Are you or someone you love suffering from severe, long-term pain? Sometimes, when ordinary painkillers don't provide relief, doctors may prescribe a stronger medication like Oxycodone. Since this is a fairly strong medication, it's important to understand it and use it correctly . So let's talk about it today.
What is Oxycodone?
Simply put, oxycodone is a powerful painkiller that belongs to a class of drugs called opioids . It works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to our brain.
Most importantly, this is a medication for chronic, or severe, pain that lasts for a long time . For example, it is used for things like cancer pain , severe arthritis, or pain that persists after surgery. It is not used for sudden pain (for example, a sudden headache).
This medication is an " Extended-Release " type. This means that it is designed to be released into the body gradually, over a period of hours. Therefore, a single pill/capsule can provide pain control for several hours.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, it is important for your doctor to know your complete health history . Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Medical condition/habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Drug or alcohol addiction or history of addiction | Because of the high risk of addiction to Oxycodone. |
| Lung disease, asthma, or breathing difficulties | This medicine can slow breathing. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because it may be difficult to remove the medication from the body. |
| Head injuries, brain tumors, or seizures | These conditions are likely to worsen. |
| Thyroid, adrenal gland, or pancreas problems | Hormonal balance may be affected. |
| Mental illness | Some mental states can be affected. |
| Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine may affect the baby. |
| Allergy to Oxycodone or other medications or foods | To avoid allergic reactions. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is a very important part. It is essential to take the right dose at the right time, as the doctor says.
- Swallow the capsules whole: Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the capsules. Doing so will cause the entire dose of medication to be absorbed into the body over several hours, potentially causing dangerous side effects and an overdose.
- With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Take it on time: Get in the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: Don't stop taking the medication suddenly. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms . If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (get the phone number from your doctor) for advice. This can be a life-threatening situation.
Other things that can interact with Oxycodone
When taking this medicine, it may interact with other things you are taking. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including other painkillers, sleeping pills, allergy medicine, mental health medicine), vitamins, herbal products, and even traditional medicines .
Oxycodone can be especially dangerous with these things:
- Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for any reason. When alcohol and Oxycodone are combined, breathing can become very slow, loss of consciousness, and even death can occur.
- Other opioid painkillers or cough syrups.
- Medications for sleep or anxiety (e.g. Diazepam, Alprazolam).
- Some antibiotics and antifungal medications.
- Some medications for depression, especially those in the class of drugs called MAOIs.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
The difference between addiction and dependence
This is a place where many people get confused.
- Dependence: When you take this medicine for a long time, your body becomes accustomed to it. If you stop taking the medicine suddenly, you may experience physical discomfort (insomnia, body aches, sweating). This is normal. This is not an addiction.
- Addiction: This is the feeling of wanting to use a drug for psychological pleasure, even when there is no medical reason, and being unable to control it. If you take the drug only to control pain, as advised by your doctor, the risk of addiction is low.
Pain intolerance
Over time, the pain may not be relieved by the dose you initially took. We call this "Tolerance". This is also normal. If this happens, do not increase the dose as you feel like it, but talk to your doctor. He will adjust the dose if necessary.
Warning signs and Naloxone
An overdose of oxycodone can cause symptoms such as very slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, and difficulty waking up. Naloxone is a life-saving emergency drug given in the event of an opioid overdose. It is important for the family of someone taking this medication to be aware of this. If any signs of an overdose are present, even if Naloxone is given, it is imperative to immediately take the person to a hospital emergency room (ETU).
Other important things
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and decreased alertness. Therefore , avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking the medication.
- Constipation: Constipation is a very common side effect of this medication. To prevent it , drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat more fiber-rich foods like greens, vegetables, and fruits. If you have difficulty defecating for more than 3 days, tell your doctor.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth feels dry, chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water may help.
Side effects of the medicine
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Slow breathing (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking up. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blue eyes, falling when standing. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) |
How to store medicine safely?
This is very important. This is a very powerful drug, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it can have dangerous consequences.
- Keep away from children and pets: Keep in a safe, lockable place out of their reach.
- Do not share with others: This medicine is for you only. Even if someone else is in pain, do not give them your medicine. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- Unused medications: If you have leftover or expired medications, ask your doctor how to properly dispose of them.
Take-Home Message
- Oxycodone is a powerful drug used only for severe, chronic pain.
- Never break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Never drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- If you notice symptoms of an overdose, such as difficulty breathing and excessive drowsiness, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Keep it safe and away from others.
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