Short & Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone

As a result of the increase in opioid prescriptions during the past few decades, the nation now faces an opioid crisis.

Millions of Americans have suffered from opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Among these opioids is oxycodone, which is prescribed to patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain.  As a Christian drug rehabilitation center, we're looking into the adverse short and long-term effects of oxycodone to spread awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse. 

What Are the Effects of Oxycodone? 

Oxycodone affects several areas of the brain and body. Like other opioids, oxycodone attaches itself to opioid receptors located in the nerve cells, which, in turn, send signals to the brain to stimulate its reward system and perception of pain. This is why they're so effective in alleviating pain.   However, in addition to pain relief, opioids can also produce a sensation of pleasure or well-being. This sensation or “high” may also be marked by euphoria. This is caused by the spike in dopamine that occurs when opioids enter the individual’s system. For this reason, these prescription drugs are highly addictive, and many individuals who develop a dependence on oxycodone require opiate addiction treatment to quit and stay clean long-term.  

Short-Term Effects of Oxycodone 

Oxycodone abuse often begins when patients change how much or how often they take their medication. For first-time users or individuals who haven't been abusing oxycodone for a long time, short-term oxycodone side effects may include:  

• Feelings of euphoria or pleasure 
• Lack of pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness 
• Severe sweating 
• Constipation 
• Lack of appetite 
• Mood swings 
• Dry mouth 

Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone 

While the short-term dangers of oxycodone may not seem too scary, users can quickly develop a dependence that's difficult to recover from. Some of the common oxycodone long-term effects include:  

• Increased tolerance 
• Insomnia 
• Muscle aches 
• Problems with bone health 
• Anxiety 
• Respiratory problems 
• Hives 
• Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain) 
• Addiction 

Although oxycodone is a prescription drug that's controlled by your doctor, you still need to be careful while taking it. Most oxycodone addictions started with misuse. Increasing the dosage of your medication or taking it more frequently than prescribed increases your chances of dependency and overdose.   You should also avoid taking any prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you by your doctor. A big contributor to the opioid epidemic has been family members and friends sharing their prescription drugs with others.  Additionally, for those who develop a dependence on opioids like oxycodone, attempting to quit cold turkey usually leads to withdrawal symptoms. These individuals often don't know how to manage opioid withdrawal and put themselves at risk of landing in the emergency room. 

How Long Does Oxycodone Take To Work? 

How long it takes for oxycodone side effects to kick in depends on the type of oxycodone taken. There are two types: short-acting and fast-acting. Short-acting oxycodone is designed to kick in within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for about 4 to 6 hours.   On the other hand, long-acting oxycodone can take 1 to 2 days to take effect with longer-lasting symptoms. Usually, this formulation of oxycodone is taken only once daily because side effects can last anywhere from 12 to 14 hours.  

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment  

At Faith in Recovery, we understand the adverse short and long-term effects of oxycodone and the dangers that can result from any form of substance abuse. Addiction is a chronic disease that can negatively impact a person's entire life. At our Christian residential drug rehab, we incorporate faith into our addiction treatment programs to help our patients heal spiritually, mentally, and physically. 

If you or someone you know is having trouble giving up drugs or alcohol, call Faith in Recovery today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our facility and Christ-centered addiction treatment. 

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