Oxycodone For Acute Pain Relief: Significance and Benefits
Oxycodone is used for relieving severe pain when other non-opioid-based medications do not show any results. This is an opioid-based medication with strong potency for pain relief and is effective for patients with intolerable severe pain. Oxycodone is also prescribed for cancer-related pain and to provide relief from chronic pain. Due to the effective pain management qualities of Oxycodone in different kinds of pain, this medicine became the best-selling narcotic medicine in the United States.
Even with all the benefits, there are some risks associated with the use of Oxycodone that may result in severe consequences. Due to these associated risks, you are only allowed to buy Oxycodone online, or from a medical store with a valid prescription from a licenced medical professional. Also, it is strongly recommended to use Oxycodone under constant medical supervision because this medication can be habit-forming and addictive.
How does Oxycodone provide Pain Relief?
Oxycodone is an opioid-analgesic that directly affects the opioid receptors present in our brain and spinal cord. This blocks the communication of pain signals between the body and brain resulting in a euphoric sensation. Along with the euphoric effect, the use of this medication also induces a relaxing calm sensation which helps in pain management.
Is Oxycodone effective for Chronic Pain?
Yes, Oxycodone is a strong opioid-based medication that provides effective pain relief in chronic pain. Some studies prove the effectiveness of Controlled Released Oxycodone in managing cancer patient’s pain. Chronic pain requires long-duration use of medication which can lead to addiction and dependence. That is exactly why you only used this medication after consulting with a medical professional.
How to Take Oxycodone–Dosage and Form
The dosage of Oxycodone is an important part of the treatment and it should only be decided by the medical professional. Before prescribing Oxycodone, doctors may perform some examinations and health checks to see if you are eligible for the medication. This initial examination and the severity of your pain will help decide the dosage for your pain treatment.
Oxycodone is a controlled substance which is why underdosing or overdosing the medication can lead to severe consequences. There is no appropriate time to take the medicine but be consistent with the time you are taking the medicine.
Available forms of Oxycodone
- Immediate-release Tablet and Capsule: These are prescribed for acute pain with temporary effects where the relief is only required temporarily. The pain-relief effects of immediate-release oxycodone are felt for 3-4 hours.
- Extended-release tablet and capsule: This is a stronger and more potent form of Oxycodone. It is used for severe and chronic pain where the pain-relief is required for a longer duration. This form of Oxycodone should not be used for acute or short-term pain.
- Liquid Solution: For people who experience difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, a liquid solution of Oxycodone is available. To take the liquid solution dose, use a volume-marked container and do not take the medication from household items like glass or spoon. This can lead to irregular dosage which can be harmful in the long run.
- Concentrated Solution: A stronger and more potent concentrated solution of Oxycodone is also available with more Oxycodone in each millilitre.
What if I missed a Dose?
In case you miss a dose, try to take it as soon as possible and if the time is already for the second dose do not double dose in any situation. That is why doctors recommend scheduling the dose according to your convenience so that you can take the medicine on time. It is always helpful to use the alarm app on your smartphone or mark the timing of your dosage in a checklist.
Harmful Effects of Oxycodone Overdosing
Overdosing any kind of opioid-based medication is harmful and Oxycodone is considered even stronger among the opioid medications. Overdosing of Oxycodone can lead to multiple harmful effects that in severe cases can lead to coma or death. Some harmful effects of Oxycodone overdosing are listed below:
- Lack of coordination
- Extreme Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Cold and Clammy skin
- Respiratory Depression (slow and shallow breathing)
- Dangerously Slowed heartbeat
To prevent overdosing on oxycodone make sure to take the medicine according to the prescription. Do not increase or decrease the dose with personal preference, consult with your doctors first before changing the dosage.
Interactions of Oxycodone–An Important Part of Treatment
As we have discussed the harmful effects of Oxycodone and opioid overdosing, now let’s learn about the interactions of Oxycodone with different substances. Interactions in medical terms refer to the reaction of a medication with other medications, food items or beverages. It is very essential to know about these interactions for a safe and complications-free treatment.
Substances and the details of their interactions with Oxycodone are given below:
- Interaction with other Opioids: Taking Oxycodone with other opioids can lead to severe opioid overdosing which results in extreme central nervous system depression. That is why before prescribing Oxycodone, doctors will ask you about your current medication to avoid any harmful interactions. For example, if you are currently on tramadol medication then you should not take oxycodone because this can lead to opioid overdosing. Tramadol is also a controlled substance and it is advised to first consult with your doctors before you buy tramadol online and use it for pain management.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages also work as a central nervous system depressant and when combined with Oxycodone the effects may get too severe. You should not take alcohol in any amount while you are on Oxycodone medication as it can lead to severe dizziness and in the worst case can lead to death.
- Interaction with Food: Oxycodone can be used with or without food because it does not have any harmful interactions with food of any kind. However, taking the medication without food can lead to nausea which is why doctors recommend having light food before the medicine.
- Other medications: Interactions of Oxcodone are not limited to opioids and alcohol, this medication can react with other non-opioid-based medications too. It is advised to take these interactions seriously before starting the medication and consult with your doctors and learn more about them. Avoiding the harmful interactions of Oxycodone ensures a safe treatment without any complications.
Side effects associated with Oxycodone Use
Oxycodone is a strong medicine used for severe and acute pain, but there are some unwanted side effects associated with the use of this medication. The side effects range from mild to severe and differ for each person according to their mental and medical condition. The list of mild and severe side effects of Oxycodone is given below.
Common Side-effects
The mild and common side effects of Oxycodone do not require professional attention because they are non-severe and reduce gradually over time. They are generally experienced during the start of the treatment and when the dosage is altered.
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness and Dizziness
- Feeling Nauseous
- Headache and Stomach Discomfort
You can treat these side effects at home but make sure to first consult with your doctor before taking any prescribed medicine. For example, in the case of constipation add fibre-rich products to your diet. Doctors suggest lying down after taking the medication if you feel nauseous.
Severe Side-Effects
Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug which means there are high risks involved with the use of this medication. However, you can avoid these dangerous risks of Oxycodone side effects with the help of a Doctor’s advice and supervision. Detecting the early symptoms of the severe side effects can help avoid serious health dangers. Severe side effects of Oxycodone are given below.
- Development of Certain Allergies
- Respiratory Depression (shallow and slow breathing) leads to coma and death.
- Extreme Dizziness and Lack of Coordination due to nervous system depression
- Addiction and Dependence
There are more possible severe effects of Oxycodone not included in the list because they depend on your mental and medical conditions. That is why informing doctors about your other health problems is a very important part of the treatment.
Important Points to Consider Before Purchasing Medication Online
You can buy Oxycodone online from a pharmacy website for convenience and easy accessibility. However, there are certain risks involved with this process, the below points will help you when buying the medication through online channels.
- Checking For A Valid License: Whether it is an online pharmacy or a physical store, a valid licence is required to sell controlled substances like Oxycodone. You can check the website for the license, ask customer care for confirmation or check the Board of Pharmacy’s database to check yourself.
- Reading Customer Reviews: To decide whether to trust the pharmacy or not, you can check the other customers’ reviews and see what they have to say about the online pharmacy and its services. Good reviews are an indication of the quality of services. They also suggest that the pharmacy is trusted by other customers.
- Purchase with Prescription Only: Avoid online pharmacies that offer huge discounts and provide the medication with a prescription. A legitimate pharmacy will ask you for a valid prescription before selling you the medication. According to the Federal Controlled Substance Act, to sell any Schedule II drug a valid and written prescription is required.
- Be Careful during Payment: Pay with legitimate payment gateways and do not click on any suspicious link. Most importantly do not provide credentials unless you completely trust the website.
- Check the medication: After receiving the medication ensure the container is sealed and the dosage/form of medication matches the prescription.
What Professionals at Dentis Healthcare say about the use of Opioid Medication
Opioid medications like Oxycodone have both benefits and risks associated with their use. It is the responsibility of patients and medical professionals to only get the benefits out of the treatment. Dentis Healthcare believes that with equal participation of both parties, it is easy to avoid severe consequences. Precautions are as important as the treatment itself because by taking proper precautions you can save yourself from harmful side effects and avoid life-threatening consequences. The doctors at Dentis Healthcare are well-trained professionals and will only prescribe you opioid medication after completing all the required checks.
Conclusion
Oxycodone is an effective solution for managing multiple types of pain including acute and chronic pain. This is an opioid-based medication that directly affects the central nervous system providing a euphoric and relaxing sensation. Oxycodone is effective in multiple types of acute and chronic pain but there are certain risks associated with its use. To avoid these complications and risks use the medication under the supervision of a medical professional.
Schedule the dosage according to your daily activities to avoid missing your dose. Immediately stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms, consult with your doctors about the termination of treatment. Doctors generally reduce your dosage over time before stopping the treatment completely to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs
The symptoms of Oxycodone addiction include oxycodone or drug cravings, ineffectiveness of the medication, anxiety and hallucination.
Oxycodone slows down your nervous system which can dull your senses and decision-making skills. It is best to wait till the effect of medicine is gone before driving.
No, You should not take the medicine during pregnancy because it can affect the baby. Consult with your doctors first before breastfeeding the infant while taking Oxycodone.
No, Taking alcohol while taking oxycodone can lead to severe central nervous system depression which can lead to death in the worst case.
You can take Oxycodone with or without food however, you may feel nauseous when taking the medicine without food.
In case of Oxycodone overdose, contact your relatives or emergency helpline immediately. Naloxone is an effective solution to reverse the effects of oxycodone overdose.
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