Oxycodone is a type of medication, called an opioid, that doctors sometimes prescribe to help people manage moderate to severe pain. It can be really helpful for short-term pain, like after a surgery or a serious injury. It works by quieting down the pain signals in your brain and body.

When used as prescribed and for a short time, oxycodone can help people feel better and stay comfortable during healing. But it’s also very strong and, if not used carefully, can have long-term effects on your body and mind. Everyone’s experience with oxycodone is different, but help is available if you or a loved one is struggling with long-term oxycodone use.

How does oxycodone work?

Oxycodone works by changing the way the brain feels pain. It attaches to special parts of the brain and nervous system called opioid receptors. These receptors help block pain signals and can create feelings of calm or euphoria, also known as a high.

This can be helpful for pain relief, but it also means the brain can get used to the drug. Over time, people may need more of it to feel the same effect. That’s called tolerance.

When the body starts to rely on the drug to feel “normal,” that’s dependence. When this happens, if they stop taking oxycodone or take less of it, they may start to feel sick or uncomfortable. These feelings are known as withdrawal symptoms.

Besides physical dependence, oxycodone can lead to addiction, which is also called opioid use disorder. Addiction is when someone feels a strong urge to keep using the drug even when it’s causing problems in their life, like with their health, their relationships, or at school or work.

Why is oxycodone so addictive?

Oxycodone can affect the reward system in the brain, the same part that controls feelings of pleasure or motivation. When someone takes it, they may feel:

• Very relaxed
• Happy or calm
• Sleepy or out of it

These feelings can be comforting, especially for people who are stressed or struggling emotionally. But the brain can start to crave the drug to feel those emotions again. That’s why oxycodone can be so addictive, even for people who never meant to misuse it. It’s powerful, and its power can make it hard for some people to stop using it, even when they want to.

Addiction isn’t about weakness or willpower. It’s a health condition that can affect anyone, and it can be treated with the right tools and support.

What are the side effects of oxycodone use?

Even when oxycodone is used as prescribed for a short time, it can have side effects. These can include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Itching
• Slowed breathing
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Trouble thinking clearly

Side effects can go away once the body adjusts, but others, especially if the dose is high or used long-term, can stick around or get worse.

11 long-term effects of oxycodone use

Taking oxycodone for a long time can lead to changes in the brain, body, and emotions. These long-term effects may not happen to everyone, but they’re important to know:

• Physical dependence

Your body can start to rely on oxycodone to function. When you stop taking it, you may feel sick or uncomfortable. This is called withdrawal, and it’s a sign of physical dependence, not failure. These symptoms can be treatable, especially with help from a doctor or support program. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Muscle aches
• Sweating or chills
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety or mood swings
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Tolerance

Over time, the same amount of oxycodone may not work as well. This means people may need to take more to feel the same effect, which can raise the risk of overdose or other health problems.

• Brain changes

Oxycodone affects how your brain handles pleasure, stress, and emotions. Long-term use can make it harder to feel joy or cope with daily life without the drug. These changes may take time to heal, but many people improve with treatment and support.

• Weakened immune system

Long-term opioid use can slow down the immune system, making it harder to fight off illnesses like colds or infections.

• Hormone problems

Oxycodone can affect hormone levels, especially testosterone and estrogen. This may cause:

• Low energy
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Sex drive changes
• Infertility risk
• Digestive issues

Opioids like oxycodone slow down the digestive system. Over time, this can lead to chronic constipation, bloating, or stomach pain. In severe cases, it may cause a blockage that needs medical attention.

• Mental health struggles

People who take oxycodone may experience a range of feelings and emotions. These feelings are real and treatable. Support is available. It’s OK to ask for help with your mental health, it’s part of your overall well-being. Emotions and feelings people may experience include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Hopelessness
• Hyperalgesia

This may sound surprising, but sometimes, long-term opioid use can make you experience hyperalgesia, or an increased sensitivity to certain types of pain. It’s like the body’s pain system gets mixed up. But it’s uncommon, and may improve when the dose is lowered or the person is switched to another medication.

• Cognitive issues

Some people who use oxycodone for a long time may experience problems with thinking, memory, and attention. It may become harder to focus or remember things.

• Risk of falls and injuries

Feeling dizzy or sleepy due to long-term oxycodone use can increase the risk of accidents and falls, which can lead to injuries.

• Risk of overdose

Even with prescribed use, long-term users can accidentally take too much, especially if they try to increase their dose without talking to their doctor. Combining oxycodone with other medications or alcohol can also greatly increase the risk of a dangerous overdose.

It’s important to remember that not everyone who uses oxycodone long-term will experience all of these effects. However, the longer someone uses it and the higher the dose, the greater the risk.

These long-term effects don't mean that change isn't possible. Many people who have used oxycodone long-term are able to heal - both physically and emotionally - with the right care.

How to stop taking oxycodone safely

If you’ve been using oxycodone for a while and want to stop, it’s extremely important to talk to a doctor or health care professional. Suddenly stopping can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

A doctor can help you create a plan to gradually reduce your dose of oxycodone over time. This is called tapering. Tapering helps your body adjust slowly and can make withdrawal symptoms much milder.

Doctors can also offer other support and treatments to help you stop using oxycodone, such as:

• Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) — Medications like buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
• Counseling and therapy — Talking to a therapist or licensed counselor can help you understand the reasons behind your opioid use and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with cravings and triggers.
• Support groups — Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide valuable support and understanding.

What are the signs of an oxycodone overdose?

An oxycodone overdose is a serious medical emergency. It happens when someone takes too much oxycodone, and it can slow down their breathing to a dangerous level. It’s important to know the signs of an overdose so you can get help right away. Signs of an oxycodone overdose can include:

• Slow or shallow breathing, or even stopping breathing
• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Unresponsive (not being able to wake up) or being very sleepy
• Gurgling or choking sounds
• Cold or clammy skin
• Bluish lips or fingernails

If you think someone may be overdosing on oxycodone, it’s vital to call 911 immediately. Emergency medical professionals can give a medication called naloxone (Narcan), which can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a person’s life. In many communities, naloxone is also available to the public.

You’re not alone: Support is just a step away with Groups

Oxycodone is a strong medicine that can help people live with less pain. But long-term use comes with risks, especially when it turns into dependence or addiction. Still, healing is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with oxycodone use, you or they:

• Are not alone.
• Are not broken.
• Can get better.

There are doctors, therapists, support groups, and hotlines ready to help, without judgment. At Groups, we provide quick access to Suboxone, weekly support group meetings, and life goal assistance. The most powerful step is the one where you reach out. No matter where you are in your journey, you are worthy of care, recovery, and a life full of meaning and joy. Learn more about what treatment looks like at Groups.

Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn't offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.