individual feels they need it) addictive and physically
addictive (the individual’s body needs it). Tolerance develops rapidly with regular oxycodone use, which
means a person requires a greater amount of the drug to get the same effects or high.
Oxycodone and Withdrawal
When oxycodone use is stopped, strong persistent cravings for the drug are experienced. Withdrawal symptoms
include hot/cold sweats, uncontrollable coughing, yawning, sneezing, nasal discharge, muscle pain and spasms,
insomnia, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, fever, tremors, increased blood pressure and
heart rate, anxiety, depression, restlessness and irritability. Within four or five hours after the last dose, withdrawal
symptoms may appear and become stronger after 36 to 72 hours, usually lasting 7 to 10 days. It may take 6 months
or longer for withdrawal to subside completely.
Oxycodone and Treatment
In Newfoundland and Labrador, drug treatment primarily focuses on supporting an individual to achieve a drug free
lifestyle with improving quality of life as the primary goal. The treatment may focus on abstinence goals or reducing
the harms and risks associated with alcohol, other drug use and gambling. Treatment options include individual
counseling, group therapy, detoxification, inpatient treatment, day treatment, drug therapy (methadone) and self
help groups. Finding the best option for individuals often requires a combination of approaches.
Oxycodone, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Oxycodone during pregnancy, may affect the fetus. It is recommended women not use oxycodone during pregnancy.
If the mother is being treated for chronic pain, she may wish to explore other, safer options, such as methadone.
Oxycodone may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and complications during delivery. The infant
may have low birth weight, difficulty breathing, be extremely drowsy or experience withdrawal symptoms. There is
little known about the long term effects of oxycodone during pregnancy. It is also advised for mothers not to use
oxycodone when breastfeeding. The drug enters the breast milk and can be passed along to the nursing child.
Expectant and nursing mothers should consult with their doctor, even if the drug has been prescribed.
Oxycodone and the Law
It is not illegal to use oxycodone when prescribed by a
physician. However, according to the Controlled Drugs
and Substances Act, it is illegal to obtain prescribed
painkillers such as Perocet® or Oxycontin® without
an authorized prescription. It is also illegal to obtain
any prescription drug containing a narcotic without
notifying the physician that you have received a similar
prescription within the last 30 days. Possessing and
selling oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking is a
criminal offense.
Sources
Drugs & Drug Abuse: A Reference Text-3rd Ed, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1998. Effects Series: Opioids, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse commission, 2007. Fact
Sheet – Misuse and Abuse of Oxycodone-based Prescription Drugs, Health Canada, 2004. Fact Sheet: Oxycontin, Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse, 2006. Is it Safe for My
Baby, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2003. Oxycodone, 20/20 Parenting, 2008. Straight Talk: Oxycontin, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2007. Straight Facts About
Drugs and Drug Abuse, Health Canada, 2000.
Permission is granted to photocopy or cite this publication, provided the source is identified.
For additional information and services contact the Mental Health and Addictions Program with your
local Regional Health Authority or go online at: www.addictionhelpnl.ca or www.getuponit.ca.
2009