Oxycodone Side Effects

by on January 22, 2012

Summary

Oxycodone Side Effects are typically mild and manageable for patients who use the medication as directed. The most common side effects include nausea, drowsiness and constipation. You should not drive or operate machinery on this medication until you are familiar with how it affects you. If you attempt to take this pain reliever in higher doses or use it more often than recommended, you may experience more severe side effects including serious addiction.

Common Oxycodone Side Effects

The side effects of Oxycodone are typically mild and often lessen or go away entirely once the body has adjusted to the medication. The most common side effects that have been reported include the following:

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dry Mouth
  • Sweating
  • Weakness

Of these side effects, constipation, drowsiness and nausea are the most common, occurring in approximately 23 percent of patients. Constipation is a common side effect with many narcotic pain relievers and can typically be relieved with a stimulant laxative and high fiber diet. Nausea may be eased by eating regular meals. Dizziness and faintness occur most often when patients rise from a reclining position. You can lessen these side effects by rising slowly and moving to a sitting position before you stand.

Additional side effects of Oxycodone that occurred less often include the following:

  • Heartburn
  • Twitching
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hiccups
  • Loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Unusual dreams
  • Fever
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Unexplained euphoria

These side effects of oxycodone are not usually a cause for concern. If your side effects worsen, persist or disrupt your everyday life, you should contact your healthcare professional.

Serious Oxycodone Side Effects

oxycodone Allergic reactions to Oxycodone are rare, but do occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. It is important that you contact your doctor right away. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • Itching
  • Rash or hives
  • Tightness of the chest
  • Swelling of the face or throat
  • Difficulty breathing

Additional side effects that are serious and must be reported immediately include:

  • Unexplained falling or a feeling of unsteadiness
  • Fainting
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe constipation
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Trouble passing urine
  • Slow heart rate
  • Fast heart rate
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Irregular or slowed breathing
  • Shallow breathing
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Changes in vision
  • Low blood pressure
  • Severe stomach or abdominal pain
  • Abnormal sighing or snoring
  • Clammy, cold skin

Oxycodone and Addiction

Addiction is one of the dangerous side effects of oxycodone. If you feel the urge to take more than the prescribed dosage of oxycodone medications you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. If your dosage is not adequate to control your pain, you should discuss this with your doctor. Never alter your dosage on your own.

Oxycodone and Withdrawal

Withdrawal is a very common side effect of Oxycodone, even with patients who took the drug as directed and did not abuse it. The body becomes accustomed to oxycodone medications over time. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms including:

  • sweating
  • vomiting
  • rapid heart rate
  • cramps
  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • pain
  • insomnia

If you choose to stop taking Oxycodone, it is important that you discuss this decision with your doctor so you can work together to wean your body off of the drug slowly. If you have used Oxycodone illegally or abused your prescription, it is equally important to seek help in quitting the drug.

Oxycodone is not an effective solution for all patients. This medication can lead to serious addiction and is prescribed with caution. If you experience chronic pain that requires a constant method of relief, however, you may benefit from appropriate use of an oxycodone medication.