Of all the drugs consumed around the world, many are pharmaceuticals prescribed for specific treatments. Of these, some are easier to obtain, such as sedatives, while others are less so. One of these medications that is difficult to access, although increasingly used as a recreational drug, is oxycodone. This drug is an opioid and, like all opioids, it has analgesic, relaxing, and euphoric effects. In this case, oxycodone is one of those substances used for recreational purposes. In today’s article, we will look at what this drug is and how its consumption can turn into a dependency that may require addiction treatment at a center.
What is oxycodone?
As noted in the introduction, oxycodone is an analgesic drug of the opioid class. In medicine, it is used to alleviate pain by acting directly on the brain to change how it responds. Specifically, oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the transmission of pain signals. Oxycodone is obtained by synthesizing thebaine, an alkaloid opioid found in poppy capsules. This compound has chemical properties similar to those of codeine and morphine, two other very common opioids.
The most common presentation of oxycodone is in tablet form. However, it can also be found as an oral solution and, more rarely, in injectable form. Commercially, oxycodone is found under various names. Some of the most common are Oxycontin, Oxynorm, Targin, and Percodan. Additionally, some of these also contain aspirin or paracetamol. Oxycodone remains an analgesic, but with relatively high potency. For this reason, its use is recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
Common use of oxycodone
This drug is generally prescribed for cases where a person will experience intense pain over a long period of time. Its use is frequent in treatments for cancer-related pain, being one of the most common medications in these cases. According to several studies, the consumption of oxycodone improves the quality of life for people with moderate or severe pain, whether acute or chronic. Its use is also effective for relieving pain caused by trauma and other physical injuries, as well as that produced by aggressive surgical interventions.
The problem with oxycodone is that it has a very strong addictive potential. Therefore, it is often preferable to administer milder drugs if their effects are already sufficient for the person. On other occasions, it is also common to combine different analgesics in the same compound including oxycodone. This is the case with substances such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
Side effects of oxycodone
In accordance with what was stated above, oxycodone is a drug that must be used exclusively to alleviate moderate or severe pain in clinical cases that require it. Therefore, any use for recreational purposes or outside of those mentioned constitutes misuse that can lead to serious risks for the body. People who consume oxycodone as a drug do so seeking the positive effects it produces, such as relaxation, a sense of euphoria, and reduced sensitivity to pain.
However, there are many more negative effects that uncontrolled consumption can bring to the body. Among the most common are:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
These are the most common symptoms, but there are other less frequent effects such as diarrhea, urinary retention, nervousness, or hiccups that may also appear. Even so, the most serious reactions observed from inappropriate oxycodone consumption refer to breathing problems, fainting sensations, severe constipation, decreased sexual performance, and menstrual cycle alterations.
Another aspect to consider is when an oxycodone overdose occurs. In this case, the symptoms presented are difficulty breathing, a drop in body temperature, muscle weakness, extreme drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness and coma. Children are more prone to experiencing these symptoms, which is why the consumption of this drug in minors is clearly discouraged.
The danger of becoming an addiction
Patients with severe pain are the primary recipients of a medication like oxycodone. It is their doctor who has prescribed the drug, so temporary treatment with this substance should not have further complications. The problem arises when, during treatment, the patient becomes dependent on the medication. This is one of the most frequent cases of oxycodone addiction. It is a situation similar to what happened with morphine just a century ago. This process usually ends poorly once the doctor decides to terminate the treatment and, therefore, stops prescribing oxycodone. At this point, the patient, who is already an addict, will do whatever it takes to continue consuming and will seek oxycodone illegally and, in the worst cases, will resort to other opioid substitutes such as heroin.
Oxycodone is part of the opioid analgesic group and acts on the nervous system by modifying the way the brain responds to pain. Although treatment with oxycodone can be useful in certain medical cases, it must always be carried out under professional supervision. Before taking the medication, changing the dose, or discontinuing it, the patient must consult their doctor or pharmacist.
It is usually administered orally, in solution, capsules, or extended-release tablets. Tampering with these tablets, taking them in doses higher than indicated, or combining them with alcohol or other substances can increase the risk of overdose, serious respiratory problems, and respiratory depression. Furthermore, oxycodone can cause tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal syndrome, and various withdrawal symptoms when consumption is reduced or interrupted abruptly.
Are you concerned about medication dependence?
Some people start taking benzodiazepines, oxycodone, or other drugs under medical indication and, over time, feel they cannot reduce or stop them without discomfort. In these cases, it is important not to abruptly discontinue treatment and to seek professional supervision.
At CC Adicciones, we can guide you if there is dependence, withdrawal syndrome, loss of control, or consumption outside the indicated guidelines.
Confidential consultation: +34 617 200 882
Reception: +34 977 809 523
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CCAdicciones is an addiction treatment centre where we have the best professionals to help you if you are addicted to any drug or have any other addiction. Get in touch with us if you think you need help to regain control of your life.
