Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic drug derived from opium related compounds. It is a narcotic drug, used for moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is usually prescribed in a combination form, such as OxyContin (combined with binders to create a long-acting form), Percocet (combined with acetaminophen) and Percodan (combined with aspirin). Physicians usually prescribe oxycodone for short-term use only. However, some conditions require long-term pain management. In these cases, the long-term side effects of oxycodone must be considered. The most serious long-term effect of oxycodone is narcotic addiction.
Addiction
Narcotic pain relievers have the potential to cause a physiologic as well as a psychological addiction. As tolerance develops to the drug, higher doses are often required to maintain the same level of pain relief. If the drug is discontinued, withdrawal may result, leading to fevers, anxiety, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can be severe, but they are rarely life-threatening.
Pregnancy Complications
Oxycodone is pregnancy category C. This means it can cause harm to a developing fetus. It is possible to transmit oxycodone in breast milk and also through the placenta. Babies of mothers taking oxycodone may be born addicted to the medication.
Constipation
A common side effect of all narcotic medications is constipation. With long-term use of oxycodone, constipation can become a chronic problem. Patients who require oxycodone for long periods of time often require stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives, or bowel stimulants to maintain bowel health. You should not take narcotics if you have had the bowel problem known as paralytic ileus.
Acetaminophen and Aspirin
It is important to determine whether or not the oxycodone medication that you have been prescribed has been combined with another medication, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. The long-term side effects from these medications can be significant. One of the most concerning side effects from long term acetaminophen use is liver damage. Acetaminophen has also been linked to increased cardiovascular events such as heart failure and stroke. Aspirin has been linked to bleeding disorders and erosion of the lining of the stomach. Taking over-the-counter acetaminophen or aspirin along with a combination form of oxycodone increases the risk of side effects from these medications.
Alcohol and Sleeping Pills
Another concern for those taking long-term oxycodone therapy is the potential for interaction with other substances, such as alcohol or sleeping pills, that can depress the nervous system. Narcotic medications can suppress the breathing and increase sleepiness. If they are combined with alcohol or sleeping pills, there is a danger that breathing could stop altogether. You should not take narcotics if you have a history of apnea or other serious breathing disorders.
