Oxycodone
Oxycodone
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Oxycodone hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It is a depressant drug which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Depressant drugs do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. Other depressants include alcohol, cannabis and heroin. Oxycodone is most commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve moderate to severe pain. Some people misuse oxycodone to become intoxicated, which can result in serious side effects.
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Common Names
Hillbilly Heroin
Oxy
OC
O
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Types of Oxycodone
Oxycodone comes in a number of forms including capsules, tablets, liquid and suppositories. It also comes in a variety of strengths.
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How is it used?
Oxycodone is usually swallowed but is sometimes injected or used as a suppository. To prevent tablets being injected by people who misuse them, they were reformulated in 2014. The tablets are now resistant to crushing and become a thick gel when added to water. They also have controlled release properties, even as a gel.
Side Effects of Oxycodone
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Oxycodone will affect everyone differently, based on:
• Size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken
• The strength of the drug -
The effects may include:
Pain relief
Dizziness or faintness
Tiredness
Confusion and difficulty concentrating
Euphoria or negative mood
Restlessness
Blurred vision
Stiff muscles
Constipation
Dry mouth
Stomach ache and nausea
Difficulty urinating
Slow pulse
Excess sweating, flushing and itching
Mild allergic rash or hives (see your doctor promptly)
Injecting oxycodone when misusing the drug may also cause:
Vein damage and scarring
Infection including tetanus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS
Deep vein thrombosis and clots causing loss of limbs, damage to organs, stroke and possibly death
If injecting there is an increased risk of:
Tetanus
Infection
Vein damage
If sharing needles there is an increased risk of:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV and AIDS
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Long-term effects:
Regular use of oxycodone may cause:
Dental problems
Swelling in the arms and legs
Mood swings
Reduced sex drive and decreased level of testosterone (males) and menstrual problems (females)
Needing to use more to get the same effect
Financial, work or social problems
Oxycodone Overdose
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If you take a large amount of oxycodone, you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
Chest pain or discomfort
Small pupils
Decreased awareness or responsiveness
Extreme drowsiness and loss of consciousness
No muscle tone or movement
Slow or irregular heartbeat
Mixing Oxycodone with other drugs
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Oxycodone + Alcohol
Increased confusion and clumsiness and breathing difficulties.
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Oxycodone + some Antidepressants
Delirium, convulsions, respiratory failure, coma and death.
The effects of using Oxycodone with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
