Oxycodone is a prescription opioid used to relieve severe pain, and OxyContin is a brand of extended-release oxycodone. Both can be habit-forming even at prescribed doses. They can slow or stop breathing, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives.
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Advertise hereWhat OxyContin and Oxycodone Are
Oxycodone is the drug itself, an opioid pain medicine. It comes in two main forms:
- Immediate-release oxycodone (tablets, capsules and liquid) is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Extended-release oxycodone, such as OxyContin, releases the medicine slowly and is taken on a fixed schedule every 12 hours.
Oxycodone is also an ingredient in combination products such as Percocet. MedlinePlus lists the relief of severe pain as oxycodone’s use.
How Oxycodone Affects the Body and Brain
Oxycodone changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Like other opioids, it attaches to receptors in the brain, spinal cord and body. NIDA explains that opioids block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, a brain chemical tied to reward, which can reinforce taking the drug again.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, constipation and reduced sex drive. Oxycodone can make you drowsy and slow your reactions, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
Short- and Long-Term Risks
- Breathing problems. Oxycodone can cause serious or life-threatening breathing problems, especially during the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and after any dose increase.
- Addiction. Oxycodone can be habit-forming even when taken as prescribed. NIDA notes that a substance use disorder can develop even when opioids are taken as directed.
- Harm to others. Oxycodone can harm or kill other people who take it, especially children. Store it securely and dispose of leftover medicine safely.
- Pregnancy. Regular use during pregnancy can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
- Serious side effects. Get medical help right away for chest pain, seizures, extreme drowsiness, confusion or hallucinations, signs of an allergic reaction, or unusual snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep.
Why extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole
Extended-release tablets like OxyContin are built to release oxycodone over about 12 hours. Chewing, breaking, dividing, crushing or dissolving them releases too much of the drug at once and can cause a dangerous, even fatal, overdose. Swallow them whole, exactly as prescribed.
Oxycodone with Alcohol, Benzodiazepines and Other Sedatives
Taking oxycodone with alcohol, benzodiazepines such as Xanax, sleep medicines, other sedatives or street drugs raises the risk of life-threatening breathing problems, heavy sedation and coma. NIDA warns that even a single large dose of an opioid can cause severe slowing of breathing, and that taking opioids with alcohol or sedatives increases this risk. Never combine them without your doctor’s direct guidance.
Overdose: Signs and What to Do
Signs of an oxycodone overdose include:
- Slow or shallow breathing, or unusual snoring
- Extreme sleepiness or being unable to wake up
- Limp or weak muscles
- Changes in pupil size
- Cold, clammy skin and a slow heartbeat
Call 911 right away. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose if it is given quickly. In 2023, the FDA approved Narcan nasal spray for sale without a prescription. Give the first dose, call 911 and stay with the person. If symptoms return before help arrives, another dose may be given every 2 to 3 minutes. If you or someone you live with takes oxycodone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about keeping naloxone at home, and make sure family members know how to use it.
Is Oxycodone Addictive? Dependence and Withdrawal
Yes. With regular use, the body develops tolerance, needing more of the drug for the same effect, and physical dependence, where withdrawal appears if the drug is cut back. Opioid use disorder, or addiction, is a long-term condition marked by uncontrollable drug seeking and use despite harm. Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of heavy drinking, drug use, overdose or depression before you start oxycodone.
Do not stop oxycodone suddenly or lower the dose quickly on your own. Withdrawal can include restlessness, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, a fast heartbeat and strong cravings. A doctor will usually taper the dose gradually. If you are dependent on oxycodone or have been taking it in ways other than prescribed, a medically supervised detox can make stopping safer.
Signs that use has become a problem
It can be hard to tell when a prescription has turned into a problem. Warning signs include:
- Taking more oxycodone than prescribed, or taking it more often
- Running out early or getting pills from more than one prescriber
- Taking someone else’s pills, or using oxycodone to get high or to cope with stress
- Wanting to cut back but not being able to
- Continuing to use despite problems at home, at work or with health
If any of these sound familiar, talk with your doctor honestly. These signs are a reason to get help, not a reason for shame.
OxyContin, Oxycodone and the Law
Oxycodone, including OxyContin, is a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law. That category is for drugs with an accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse and dependence. Having, sharing or selling oxycodone without a valid prescription is illegal.
Treatment for Oxycodone Use in Florida
Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition. The most effective approach combines medication with counseling and support. SAMHSA lists three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder:
- Methadone fully activates opioid receptors in a controlled way to ease withdrawal and cravings.
- Buprenorphine partly activates the same receptors, which also eases withdrawal and cravings.
- Naltrexone blocks opioids from attaching to the receptors. People usually need to be off opioids for about 7 to 10 days before starting it.
According to NIDA, people with opioid use disorder who receive methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to overdose or die than people who do not get treatment, and both medicines help people stay in treatment. SAMHSA describes these medicines as safe for long-term use, and they work for prescription opioids as well as for heroin. Talk with your doctor before stopping any of them.
Florida programs offer medication and counseling at every level of care, from detox and residential treatment to outpatient programs. Find providers on our Florida medication-assisted treatment page, or search licensed Florida rehabs near you. Our directory lists facilities using SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov data.
Getting Help Now
- Emergency or possible overdose: call 911.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. It is free, confidential, open 24/7 and available in English and Spanish. They can help you find treatment and support near you.
- Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 for questions about a possible overdose or a medicine taken by mistake.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Oxycodone
- DEA Diversion Control Division: Controlled Substances – Alphabetical Order
- NIDA: Prescription Opioids DrugFacts
- NIDA: What classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused?
- NIDA: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- SAMHSA: Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder
- FDA: FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray
Frequently Asked Questions About OxyContin and Oxycodone: Uses, Risks and Opioid Addiction
What is the difference between OxyContin and oxycodone?
Oxycodone is the opioid drug itself, and OxyContin is a brand of extended-release oxycodone. Immediate-release oxycodone is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed, while extended-release forms like OxyContin are taken on a fixed schedule every 12 hours. Both are Schedule II controlled substances with a high potential for misuse and addiction.
Why should you never crush or chew OxyContin?
Crushing, chewing, breaking or dissolving extended-release oxycodone releases too much of the drug at once, which can cause a fatal overdose. The tablets are designed to release medicine slowly over about 12 hours, so they must be swallowed whole. Never take more than one extended-release dose within 12 hours unless your doctor tells you to.
Is oxycodone addictive?
Yes, oxycodone is habit-forming, even when taken at recommended doses. Regular use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and opioid use disorder. Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of heavy drinking, drug use, overdose or depression, take it only as prescribed, and store it securely because it can kill a child or adult it was not prescribed for.
What are the signs of an oxycodone overdose?
Signs of an oxycodone overdose include slow or shallow breathing, unusual snoring, extreme sleepiness or being unable to wake, limp muscles, changes in pupil size, cold and clammy skin and a slow heartbeat. Call 911 right away and give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it. Stay with the person, and give another dose if symptoms return.
Is it dangerous to take oxycodone with Xanax or alcohol?
Yes, taking oxycodone with alcohol, benzodiazepines such as Xanax, sleep medicines or street drugs can cause life-threatening breathing problems, heavy sedation and coma. Breathing risk is highest in the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and after any dose increase. Never combine these without your doctor's direct guidance, and seek emergency care for slowed breathing.
How do you safely stop taking oxycodone?
You stop oxycodone safely by working with your doctor on a gradual taper, not by quitting suddenly or cutting your dose quickly. Abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea and anxiety, and it raises the risk of relapse and overdose. If you are dependent, a medical detox or treatment program can help.
Where can I get treatment for oxycodone addiction in Florida?
Licensed Florida programs treat oxycodone addiction with a combination of medication and counseling. Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are the FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, and methadone and buprenorphine are linked to a lower risk of overdose death. Find providers on our Florida medication-assisted treatment page, or call 1-800-662-4357.
