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Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percoset, Roxycodone) Health Concerns
by Erowid

DEATHS #
Respiratory arrest and death stemming from overdose or drug combinations involving oxycodone is the most serious health concern from oxycodone use . Deaths from oxycodone alone or in combination with other CNS depressants [data?] Although the death rate from opioids increased between 1999 and 2011, the rate of increase has slowed since 2006.[1]

WARNINGS #
  • Respiratory Depression. Respiratory depression from taking too much oxycodone or mixing it with other CNS depressants can have life-threatening consequences.

    [grabbed from Alcohol Health] Seek medical attention if :
    The person is unconscious and cannot be wakened
    Breathing is irregular and/or shallow
    You suspect oxycodone has been mixed with other drugs
    Skin is clammy or pale
  • Depressant Combinations. Avoid other depressants (alcohol, benzos, opiates, some dissociatives) in combination with oxycodone, which can increase respiratory depressions risks.
  • Oxycodone is Addicting. Oxycodone is an opiate and, as with most opiates, is addicting. Some people find opiates very appealing and with even moderate use, can find themselves using more than they want to. With regular use, the body becomes physically dependent upon the substance, causing withdrawal symptoms if use is ceased.
  • Oxycodone Causes Tolerance. Those who use Oxycodone for many days in a row report that they begin to require a higher dose for the same effects. Beware of dosages recommended by an individual who uses Oxycodone regularly as their dose could be dangerous for a non-user due to tolerance.
CAUTIONS #
  • Frequent or increased use. Many people have reported using more oxycodone than they intended. Often this takes the form of continuing to redose repeatedly after they had planned to stop, or taking more oxycodone to achieve the same effects.
  • Constipation.Using opiates like oxycodone can cause constipation.
  • Hyperalgesia stemming from chronic use. Some people report a heightened sensitivity to pain after prolonged use of opiates.
References #
  1. "Drug-poisoning Deaths Involving Opioid Analgesics: United States, 1999–2011". NCHS Data Brief 166. September 2014.