A type of narcotic, oxycodone treats mild to severe pain. The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research points out that oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance. While doctors can prescribe oxycodone for medical purposes, people can abuse the drug either through snorting, injecting or chewing it. When people use oxycodone, they can experience serious effects.
Seizures
The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research notes that oxycodone may cause seizures in users. The medication disrupts the brain's normal electrical activity, which is part of the brain's communication system. As a result, users can have altered function. For example, a person may twitch or have muscle tension during the seizure. Some people may have changes in consciousness and vision. If people lose consciousness during the seizure, they have no memory that the seizure occurred. Before the seizure begins, MedlinePlus explains that people may taste a metallic or bitter flavor.
Breathing Problems
Oxycodone may cause breathing problems in some users. For example, users may have respiratory depression, which affects people's ability to breathe in enough air. Breathing irregularities can also occur, such as rapid shallow breathing. The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research points out that some oxycodone users may overdose and die due to slowed breathing.
Feeling Ill
Some people may feel ill after using oxycodone. Drugs.com notes that some users may have cold and clammy skin. Some users' skin may become itchy. Users can become dizzy, which may occur along with severe weakness. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Some oxycodone users may faint after using the drug. Other effects include fatigue, dry mouth and headache.
Heart Problems
Oxycodone users may have some serious heart problems as a result of the drug. For example, some users may have heart failure, in which the heart does not pump enough blood. Low blood pressure is another problems that can arise. The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research adds that during an overdose, users may have cardiac arrest, which can result in death.
Increased Intracranial Pressure
The University of Maryland's Center for Substance Abuse Research notes that oxycodone use can result in pressure on the brain from an increase of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid normally surrounds the brain, but a buildup can cause problems. For example, users may develop confusion, which can also affect memory and decision making.
