Oxycodone Pill

What Is Oxycodone

• Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller. Cleveland Clinic+3NCBI+3Wikipedia+3

• It’s used for moderate to severe pain, especially when other, less strong pain medicines are not sufficient. NCBI+3MedlinePlus+3CAMH+3

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How It Works

• It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing perception of pain. NCBI+1

• Also produces effects like sedation, euphoria, slowed breathing, suppression of cough reflex. DEA+2NCBI+2

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Forms & Release Types

Oxycodone pills can come in a few different forms:

Some products are combinations with other pain-relievers (e.g. oxycodone + acetaminophen / paracetamol, or oxycodone + NSAIDs) to increase pain control. Wikipedia+2CAMH+2

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Typical Strengths

• Different strengths exist depending on whether it’s IR or extended-release. For example, the brand OxyContin (a well-known extended-release version) comes in tablet strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, with the higher ones reserved for people who already have tolerance

• IR pills have smaller doses and more frequent dosing (e.g. every 4-6 hours) versus once or twice daily for extended-release. nhs.uk+1

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Risks, Side Effects & Safety

Because oxycodone is a powerful opioid, there are many risks:

• Common side effects: Constipation, nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth. Wikipedia+2MedlinePlus+2

• Serious risks:

  • Respiratory depression (especially dangerous if starting treatment, increasing dose, or combining with other depressants like alcohol/sedatives). MedlinePlus+2DEA+2

  • Addiction, dependence, misuse risk is high. MedlinePlus+2NCBI+2

  • Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly after long-term use. Mayo Clinic+1

• Other concerns: Tolerance (you need more for same effect over time), potential for hyperalgesia (pain sensitivity), interactions with other drugs. nhs.uk+1

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Important Usage/Regulation Notes

• Oxycodone is prescription-only in almost all countries. Strict controls generally apply (special scheduling, monitoring) because of abuse potential. CAMH+3DEA+3Wikipedia+3

• Patients are often given careful instructions: how to take the pills (IR vs ER), not to crush or chew extended-release versions, avoid mixing with alcohol or other sedatives. MedlinePlus+2Cleveland Clinic+2

• Dosing must be individualised based on pain level, prior opioid use, kidney/liver function etc.