Can you get high on oxycodone?

Yes. You can get high on oxycodone. More on the adverse effects of oxycodone and risks of oxycodone addiction here.

3
minute read

Yes. You can get high on oxycodone.

Oxycodone is a narcotic medication found in a number of brand name drugs (oxycodone compared to OxyContin is almost the same thing). Oxycodone is habit forming. Doctors expect users to develop tolerance to oxycodone and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking oxycodone. But is there a connection between getting high on oxycodone and addiction? Who is at risk? We review getting high on oxycodone and the risks of oxycodone addiction here. Your questions about oxycodone use are welcomed at the end.

Oxycodone chemistry and use

Oxycodone is an opiate pain killer used to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone compared to hydrocodone provides similar pain relief, but oxycodone withdrawal is more severe.  So how does oxycodone work? Oxycodone alters the brain and nervous system’s response to pain. Because it acts on the brain, oxycodone can have a variety of side effects that impact various systems of the body, including the central nervous system.

Drugs that contain oxycodone

OxyContin, Dazidox, Endocodone, Oxceta, Oxyfast, Percolone, and Roxicodone are all brand names for oxycodone. Oxycodone is found mixed with acetaminophen in Endocet, Percocet, Rocicet, and Tylox. It’s combined with asprin in Endodan, Percodan, and Roxiprin. In Combuno, it’s mixed with ibuprofen.

Oxycodone and euphoria

Oxycodone creates a euphoric high because it affects the pleasure centers of the brain. Ordinarily, this high is strongest the first time someone uses oxycodone, and the effects diminish over time. People taking oxycodone for pain management may not experience feelings of euphoria at all. But the deep sense of well-being that oxycodone can trigger, combined with oxycodone’s addictive nature, causes people to abuse oxycodone, even if you start taking it as prescribed.

Oxycodone and central nervous system effects

Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant. When used in normal doses, any of the follow side effects can occur:

  • dizziness and lightheadedness
  • headache
  • mood changes
  • weakness

Oxycodone can also cause some serious adverse effects related to the central nervous system, which include:

  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • fainting
  • fast or slow heartbeat
  • hallucinations
  • slowed breathing
  • seizures

Mixing oxycodone with other substances

Oxycodone is often mixed with alcohol or other drugs to enhance drug effects. Mixing oxycodone is a dangerous practice. Central nervous system depressants like alcohol and anti-anxiety medications increase the risk of serious adverse effects or overdose. Mixing oxycodone and the wrong substances can easily land you in the ER.

Oxycodone high dangers

Oxycodone overdose is a very serious problem if you are using oxycodone to get high. Why? Because oxycodone is habit-forming and users build a tolerance to the medication over time. This can result in increased doses that can cause overdose on oxycodone, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Overdose is an especially serious risk with acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage at even relatively low doses when not taken correctly.

Another risk of using oxycodone to get high is oxycodone addiction and withdrawal from the medication. If you stop taking oxycodone suddenly, the withdrawal can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from sleeplessness, to aches and pains, to mood swings. Although oxycodone withdrawal syndrome is not life threatening, symptoms can be very uncomfortable and difficult to manage. This is why doctors recommend users detox from oxycodone only under medical supervision.

Help for oxycodone abuse

If you think that you have a problem with oxycodone, you probably do. But if you’re addicted to oxycodone, you have nothing to be ashamed of – narcotic addiction is a common problem and there are resources to help. Firstly, your doctor can give you medical advice on weaning yourself from oxycodone if you’re physically dependent on it. Sometimes, medical treatments are available to help treat opiate addiction. Your doctor can also direct you to support groups and refer you for therapy to help you overcome oxycodone addiction.

There are also steps you can take to help yourself get off oxycodone for good. Surround yourself with a supportive community of family and friends. Avoid people, places, and situations that will tempt you to abuse oxycodone. Making a few simple changes in your life can sometimes be the difference between relapse and staying sober.

Getting high oxycodone questions

Do you still have questions about getting high on oxycodone? Please ask them here. We will do our best to provide you with a personal and prompt response ASAP.

Reference Sources: PubMed Health: Oxycodone
MedLine Plus: Hydrocodone/oxycodone overdose
DEA Office of Diversion Control: Oxycodone 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?