Oxycodone is an opioid drug used to relieve severe pain. Opioids are drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain, as well as drugs related to the opium poppy plant – either natural (for example oxycodone and morphine), or synthetic (such as fentanyl) [1].
Oxycodone is a Schedule 8 drug in Australia, which means it is strictly regulated due to its addictive potential and requires a prescription for use. However, it is also sometimes used recreationally by people to achieve a “high” [2].
Some common brand names of oxycodone are: Oxynorm®, OxyContin®, Endone®, Proladone®, and Targin®.
Otherwise, oxycodone is sometimes unofficially referred to as: Hillbilly heroin, oxy, OC and O [1].
What are the effects of oxycodone?
As with any drug, there are risks involved and it’s important to be aware of them, especially considering oxycodone’s addictive potential.
Effects of oxycodone vary according to the individual, strength and amount taken, environment and other circumstances, but include [2]:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness, confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Pain relief
- Euphoria or changes in mood
- Stiff muscles
- Constipation, stomach pain or nausea
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty urinating
- Slow pulse
- Excess sweating, flushing and itching
- Mild allergic rash or hives
Long-term effects may involve:
- Increased tolerance and dependence (meaning the person needs higher doses to get the same effect, and use the drug just to get through normal everyday activities).
- Reduced bone density and higher risk of fractures
- Increased risk of infection
- Impacts on hormone levels, leading to reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or menstrual cycle changes.
- Sleep problems
Signs of overdose:
- Slow, unusual or difficult breathing
- Drowsiness, dizziness or unconsciousness
- Slow or weak heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Convulsions or fits
- Difficulty walking
- Facial drooping
- Loss of vision
- Trouble speaking
- Weak muscles
Oxycodone overdose can be fatal. If you or someone else is exhibiting these symptoms, call an ambulance on triple zero (000). If caught in time, naloxone can be administered to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose. See more information on this here.
Oxycodone harms in Australia
Opioid use and related harms have been on the rise in Australia over the past decade, with the rate of opioid deaths having risen 62% from 2007 to 2016 [3]. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2018 report on opioid harm in Australia found that pharmaceutical opioids are responsible for more opioid deaths and poisoning hospitalisations than heroin [3]. In Australia from 2016–2017, 3.1 million people had at least one prescription dispensed for opioids – the most common one being for oxycodone. Although harms from medical and non-medical use of opioids have not increased at the same high rate as in the US and Canada, it is still crucial to stay aware and present to the risks involved in taking these drugs.
Intervening before harms occur is the best course of action.
References:
[1] Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Oxycodone – Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Adf.org.au. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/oxycodone/[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 2024
[3] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2018) Opioid harm in Australia: and comparisons between Australia and Canada, AIHW, Australian Government
Author: Francesca Wallis
