Oxycodone

Recently Answered

• QCan I become addicted to opioid pain-killing drugs such as oxycodone?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  If you're battling severe pain (such as after surgery), your doctor may give you a prescription for an opioid painkiller such as oxycodone. Some people are afraid of becoming addicted to these drugs, but that risk is only about one in 7,000, and even then it's mostly a risk in patients who take them continually for chronic pain.
  
  This class of painkillers (which include older drugs like codeine and morphine) can have troublesome side effects, including cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and problems with breathing or urinating.
  
  While opioid painkillers are certainly nothing to take lightly, you should take them in you need strong stuff to get rid of your pain and get active. They can be very beneficial in getting patients moving again.
  
  

  See All 2 Answers
• QHow should I take OxyContin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  OxyContin tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. If you get an upset stomach, your doctor may recommend that you take OxyContin with food or milk. Never crush, break or chew the tablets, which can give you a full dose all at once and can cause an overdose or death. Follow directions on the label for specific instructions about when and how often to take the medication. If you have been taking OxyContin for more than a few days, do not suddenly stop taking it. Doing this can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor for advice about how to gradually stop taking OxyContin.

• QWhat is the generic version of OxyContin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The generic form of the brand name OxyContin is called oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in OxyContin. Your doctor may choose to prescribe the generic as an alternative to OxyContin because they are essentially the same medication.

• QHow should OxyContin be stored?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should store OxyContin at room temperature and protect it from excessive light, heat and moisture. Keep it in the original container and well out of reach of children. Ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of medication that has expired or is no longer needed. 

• QHow does OxyContin interact with other medications or foods?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Taking OxyContin with certain other medications can cause a harmful reaction or can interfere with how they work. If you must take other medications while taking OxyContin, your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects and will adjust doses as needed. Talk to your doctor before taking OxyContin with alcoholic beverages, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, narcotic painkillers, antipsychotic drugs, sleep aids, antihistamines or tranquilizers.

• QWho should not take OxyContin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should not use OxyContin if you are experiencing pain that can be relieved by less powerful painkillers. You should not take OxyContin if you have had allergic reactions to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine or oxycodone (examples of these: Tylox, Tylenol with codeine or Vicodin). Others who should not use OxyContin include people with severe asthma or certain other conditions, people who take certain medicines that may interact dangerously with OxyContin and anyone with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Children should not take OxyContin.

• QWhat should I avoid while taking OxyContin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should not use alcoholic beverages while taking OxyContin. Combining alcohol with OxyContin can be dangerous because alcohol greatly intensifies the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness that can be caused by OxyContin. Avoid using any medications or supplements that you have not discussed with your doctor. Be aware that medications that normally make you feel sleepy will cause increased drowsiness and dizziness when combined with OxyContin. You should also be extremely careful while driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid breastfeeding while taking OxyContin because this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

• QWho should take OxyContin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Only people who need pain management 24 hours a day should take OxyContin. It should be prescribed only for moderate to severe pain that is long-lasting and continuous. In addition, because OxyContin can be habit-forming, it should only be given to people who can tolerate narcotic medication (also known as opiates).

• QHow soon after taking OxyContin will my symptoms improve?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  OxyContin begins to provide pain relief in 10 to 15 minutes. OxyContin contains enough medicine to last for up to 12 hours. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of OxyContin and increase the dosage every day or two until your symptoms improve and you are having little or no pain. If you take OxyContin for a long period of time, the medication may gradually lose its effectiveness. This means that your body may have become tolerant of, or used to, the medication. Your doctor may need to increase the dosage to control your pain.

• QIs OxyContin safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of OxyContin with your doctor. Let your doctor know right away if you are pregnant, become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking OxyContin. This medication can harm an unborn baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this OxyContin, because it passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby.