What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication that relieves discomfort by acting on the central nervous system. It comes in numerous forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Brand names that frequently contain Oxycodone are OxyContin and Percocet (which, for the most part, fuses acetaminophen).

How Oxycodone is Misused?

An opioid painkiller called oxycodone can help manage severe pain. While the drug can help people relieve a problematic problem, if misused, it may result in endangering human life. Read on to learn more about the risks associated with oxycodone abuse and why it is crucial to overdose or death by using this medication only as prescribed by a doctor.

How Does Oxycodone Work?

Oxycodone reduces or eliminates pain by binding to opioid receptors that send signals throughout the brain and spinal cord. Not only does this relieve pain, but it has the potential to make one feel high, which is why there is a very high likelihood of abuse and addiction.

Risks of Misusing Oxycodone

Addiction and Dependence

Addiction is one of the biggest dangers that come along with oxycodone misuse. If taken in doses higher than prescribed or for more extended periods, the body can develop a dependence on this medication. The figure above shows that over time, increasingly more of this drug is required to have the same effect and can easily result in a dangerous cycle of abuse.

Overdose

Abusing Oxycodone heightens the chance of overdose and can result in death. Overdose symptoms may include slow or difficult breathing, severe drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. This sort of health-related emergency demands immediate attention.

How Long Does Oxycodone Remain in Your System?

How long Oxycodone stays in your system also depends on many other factors, like how much dosage is taken and how fast the individual's metabolism works. In general, the detection window of Oxycodone in urine is about 3-4 days after the last dose. In blood, it can be identified for 24 hours, and in hair, up to 90 days.

Safe Uses of Oxycodone

Pain Management

Oxycodone is commonly used for the relief of moderate to severe pain related to conditions such as cancer, extreme arthritis, and critical or soft tissue injury. It may be a very successful treatment to get the pain under control and may help you enjoy life again.

Percocet Uses

Acetaminophen and oxycodone combined to form Percocet is also used for pain control, but usually in the short term because getting this acetaminophen can damage your liver.

Conclusion

Although Oxycodone is considered a safe and effective medication to treat intense pain, it should be used carefully. Abusing Oxycodone can cause dependence, overdose and much more. Always adhere to your healthcare provider's directions and never take a greater quantity than what you are bespoken. If you suspect oxycodone abuse in yourself or a loved one, get expert treatment right away.

Frequently Asked Questions