Oxycodone
Also known as: Oxy, O, OxyContin, oxynorm, endone, percocet, proladone, targin.
What is oxycodone?
An opioid that effects your brain receptors and reward system that is commonly used to manage severe pain. It causes feelings of intense euphoria, profound relaxation and an overall increased sense of wellbeing. Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule 8 drug.
Immediate effects
- Pain relief
- Dizziness or faintness
- Tiredness
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Euphoria or negative mood
- Restlessness
- Stiff muscles
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Stomach-ache and nausea
- Difficulty urinating
- Slow pulse
- Sweating, flushing and itching
- Mild allergic rash and/or hives
Note: While common, not everyone will experience the above side effects. Effects will depend heavily on variations including age, weight, health conditions and the amount taken.
Long-term effects
- Dental problems
- Mood swings
- Menstrual problems
- Higher risk of fractures
- Reduced sex drive
- Decreased level of testosterone
Note: While common, not everyone will experience the above side effects. Effects will depend heavily on variations including age, weight, health conditions and the amount taken.
How to reduce harm
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or other depressants as this significantly increases the risk of overdose
- Use where you feel safe and with people you trust
- Tell somebody what you’ve taken
- Follow any medical direction given by doctors or pharmacists
- For non-prescribed use, always test a small amount first
Note: The majority of opioid deaths in Australia are related to pharmaceutical opioids such as morphine, oxycodone and codeine. Learn why drug checking and take-home naloxone significantly reduces risk.
How it works with other drugs
When taken with other depressants e.g. Alcohol, other opioids, benzodiazepines, GHB or Ketamine you face a significantly higher risk of overdose. When taken with stimulants e.g. Meth /Ice or Cocaine, you increase the strain on your heart and kidneys and when mixed with some antidepressants, it can cause delirium, convulsions, respiratory failure, comaand death.
Treatment and support services
Counselling Online offers free, confidential 24/7 access to trained counsellors who can help you work through your goals and identify services to support you in your area. Have a chat to one of our counsellorsif you’re not sure where you’d like to get started.
For further assistance, check out these services:
- The National Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline:1800 250 015
If you’re looking for more information about other illicit or prescription drugs, visit the Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Facts, a comprehensive and straight-forward guide.
What can I do next?
- Take a self-assessment to help you decide if you should consider seeking help.
- Get support from others who have been where you are now, in our community forums.
- Try out some of our tips for making a change — they're simple and suitable no matter your stage in your journey.
