Oxycodone is a medication in a classification of drugs known as narcotic pain relievers. Oxycodone is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It may be used for chronic pain or pain following a surgical procedure. Oxycodone comes in both regular tablets and extended release tablets. These tablets should be kept away from children at all times. If taken in excess of the prescribed dose, oxycodone may cause respiratory depression and death. There are some side effects of oxycodone that users should be aware of.
Nausea, Vomiting and Constipation
Users may experience gastrointestinal side effects from oxycodone. These can include nausea, vomiting and constipation. Taking this medication with food may help lessen side effects. These effects may diminish over time as the body adjusts to oxycodone. Eating a bland diet with small meals spaced throughout the day may help combat nausea and vomiting. The addition of fruits, vegetables, fiber and additional fluids can help relieve constipation. Patients should ask their physician is they could use an over-the-counter stool softener such as Colace for persistent constipation.
Dizziness, Headache and Fatigue
Dizziness, headache and fatigue are common side effects of oxycodone, reports Drugs.com. These side effects can diminish over time as the body adjusts to oxycodone. Patients should use caution while driving or operating dangerous machinery until they know how this medication will affect them. Do not drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. It may cause an increase in these side effects and lead to difficulty breathing and death.
Sweating and Itching
According to PDRHealth.com, users may experience sweating and itching of the skin while taking oxycodone. Keeping the skin clean and dry and wearing an absorbent material such as cotton may help alleviate these side effects.
Tolerance and Addiction
Patients may develop a tolerance for oxycodone. Over a period of time, the body begins to adjust to the prescribed dose, which no longer provides adequate pain relief. Dosage may need to be increased to provide relief. Users are more likely to develop tolerance if they are on this medication for an extended period of time. In some cases, addiction to oxycodone can develop. Patients with a history of drug addiction are more likely to develop addiction to this medication. During addiction, a patient will exhibit mental and physiological effects when he does not take oxycodone. This drug should not be discontinued abruptly, but should be tapered off slowly to avoid the physical effects of withdrawal. Patients who think they may be developing an addiction to their pain medication should seek immediate medical attention.
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