The amount of opioids prescribed in the U.S. peaked in 2010 and has decreased every year since. That being said, opioids like oxycodone are still some of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating moderate to severe pain. In fact, you are likely to know someone who has been prescribed this medication following a procedure or injury.
Between 2020 and 2021, there were 3,888 opioid overdose deaths among Arizona residents. The leading cause of death was accidental (93%), meaning that individuals accidentally ingested too much oxycodone, combined the medication with other substances, or used the medication improperly. Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses, but it must be given at the right time. This is why learning how to recognize and treat an oxycodone overdose is paramount.
Do you know someone who is misusing oxycodone and you’re worried about an overdose? Educating yourself on the signs to look for, the dangers to be aware of, and how to respond to an overdose can save lives. However, the real solution is to seek professional treatment so that the risk of overdose is eliminated.
What Is an Oxycodone Overdose?
An oxycodone overdose occurs when someone takes more oxycodone than the body can safely process. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid that can result in life-threatening symptoms, as the substance suppresses essential bodily functions, particularly breathing. Giving naloxone to someone who has experienced an overdose can restore normal breathing by reversing the effects of opioids, giving them a chance to survive. However, time is critical in these cases, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize a potential overdose and intervene before it becomes too late.
Oxycodone Overdose Risk Factors
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of an oxycodone overdose. Understanding these factors is essential for preventing overdose and ensuring safe use of the medication.
One of the main risk factors for overdose is taking larger doses of oxycodone or using it over an extended period of time. Tolerance can develop, leading people to take higher doses to achieve the same effects. Mixing oxycodone with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous depressants is another risk factor for overdose. These substances amplify oxycodone’s sedative effects, particularly on breathing.
Another cause of overdose, which is commonly overlooked, is reduced tolerance. If someone stops taking oxycodone for a while due to treatment or recovery, their tolerance decreases. Returning to the same dose after a break is dangerous, as the body can no longer handle the same amount of the substance.
Early Warning Signs of a Potential Oxycodone Overdose
Recognizing the early warning signs of a potential oxycodone overdose can save lives. If caught early, immediate medical intervention can prevent the overdose from becoming fatal. Even if you’re not certain that what you’re witnessing is an overdose, you should treat the situation as such. The interventions available will not cause harm to the individual.
Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms
The key warning signs to watch for include:
- Unusual drowsiness or sedation
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Uncoordinated movements
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Bluish lips or fingernails
- Cold or clammy skin
- Slow or weak skin
Dangers of an Oxycodone Overdose
An oxycodone overdose poses significant dangers to both physical and mental health, many of which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. One of the most critical dangers of an oxycodone overdose is severe respiratory depression. Like other opioids, oxycodone slows down breathing, and in an overdose, breathing can be dangerously slow or stop altogether. This lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and death.
In some cases, an oxycodone overdose can trigger seizures, which can cause injury and lead to further neurological complications. Other dangers include cardiac arrest, aspiration and choking, and organ damage. Surviving an overdose can also increase the risk of future overdoses if the opioid use disorder is not addressed.
In the Event of an Overdose
Handling an oxycodone overdose requires immediate action to prevent life-threatening consequences. The first step is to recognize the signs of overdose, such as slow or shallow breathing, unresponsiveness, trouble staying awake, and pinpoint pupils. If you notice these symptoms, call 911 right away. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible.
If naloxone is available, administer it now. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It’s available in a nasal spray or as an injectable and can be administered by anyone with basic training. Try to keep the person awake and monitor their breathing. Perform rescue breathing or CPR (if needed), place the person in the recovery position, and stay with them until help arrives.
Oxycodone Overdose Prevention
Preventing an oxycodone overdose is crucial, especially for individuals prescribed this medication for pain management. The best way to prevent an overdose is to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Avoid increasing your dose or taking it more frequently without consulting your doctor. Do not share the medication with others, and ensure you follow the prescribed timing to avoid double dosing.
Another important step in oxycodone overdose prevention is avoiding mixing the medication with other substances. For example, alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of oxycodone, leading to dangerous respiratory depression. Be cautious with other medications, including other opioids, as these combinations increase the risk of overdose. Also, store the medication safely in a locked cabinet or other secure place to prevent accidental ingestion.
Other ways to prevent oxycodone overdose are by keeping naloxone on hand, knowing how to manage dependence carefully, and recognizing overdose symptoms early. Avoid “street drugs” or unprescribed medications. Due to the opioid epidemic, counterfeit pills are out there. If you feel that your oxycodone prescription is not managing your pain effectively, talk to your doctor.
If your or someone you care about is misusing oxycodone, it’s important to seek professional support. Addiction treatment programs can help individuals with opioid use disorder manage their condition and reduce the risk of overdose.
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment in Prescott, AZ
If someone is dependent on oxycodone, either due to misuse or prolonged medical use, there are several effective treatment options that can help manage withdrawal symptoms, address the underlying causes of oxycodone use, and support long-term recovery.
Medical detoxification is usually the first phase of oxycodone addiction treatment. It involves gradually tapering off oxycodone while receiving medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Detox usually lasts a few days to a week and prepares the body for further treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to focus on recovery.
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing help address the psychological aspects of oxycodone dependence. Other effective ways to treat oxycodone misuse are counseling and support groups, relapse prevention techniques, and treating underlying mental health disorders. It is possible to break the cycle of oxycodone misuse and lead a fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing oxycodone dependence, know that you are not alone. Wolf Creek Recovery is a starting point for many individuals in the Prescott area, as we offer a wide range of therapeutic treatments for substance use and mental health disorders. Our staff is in recovery as well, so we are one big family supporting each other. We also have fun spending time outdoors for outdoor therapy, creating new healthy habits and routines that support recovery. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 today for more information.
FAQs About Oxycodone Overdose
What are the risk factors for an oxycodone overdose?
People who misuse oxycodone are at the greatest risk for experiencing an overdose. They can easily ingest too much of the medication or combine it with other substances for dangerous and life-threatening effects.
What are the main concerns with an oxycodone overdose?
The biggest concern with an oxycodone overdose is respiratory depression. Oxycodone is an opioid that suppresses breathing, sometimes to dangerous levels. Additional concerns include organ failure, brain damage, death, and seizures.
Is there a way to reverse an overdose of oxycodone?
Yes, naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids, restoring breathing to normal levels. However, it must be given at the right time, and it’s likely that additional doses will be needed.
How can I prevent an oxycodone overdose?
The best way to prevent an overdose is to take the medication exactly as prescribed, avoid dangerous interactions, and avoid medication from unverified sources.
