Interesting Facts on the Drug Oxycodone

Oxycodone refers to a medication used to treat post-operative pain and pain associated with cancer, arthritis and lower-back problems. Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is highly addictive. Oxycodone abuse has been a problem in the United States since the 1960s.

Names

• Oxycodone is sold as OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Endocet, Roxicet and Tylox. Many of these drugs combine other drugs, such as acetaminophen, with oxycodone. Slang terms for oxycodone include Percodoms, Percs, Oxy, OCs and Oxycottons.

Features

• Oxycodone is manufactured from thebaine, a chemical found in opium. The drug affects the central nervous system's response to pain. Oxycodone is usually prescribed in doses ranging from 10 to 80 milligrams (mg), according to the University of Maryland.

Abuse

• People abuse oxycodone to experience a sense of euphoria or to counter withdrawal symptoms from heroin or morphine addiction. Most people who abuse oxycodone crush the pill and snort the powder, chew the pill or crush the pills in water and inject the mixture. These methods enable people to absorb the drug more rapidly.

Side Effects

• Oxycodone may cause headaches, constipation, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, appetite loss and weakness. Contact your doctor if you experience seizures, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, hallucinations or fainting.