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Key facts
- Oxycodone is an opioid medicine used to relieve severe pain.
- It is not usually recommended for the treatment of chronic (long-term) pain.
- Oxycodone is only available on prescription from your doctor.
- If you stop taking oxycodone suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
- There are risks to taking opioid medicines, so make sure you take these medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What is oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a strong opioid medicine used to treat severe pain.
What forms of oxycodone are available?
Common brands of oxycodone include Endone, OxyContin and OxyNorm. It comes in different dosages and forms including:
- tablets
- capsules
- suppositories
- liquid
Some formulations work immediately. Other controlled-release formulations work more slowly, so their effects last longer.
Oxycodone is only available on prescription from your doctor.
What is oxycodone used for?
Oxycodone is used to relieve acute, severe pain. It is recommended if your doctor decides other treatments cannot effectively manage your pain, or you can’t tolerate those treatments.
Oxycodone is not usually recommended for the treatment of chronic pain.
How do I take oxycodone?
It is important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will write the recommended dosage on your prescription.
If you have been taking oxycodone for more than a short while, it is important not to suddenly stop taking the medicine. You should gradually reduce the amount you are taking, under the supervision of your doctor. This will help to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring.
What are the possible side effects of oxycodone?
All opioids, including oxycodone, can have side effects and these include life-threatening breathing problems. The risk of these is higher:
- when first taking oxycodone
- after a dosage increase
- if you are older
- if you have an existing lung problem
The side effects of oxycodone are similar to those of other opioids, and include:
- constipation
- headache or dizziness
- fatigue or drowsiness (especially right after a dose)
- loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
Always take medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you experience side effects while taking oxycodone, or are concerned about your opioid use, speak with your doctor. Your doctor can advise you on other options, or whether you may need a dosage adjustment.
For a complete list of side effects see the consumer medicines information (CMI) leaflet.
What are the risks associated with oxycodone?
Opioids are strong pain medicines and can cause life-threatening breathing problems.
Oxycodone can cause side effects that include drowsiness, sleepiness or dizziness in some people. You should avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
If you have recently started taking oxycodone or another opioid medicine, or changed your dosage, you may be at higher risk of having an accident.
It’s also important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Using oxycodone with other medicines that can make you drowsy, such as sleeping tablets or other pain-relief medicines, can be dangerous. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicine.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol while using oxycodone, as it can increase your risk of serious side effects.
Be careful not to accidentally ‘double dose’ by also taking a different brand that contains the same active ingredient. Check the packaging or ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure.
Also, do not take a double dose to make up for a dose that you have missed.
Opioid dependence
If you take oxycodone, you may become dependent on this medicine even if you take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will monitor how you use oxycodone to reduce your risk of harm, including through misuse, abuse and addiction.
You may also develop tolerance when you take oxycodone. This means that you may need to take larger amounts of the opioid to get the same effect. As the dosage increases, so does the risk of side effects.
Continue to take oxycodone for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking any brand of oxycodone suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid overdose
If you take too much oxycodone (known as an overdose), it’s important to get immediate medical attention. Overdose of opioid medicines can cause you to stop breathing.
Symptoms of overdose include:
- feeling sleepy
- difficulty breathing
- unconsciousness
Are there alternatives to oxycodone?
Everyone’s pain is unique. Your doctor may recommend different pain-relief medicines in different circumstances. Some people’s pain will respond well to non-opioid medicines, which are generally associated with fewer risks and side effects.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before making any change to the dosage or type of medicine you take.
If you have chronic (long-term) pain, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes to help manage the pain. This may include:
- improving your physical fitness
- activity pacing
- social activities
- relaxation techniques
- overall health management
Find out more about options for managing chronic pain.
When should I see my doctor?
If your pain is not well controlled by oxycodone or you have any new or unexpected side effects, see your doctor.
How do I dispose of medicines safely?
It’s important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy. Don’t keep unused oxycodone ‘just in case’, as this can lead to dangerous or inappropriate use.
Keep oxycodone out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet, as this is dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.
