Oxycodone is one of the most common substances involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths. It is found in several products such as Percocet, OxyContin, and Endocet.
While oxycodone can be used safely to treat pain, it does carry a number of side effects and risks. The most concerning includes respiratory depression, as oxycodone depresses the brain and central nervous system, slowing down breathing. In 2023, there were 4,078 verified non-fatal opioid overdoses right here in Arizona.
Even when taking oxycodone as prescribed, it’s still possible to become dependent on the substance. When this happens, it’s difficult to quit because of the strong cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, it’s important to know that if you can’t stop using oxycodone, help is available. Wolf Creek Recovery provides treatment services for opioid use disorders using a combination of medication, behavioral therapies, and other supportive care.
Let’s learn more about the side effects of oxycodone addiction (oxycodone use disorder), how the medication affects the mind and body, and the treatment options available.
Oxycodone Side Effects Over Time
Prolonged use of oxycodone, whether for medical or recreational purposes, can lead to a wide range of side effects. Over time, these side effects can become more severe, especially as the body develops tolerance and dependence on the substance. Long-term use of oxycodone affects multiple systems in the body, causing physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences.
Short-Term Side Effects of Oxycodone Use
The short-term side effects of oxycodone depend on the dosage, the person’s health, and their tolerance to opioids. The effects typically kick in around 30 to 60 minutes and last for several hours. Short-term effects include drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, small pupils, itching, dizziness, and headache. Some people also experience a euphoric feeling due to the increased production of dopamine and other feel-good neurotransmitters.
Long-Term Side Effects of Oxycodone Use
Long-term use of oxycodone, even when taken as prescribed, can lead to a range of serious problems. Prolonged exposure to opioids like oxycodone alters the body’s chemistry, leading to dependence, tolerance, and a higher risk of opioid use disorder. Stopping or reducing the dose can cause withdrawal symptoms. Other long-term side effects include respiratory depression, chronic constipation, weakened immune system, bone density loss, cardiovascular issues, and an increased sensitivity to pain.
How Oxycodone Affects the Mind and Body
Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals and altering the brain’s perception of pain. By stimulating the production of dopamine, oxycodone is effective at producing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This euphoric effect can be especially pronounced in individuals who misuse the substance.
Oxycodone suppresses the central nervous system, leading to a calming, sedative effect. The substance can also slow down brain function and its control over breathing, which is why it can be dangerous in large doses. Oxycodone can also influence mood regulation, potentially leading to mood swings or emotional instability. When the oxycodone wears off, it can cause individuals to feel anxious, irritable, or depressed.
Over time, the brain can become dependent on oxycodone for dopamine production, leading to tolerance, cravings, and dependence. As the brain adapts to the substance, it becomes harder to experience pleasure or happiness without it. Individuals can also develop a psychological dependence on the substance, finding it difficult to stop using despite harmful consequences. When attempting to cut back or quit, it’s normal to experience withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to not having oxycodone.
Behavioral Signs of Oxycodone Misuse
- Doctor shopping or prescription fraud. A person with oxycodone dependence may visit multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain multiple prescriptions. They might also fake symptoms or injuries to receive prescriptions.
- Increased focus on obtaining and using oxycodone. People dependent on oxycodone often become preoccupied with how they will get more of the medication. Their daily activities may revolve around ensuring they have enough medication to get through their day.
- Changes in social behavior. A person experiencing oxycodone dependence may withdraw from friends, family, and social activities. They may start to associate with a new friend group to access oxycodone more easily.
- Neglecting responsibilities. As opioid use disorder progresses, individuals often have a hard time balancing their opioid use with the responsibilities they have at home, work, or school. They may even neglect personal hygiene or appearance.
- Engaging in risky activities. Stealing, lying, or forging prescriptions are examples of illegal behaviors that a person might engage in to obtain oxycodone. They may also engage in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving while intoxicated.
Physical Signs of Oxycodone Misuse
- Drowsiness or “nodding off.” Oxycodone use can cause extreme lethargy or drowsiness, where individuals appear sluggish, sleepy, or unresponsive.
- Pinpoint pupils. Oxycodone and other opioids cause the pupils to constrict, leading to pinpoint pupils, even in dim light.
- Slowed breathing. It’s possible for oxycodone to depress the central nervous system, leading to slow or shallow breathing, which can become life-threatening.
- Constipation. Opioids like oxycodone slow down the digestive system, causing chronic constipation, stomach cramps, bloating, or nausea.
- Itching and skin flushing. Individuals who use oxycodone sometimes experience itching due to the release of histamines in the body.
Psychological Signs of Oxycodone Misuse
- Obsessive thinking about oxycodone. A person may become preoccupied with oxycodone, constantly thinking about how and when they will get their next dose. They may even continue checking their supply or plan how to get more.
- Denial. A common psychological defense mechanism in substance use disorders is denial. The person may refuse to acknowledge that there is a problem, despite obvious negative consequences.
- Increased anxiety or depression. As tolerance builds and oxycodone’s effects wear off, some individuals experience heightened anxiety. Depression can also occur, as prolonged oxycodone use can disrupt the brain’s natural production of neurotransmitters.
- Cravings. Cravings for oxycodone are one of the hallmark psychological symptoms of opioid use disorder. These can be intense and persistent, leading to continued oxycodone use.
- Emotional instability. Significant mood swings are common with oxycodone dependence, with a person experiencing everything from euphoria and relaxation to irritability and anxiety. These mood swings are often tied to the availability of the substance and its effects on brain chemistry.
Treatment for Oxycodone Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Treatment for oxycodone use disorder involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical dependence on the substance and the psychological components of the disorder. Individuals start the recovery process by safely detoxing under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be pretty miserable, but there are various medications and therapies to ease them. With the right support, the withdrawal process can be manageable, safe, and successful.
Once the body is stable, individuals can start oxycodone addiction rehab where they will focus on their recovery in a structured and supportive setting. Some of the most effective therapies for treating oxycodone use disorder are behavioral therapies, individual and group therapy, family therapy, and aftercare. Holistic and alternative therapies are also effective, as they teach people different ways to manage stress, cope with triggers, and prevent boredom. It’s also important that all co-occurring mental health disorders are addressed simultaneously.
Wolf Creek Recovery provides a supportive and encouraging environment for individuals in recovery. We provide a wide range of therapies, including outdoor therapy to get clients outdoors and having fun with various sports and activities. It’s important to know that recovery can be enjoyable! And, since our own staff is in recovery, you’ll always have individuals around you who understand your experiences and the work you’re putting into recovery. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery today at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our programs and to build a life you love.
FAQs About Side Effects of Oxycodone
What are the behavioral side effects of oxycodone use?
The main behavioral effects a person might notice in someone who is misusing oxycodone are doctor shopping, prescription fraud, changes in social behavior, neglecting responsibilities, and engaging in risky activities.
What are the physical side effects of oxycodone use?
Since oxycodone suppresses the central nervous system, there are a number of physical side effects such as excessive drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, and pinpoint pupils. These side effects can happen even when the medication is used as prescribed.
What are the psychological side effects of oxycodone use?
Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, causing a euphoric effect, particularly in those who misuse the substance. Other psychological side effects include strong cravings, increased anxiety or depression, obsessive thinking about oxycodone, and emotional instability.
