What is a good painkiller for nerve pain
December 17, 2025Naproxen Drug
December 17, 2025Oxycodone is a potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic used primarily to relieve moderate to severe pain. Derived from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy, it works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to change how the brain and body respond to pain signals.
Common Uses
- Acute Pain: Used for short-term relief after surgery, serious injuries, or major trauma.
- Chronic Pain: Prescribed for long-term conditions like cancer when other non-opioid medications have failed.
Common Brand Names & Formulations
Oxycodone is available in several forms, often distinguished by how quickly they release the medication:
- Immediate-Release (IR): Standard tablets, capsules, or liquids that work within 30–60 minutes and last 4–6 hours. Common brands include Roxicodone, OxyNorm, and Oxaydo.
- Extended-Release (ER/CR): Tablets designed to release the drug slowly over 12 hours for constant pain relief. The most well-known brand is OxyContin.
- Percocet / Endocet: Oxycodone + Acetaminophen.
- Percodan: Oxycodone + Aspirin.
- Combunox: Oxycodone + Ibuprofen.
- Targin / Targinact: Oxycodone + Naloxone (to reduce opioid-induced constipation).
Side Effects and Risks
- Common Side Effects: Constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and sweating.
- Serious Risks:
- Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening slowed or shallow breathing, especially when starting the drug or increasing the dose.
- Addiction and Dependence: Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to a high potential for abuse and physical/psychological dependence.
- Withdrawal: Abruptly stopping regular use can lead to symptoms like anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea.
- Interactions: Dangerous when mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants, which can lead to fatal overdose.
Administration and Safety
- Do Not Crush: Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Breaking or crushing them can cause a fatal amount of the drug to be released all at once.
- Naloxone: Healthcare providers often recommend keeping naloxone (e.g., Narcan) nearby to reverse an accidental overdose.
- Disposal: Unused medication should be returned to a pharmacy or disposed of via a DEA-authorized take-back location to prevent accidental ingestion by others.
