Oxycontin

(oxycodone)

●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 1241 reviewsforoxycodone
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Treats moderate to severe pain.

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Prescription opioids are used to treat several kinds of pain - but they carry significant risks, including addiction. Learn more about these drugs and be sure to discuss the risks with your doctor.

Our bottom line

Oxycontin (oxycodone) treats moderate to severe pain, but can be habit-forming, especially if used long-term.

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Quick facts about oxycodone
  • Drug class: Pain
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone)

Upsides

  • Oxycontin (oxycodone) is available in a tamper-resistant form to lessen the risk of abuse.
  • Liquid form is available if you have trouble swallowing.
  • Available in a generic version.
  • The extended-release pill provides around-the-clock pain relief with convenient once or twice daily dosing.
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What to expect from oxycodone, on one page

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People’s experience with oxycodone

1241reviews so far. What do you think?

Downsides

  • Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.
  • Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
  • Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
  • It’s not safe to start taking extended-release pills if you've never taken an opioid medicine before.
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What to expect from oxycodone, on one page

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How it works

Oxycontin (oxycodone) is an opioid that works by blocks signals in your brain to alter your perception of pain.

Quick facts about oxycodone
  • Drug class: Pain
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Liquid
People’s experience with oxycodone

1241reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Oxycontin (oxycodone) for Pain

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Nausea
  • Itchiness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Constipation
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Side effect rates for Oxycontin (oxycodone)

From 272 clinical trials of oxycodone when taken for pain (extended-release pill)
  • Constipation
    23%23%
    7%7%
  • Nausea
    23%23%
    11%11%
  • Sleepiness
    23%23%
    4%4%
  • Dizziness
    13%13%
    9%9%
  • Itchiness
    13%13%
    2%2%
  • Vomiting
    12%12%
    7%7%
  • Headache
    7%7%
    7%7%
  • Dry mouth
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Weakness
    6%6%
  • Sweating
    5%5%
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of oxycodone.

Oxycontin (oxycodone)
Placebo

People taking oxycodone felt side effect more

People taking oxycodone felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Oxycontin (oxycodone)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Age 65 or greater
    • › High dosages
    • › After dose change
    • › History of lung problems
    • › Taking other painkillers or sedatives

    Taking high doses of Oxycontin (oxycodone) can cause irregular or slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. Do not drink alcohol while taking Oxycontin (oxycodone). Do not crush or chew extended-release pills. Check with your pharmacist to see if other medicines you are taking may make these effects worse.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Oxycontin (oxycodone)

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Alcohol
  • Don't combine with alcohol, muscle relaxants, or sleeping pills. This combination can stop your lungs from working and be deadly.
Pain
  • Use of Oxycontin (oxycodone) with certain medicines for pain, sleep, anxiety, and muscle relaxation can slow down your breathing more, which can be life-threatening. Other medicines such as antibiotics may increase Oxycontin (oxycodone) levels. Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicines and before you stop taking a medicine.
  • Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
  • Worth it
    Didn’t work
    Low hassle
    Reviewed oxycodoneMy pain mgmt doctor worked hard to find the right med, dosage and least side effects that manages my pain and improved my quality of life and remaining somewhat functional. Now I worry d/t doctors being pressured to stop prescribing it.
    51
    Woman
Sleep
  • Taking Oxycontin (oxycodone) can make you confused and drowsy. Do not drive or do activities that require concentration while on this medicine.
  • Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.