Roxycodone is a prescription medication used to alleviate severe pain. It is used when other non-opioid painkillers cannot effectively manage pain. The semi-synthetic opioid analgesic contains highly addictive properties, and it falls under DEA’s Schedule II narcotics.
Roxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever. It works by dulling the pain perception centre in the brain. It may also affect other body systems such as the respiratory and circulatory systems at higher doses. Patients with chronic pain should have their dosage given on an around-the-clock basis to prevent the reoccurrence of pain rather than treating the pain after it has occurred.
Pain medications work best if they are used when the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well. You should not use Roxicodone if you are allergic to oxycodone, or if you have: severe asthma or breathing problems; a blockage in your stomach or intestines. You should not use Roxicodone unless you are already using a similar opioid medicine and are tolerant to it.
Most brands of oxycodone are not approved for use in people under 18. Never crush or break a tablet to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This can cause death. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, mental/mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, thoughts of suicide), watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhoea, sweating, muscle aches, or sudden changes in behaviour. Since Roxycodone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose.
Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Common Roxicodone side effects may include: drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tiredness; or constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. Roxycodone can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur.
Call your doctor at once if you have: noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep, a slow heart rate or weak pulse, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; seizure (convulsions); low cortisol levels –
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- dizziness,
- worsening tiredness or weakness;
- or high levels of serotonin in the body –
- agitation,
- hallucinations,
- fever,
- sweating,
- shivering,
- fast heart rate,
- muscle stiffness,
- twitching,
- loss of coordination,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction.