Oxycodone Addiction: Effects, Withdrawal & Treatment

Prescription opioids have become a widespread treatment for pain management, but they also carry a serious risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Oxycodone, one of the most prescribed opioids in the United States, is effective for treating moderate to severe pain but can lead to dangerous consequences if misused.

Unlike illicit opioids such as heroin, oxycodone is legally prescribed and often seen as safer, which can give a false sense of security. Understanding its effects, risks, and treatment options is critical for patients, families, and communities. Below, we’ll discuss common side effects, signs of addiction, signs of overdose, and how you or a loved one can get help if you’re living with oxycodone addiction.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication, a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy. It is primarily prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, particularly for patients recovering from surgery, experiencing injury-related pain, or managing chronic pain conditions.1

This medication comes in several forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions. The method of use is typically oral, but misuse may involve crushing and snorting or injecting the drug, which increases the risk of addiction and overdose.1,2

Some of the most common brand-name medications containing oxycodone include:1,4

• OxyContin® (extended-release oxycodone)
• Roxicodone® (immediate-release oxycodone)
• Oxaydo® (abuse-deterrent formulation; no longer on market)
• Xtampza ER® (extended-release capsule)

When used as prescribed, opioid medications like oxycodone can be effective and safe, but misuse quickly increases the risk of oxycodone addiction and related health problems.1

Oxycodone vs. OxyContin®

Oxycodone and OxyContin® are closely related but not identical. Oxycodone refers to the opioid itself, an active ingredient in many prescription pain relievers. OxyContin®, on the other hand, is a brand-name, extended-release version of oxycodone.1

The main difference lies in how the drug is released in the body. While regular oxycodone may last for a few hours, OxyContin® is designed to release oxycodone slowly over 12 hours. Because of this, OxyContin® often contains higher concentrations of oxycodone, making it particularly dangerous when misused. Crushing or tampering with OxyContin® bypasses its time-release mechanism, leading to a rapid and intense high that carries an even greater risk of overdose.1

Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction

While many people begin taking oxycodone under medical supervision, misuse can quickly lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Dependence occurs when the body adapts to the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms if use is reduced or stopped. Addiction, however, is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite harmful consequences.3

Signs of opioid use disorder (OUD), as outlined in the DSM-5, include:3

• Taking oxycodone in larger amounts or for longer than intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on use
• Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from oxycodone
• Cravings or intense urges to use
• Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
• Giving up important activities due to drug use
• Using in physically dangerous situations
• Continuing despite physical or psychological harm
• Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using

Side Effects of Oxycodone

Like most prescription medications, oxycodone comes with potential side effects, even when taken exactly as prescribed. While many oxycodone side effects are mild, some can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

Common oxycodone side effects include:4

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Weakness, fatigue
• Decreased libido

Serious side effects requiring medical attention include:4

• Agitation or hallucinations
• Nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the hands, face, or feet
• Seizures
• Weakness, confusion or 
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• extreme drowsiness

If serious side effects occur, you should seek immediate medical care, as these can signal life-threatening complications.

Short-Term Effects of Oxycodone Abuse

Abusing oxycodone can lead to intense short-term effects that may feel pleasurable but put the body at risk. These effects occur because oxycodone activates opioid receptors in the brain, producing euphoria along with dangerous side effects.

Short-term effects of opioid abuse (including oxycodone abuse) include:5

• Drowsiness
• Decreased respiratory rate
• Constricted or pinpoint pupils
• Mood changes, including irritability, giddiness, and nervousness

Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Abuse

Chronic oxycodone misuse can cause lasting damage to physical and mental health. Over time, the body becomes increasingly dependent on the drug, making it more difficult to stop.

Long-term effects of oxycodone abuse include:6

• Endocarditis (heart infection)
• Scarred or collapsed veins
• Clogged blood vessels
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Arthritis
• Severe withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use, including muscle pain, bone pain, vomiting, and involuntary leg movements

Risks of Using Oxycodone With Other Drugs

Combining oxycodone with other substances significantly increases health risks, especially the likelihood of overdose. Because oxycodone slows down the central nervous system, mixing it with other depressants can result in respiratory depression, coma, or death.1

Some substances and medications that can have dangerous interactions with oxycodone include:7

• Isocarboxazid
• Levoketoconazole
• Mavorixafor
• Naltrexone
• Phenelzine
• Safinamide
• Samidorphan

Even when prescribed by a doctor, these combinations must be carefully monitored to avoid life-threatening complications. It’s important to note that it’s also especially dangerous to mix opioids with illicit drugs or alcohol. If you use illegal substances, it’s important to be honest with your doctor so they can be aware of potential interactions with prescription medications.1

Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms

An oxycodone overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Overdoses happen when too much of the drug overwhelms the body, often due to misuse, high doses, or combining it with other depressants.8

Common oxycodone overdose symptoms include:9

• Slow or stopped breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Cold, clammy skin
• Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
• Blue or purple lips and fingernails

If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, and stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.

Oxycodone Withdrawal & Detox

For those who have become dependent on oxycodone, stopping suddenly often results in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are not usually life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable, which is why many people relapse without medical help.

Common oxycodone withdrawal symptoms include:1

• Muscle aches and body pain
• Sweating and chills
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Anxiety and irritability

Medical detox programs provide a safe environment where professionals can manage withdrawal symptoms through supportive care and, in some cases, medications for withdrawal management. This kind of program significantly increases the chances of successfully transitioning into long-term recovery.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Methods

Oxycodone detox is only the first step in recovery. After detox, patients benefit from structured oxycodone treatment programs that address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Treatment plans are tailored to each person and may include:

• Inpatient rehab: Residential treatment with 24/7 support and care
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Daytime treatment with medical supervision while living at home or in a sober living environment
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): Several hours of therapy multiple times a week, allowing patients to maintain daily responsibilities
• Standard outpatient care: Weekly therapy sessions for continued support

Therapies utilized during addiction treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, and family therapy. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine or methadone may be used to reduce cravings and stabilize recovery. Your care team will work with you to determine the level of treatment and the types of therapy that are the right fit for your recovery needs.

Oxycodone Rehab in Kansas City

If you or a loved one is struggling with oxycodone addiction, help is available. At Empowered Recovery Kansas City, we offer personalized addiction treatment programs, evidence-based services, and aftercare planning.

Contact our rehab admissions team or verify your insurance benefits, and we will guide you through the admissions process. We also help patients understand insurance coverage and discuss payment options to make treatment as accessible as possible. Contact our Kansas City addiction treatment center today to take the first step toward recovery from oxycodone addiction. 

Sources:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Prescription Opioids DrugFacts. Retrieved August 28, 2005 from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
2. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d). Oxycodone. Retrieved August 22, 2025 from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/oxycodone
3. Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Public Safety Employees. (2025). Substance Use Disorders, Appendix A. Retrieved August 22, 2025 from https://www.publicsafetymedicine.org/leo/substance-use-disorders/appendix-a-dsm-iv-tr-and-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria
4. Medline Plus. (15 Jan 2025). Oxycodone. Retrieved August 28, 2025 from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html
5. New York State. (Dec 2017). Opioids: Recognizing the Signs. Retrieved September 4, 2025 from https://health.ny.gov/community/opioid_epidemic/signs.htm
6. State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Oxycodone: Protect Your Teens. Retrieved August 29, 2025 from https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dcp/drug_control/pmp/pdf/oxycodonepdf.pdf
7. Mayo Clinic. Oxycodone and acetominophen. (1 Aug 2025). Retrieved August 28, 2025 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxycodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/description/drg-20074000
8. California Department of Public Health. (7 May 2025). Signs of a Drug-Related Overdose. Retrieved August 28, 2025 from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Signs-of-overdose.aspx
9. Government of Canada. (10 Jun 2025). Opioid overdose. Retrieved August 28, 2025 from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/overdose.html