Physicians prescribe oxycodone for severe post-operative pain or to those patients who have a positive history using a narcotic analgesic. The United States Food and Drug Administration classes oxycodone as a Schedule II controlled substance because of the possibilities of abuse. This opioid pain reliever acts on the central nervous system with some of the same properties as morphine. Stopping oxycodone treatment has several dangers.
Dependence
Although oxycodone usually is prescribed for a short period of seven to 10 days, you may become dependent on the drug. Mayo Clinic staff say using the drug for a longer period of time may cause both mental and physical dependence on the drug, resulting in the possibility of abuse and misuse. After the oxycodone treatment is discontinued, the patient may wish to continue the pleasant effects of the opioid and avoid the pain associated with its absence.
Withdrawal
Stopping oxycodone use may bring on withdrawal symptoms. Drugs.com states that a sudden stopping of oxycodone may trigger a number of negative effects, such as anxiety, nausea, stomach cramps and blurred vision. Other withdrawal difficulties from stopping oxycodone include insomnia, sweating and tremors. Although withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable, the National Institutes of Health website states there is no significant danger of a fatality from stopping the drug. The site recommends ramping down the dosage to mitigate withdrawal problems.
Illegal Use
A patient may try to reproduce the pleasant effects of oxycodone use after it has been stopped by illegal means. The FDA increased the warnings on the drug in 2001 to include an "increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion." Mayo Clinic staff say a 2007 survey sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found 15 percent of high school seniors abused prescription drugs with the most popular choice being narcotic painkillers like oxycodone.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Stopping oxycodone use can bring about flu-like symptoms. The National Institutes of Health state that discontinuing oxycodone may bring about bodily aches and pains, fever and chills, weakness and diarrhea. You may also develop a runny nose, sneezing and loss of appetite. The website also warns you may experience a rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing.
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