Author: Gary Jackson

Oxycodone Overdose: Signs, Risks, and Treatment

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), almost 24% of fatal opioid overdoses in 2020 involved prescription opioids like oxycodone. However, in the face of this crisis, healthcare providers and medical professionals have become better-versed at educating patients about these drugs. They’ve revised their prescription approaches to minimize risk and have developed better protocols for managing issues that arise. So long as its used safely and as directed, there’s no doubt that oxycodone has an important place in medicine. Though highly effective in reducing discomfort, this drug produces a range of side-effects, has very high abuse potential, and overdoses can be deadly.

Others may use these types of drugs without a prescription, to get “high.” This is an extremely dangerous practice. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6.1 percent of high school seniors reported abusing these drugs in 2014. For those who have misused oxycodone, treatment is often necessary for them to begin their work toward recovery. If you or a loved one live with addiction or are using drugs recreationally and want to stop, The Recovery Village can help. Reach out to one of our representatives today to learn how you can start on your path to recovery. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.

Death From Oxycodone Overdose

Oxycodone is sold under many names, including Xtampza ER, Oxaydo, Oxycontin, and Roxybond. An active ingredient in other formulations of opioids, in its pure form, oxycodone, is usually a tablet or capsule, though it may be prescribed in liquid form. People with chronic pain may choose alternative methods of pain management. Yoga, mindfulness, tai chi, acupuncture, and music therapy show promise as chronic pain management methods.

can you overdose on oxy

However, if it is crushed, snorted, or injected into the body, this time is significantly reduced. Taking oxycodone in higher doses than prescribed can lead to fatal respiratory depression. For people who are not opioid tolerant, this can occur after taking more than a single 40 mg dose, or more than 80 mg a day. Oxycodone, the active ingredient found in narcotics like OxyContin and Percocet, is a powerful prescription opioid. It can be fatal if taken in very high doses or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol.

Side effects of oxycodone

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths from prescription painkiller overdoses among women have increased more than 400 percent since 1999. This Oxycodone overdose death information points to the importance of proper awareness and education on not just opioids in general but prescription opioids in particular. These drugs should be used only as prescribed by a medical doctor. Overdose on opioids is quite common, particularly with prescription opioid drugs. In 2019 alone, there were 70,630 deaths related to drug overdose recorded in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In that same year, over 14,000 deaths were linked to prescription opioid use.

Right after calling emergency services or while still on the phone with them, naloxone (Narcan) should be administered if it is available. Don’t wait for emergency services to arrive before doing this. This drug essentially reverses the binding of the opioid in the CNS and can be life-saving. As earlier mentioned, other health factors besides the absolute dose of a medication can predispose to Oxycodone overdose. These factors can include the use of other medicines, as well as chronic use of OxyContin. Oxycodone is a powerful opiate, and overdosing on it can be lethal.

Recognizing an overdose

The effects of an oxycodone overdose are reversible in some cases, but immediate medical attention is necessary. It’s important for people who are prescribed oxycodone to follow the dosage instructions provided by their physician. The typical starting dosage of oxycodone for an adult who’s never used opioids before ranges from five to 15 mg every four to six hours. With an extended-release version of oxycodone, the starting dosage is typically 10 mg taken every 12 hours. Along with pain relief, oxycodone and other opioids also trigger a flood of dopamine into the brain, which is a feel-good neurotransmitter. When this happens, the person who has taken the oxycodone will likely feel a sense of euphoria and well-being.

  • Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol and other illegal substances increases the risk for life threatening complications.
  • If a person shows signs of an oxycodone overdose, it is essential to call the emergency services.
  • Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center.
  • These chemical changes stop a person from feeling pain in the same way as they did.
  • So long as its used safely and as directed, there’s no doubt that oxycodone has an important place in medicine.