Author: Ruben Bermea, LPC

OxyContin is a prescription opioid that’s often used to manage moderate to severe pain. While it can be effective for pain relief, it also has a high potential for misuse because it can produce feelings of euphoria.  

Since it was approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996, OxyContin has been closely linked to the rising rates of opioid misuse. In 2015, the FDA expanded its approval to include children as young as 11, which raised concerns among many about the increased risk of addiction in younger patients. 

The impact of opioid medications like OxyContin has been far-reaching, affecting individuals, families and communities around the world. Because it’s a Schedule II narcotic, both its use and misuse carry serious risks, and in some cases, the consequences can be devastating. 

OxyContin vs. Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the poppy plant. It is created in a lab by combining it with hydrochloride salt, resulting in an extremely potent and highly addictive analgesic. Oxycodone is typically offered in an immediate-release formula that is taken every four to six hours for acute pain. OxyContin also contains oxycodone, but it is formulated for extended-release, meaning it continues to provide pain relief for up to 12 hours, so it is taken twice daily to treat chronic pain. 

 Other medications made from oxycodone include:

• Percocet
• Percodan
• Roxicodone

Prescription OxyContin

Prescribers recommend the use of opioid medications, such as OxyContin, to manage moderate to severe pain.⁷ Prescribers may also recommend OxyContin when other medications fail to adequately address pain symptoms. 

OxyContin works by binding to mu-opioid receptors throughout the body. By binding to these receptors, pain signals are blocked, changing the way pain is perceived. Because it is typically used to treat severe or chronic pain, it is usually taken on a planned schedule, rather than on an as-needed basis. Because it is considered an extended-release drug, it is usually taken every 12 hours or twice per day.  Extended-release OxyContin comes in the following doses:⁹

• 10 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 60 mg
• 80 mg

Risks of Taking OxyContin

Even using this medication as directed puts individuals at risk of serious health consequences.  Factors that may increase health risks while taking OxyContin include:⁹

• Seizure history
• Pulmonary disease
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Thyroid problems
• Difficulty urinating
• Stomach problems
• A history of substance misuse or dependence
• Pregnancy

Pregnant or breastfeeding women can pass the substance to their child, raising the risk of their child experiencing severe health effects from OxyContin usage, including neonatal abstinence syndrome. 

OxyContin can impair your ability to focus and can make operating heavy machinery dangerous.⁹ As well, using alcohol or other over-the-counter medications with OxyContin can increase your risk of overdose, death or other side effects.⁹

The use of OxyContin, even as directed, can lead to abuse, dependence, addiction, overdose or death.⁹ Furthermore, people with a history of substance misuse or sensitivity to opioid substances face a higher risk of dependence and overdose on OxyContin.

OxyContin Side Effects

Possible side effects associated with OxyContin use include:⁹

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea

More severe side effects include:⁹

• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Facial swelling
• Overdose
• Death

 If you experience severe side effects, call your medical provider or seek emergency medical care immediately.

OxyContin Misuse and Addiction

Many people attempt to use OxyContin outside of its medical purpose. In addition to oral use, individuals may crush the tablets to snort or dissolve them in water for intravenous injection. In some instances, the tablet may be heated on a piece of foil to inhale the vapors.  

Symptoms of opioid or OxyContin intoxication include:¹⁰

• Feeling euphoric
• Apathy
• Persistent feelings of discomfort or dissatisfaction
• Moving slower than normal
• Restlessness and involuntary movement
• Slurred speech
• Forgetfulness
• Coma

In rare circumstances, intoxication can lead to hallucinations.¹⁰

Beyond the effects of intoxication, people who misuse this medication face a higher risk of experiencing dangerous OxyContin side effects and consequences.⁹ 

In fact, people who misuse OxyContin run the risk of becoming dependent on the medication. Dependence can be described as the body’s inability to function normally without the drug. Furthermore, OxyContin misuse can be especially dangerous when used with other substances, such as alcohol, which can increase risks of overdose, due to depression of the central nervous system.⁹ Lastly, the elderly or those who are medically compromised may experience greater sensitivity to the effects of OxyContin use and misuse.⁹

Signs of OxyContin Misuse

Signs of OxyContin misuse include:¹⁰

• Taking more OxyContin or another opioid than intended
• Inability to cut down or limit use
• Strong cravings or desire to use this medication or other opioids
• Continuing to use despite negative effects on health
• Continuing to use despite negative effects on other areas of life
• Continuing to use it in dangerous situations
• Increased tolerance, or a need to use more for the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms without it

If you begin a prescription for OxyContin or any other opioid medication, you should consult your doctor before you stop taking the medication.⁹ A doctor with adequate training in pain management treatment can help taper safely from the medication. Withdrawal symptoms are common, even when it is used for as little as a few weeks.¹⁰

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal include:¹⁰

• Low mood
• Muscle aches
• Stomach problems
• Yawning
• Sweating
• Fever
• Insomnia

Signs of OxyContin Overdose

Taking too much of this medication, even as prescribed, can result in OxyContin overdose. Symptoms include:⁹

• Clammy skin
• Feeling cold to the touch
• Low blood pressure
• Slower heart functioning
• Coma
• A build-up of fluid in the lungs
• Difficulty or inability to breathe
• Low oxygen levels in other parts of the body

An overdose can be fatal.⁹ If you or a loved one shows signs of OxyContin overdose or any other opioid substance, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

OxyContin Addiction Prevention and Treatment

With proper medical guidance, you can reduce the risks associated with OxyContin use.  Taking medications exactly as prescribed is the first and most important step in protecting both yourself and those around you.

Be open about your medical history and have honest conversations with your provider about the potential risk of OxyContin use. This allows your medical professional to make informed, personalized recommendations for managing your pain safely.  If you are considering stopping the medication, always consult with your provider first, as medical supervision can help minimize or prevent uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 

Safe storage is also essential.  Keeping narcotic medications secure helps prevent diversion and misuse by others.  Working with a qualified, experienced provider ensures that prescriptions are appropriate and closely monitored.  Using only the amount prescribed, and only as needed, can further reduce the risk of dependence or misuse. If you have a history of substance use or addiction, sharing this information is critical to developing a safer pain management plan. 

Misuse, overdose and withdrawal can have serious and potentially life-threatening effects.  If you notice symptoms of withdrawal, intoxication or overdose, seek medical attention right away. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, treatment is available, including inpatient, residential or outpatient options. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today to discuss your options and start on the path toward recovery. 

References

1. Olsen, Y. & Sharfstein, J. M. (2019). The Opioid Epidemic: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press.
2. Powell, D., & Pacula, R. L. (2021). The Evolving Consequences of OxyContin Reformulation on Drug Overdoses. American Journal of Health Economics, 7(1), 41–67.
3. Perrone, M. (2020). Experts: Revamped OxyContin hasn’t curbed abuse, overdoses. Associated Press.
4. Hilton, L. (2016). Pediatric labeling for OxyContin. Contemporary Pediatrics, 33(9), 27–37.
5. Ciulla-Bohling, R. (2019). Oxycodone. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.
6. United States General Accounting Office. (2003). Prescription Drugs: OxyContin Abuse and Diversion and Efforts to Address the Problem.
7. S. National Library of Medicine. (2026, January 15). Oxycodone: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus.
8. WebMD. (n.d.). OxyContin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.
9. United States Food and Drug Administration. (2021, March 4). Medication Guides.
10. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-related and addictive disorders. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
11. Van Zee A. (2009). The promotion and marketing of OxyContin: commercial triumph, public health tragedy. American Journal of Public Health, 99(2), 221–227.

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