Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

OxyContin's active ingredient is oxycodone, a narcotic (opiate) pain medication (analgesic). Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system and smooth muscle tissue, slowing the central nervous system. OxyContin is only available by prescription.

OxyContin has few side effects when taken as recommended by your doctor, but some cautions should be observed. Interactions may occur with certain medications that could alter or increase the effect of either OxyContin, or the other medication. While OxyContin is a highly effective pain reliever, it has been associated with an increased risk of addiction when used improperly, or for too long. Never take OxyContin in greater doses, or for a longer period of time, than recommended by your doctor.

OxyContin Side Effects

OxyContin side effects are usually mild, and tend to diminish over time. As with all narcotic medications, it can impair performance. Driving or operating heavy machinery is not advised, as OxyContin can interfere with mental and physical abilities. Become familiar with your reaction to OxyContin before performing potentially hazardous tasks while taking it.

Common OxyContin side effects: are constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, itching, nausea, sedation, sweating, vomiting, or weakness. If you feel lightheaded or nauseous, lying down may alleviate these symptoms.

Breathing: High doses of OxyContin, or patient sensitivity, can cause breathing irregularity or other respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is the most serious likely side effect of OxyContin, and may be more likely with certain combinations of medication. Check the drug interaction list carefully, and be cautious with any drug that slows the central nervous system or 'may cause drowsiness.' If you have breathing difficulties, OxyContin may not be right for you.

Head Injuries: Oxycodone's narcotic effects can cause an increase of pressure in the cerebral and spinal fluid. If a patient has suffered a head injury, both the pressure increase and the respiratory suppression can be exaggerated. Oxycodone may interfere with an accurate diagnosis or treatment of head injuries.

Acute Abdominal Conditions: OxyContin may interfere with diagnosis and treatment of acute abdominal conditions.

Dependence: Mental and physical dependence can develop if OxyContin is used for long periods of time. Long use of oxycodone can create a tolerance condition where the medication no longer works at the initial dosage.

Overdose: Oxycodone overdose is characterized by slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness progressing to stupor or coma, limp muscles, or cold, clammy skin. Severe oxycodone overdose may result in death due to cardiac arrest or stopped breathing. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose.

OxyContin dosage for adults is usually started at one tablet every 12 hours at a dosage of 20-60mg, and may be increased gradually if patient develops a tolerance or is in extreme pain. Dosage rarely exceeds 160mg per day. Severe side effects rarely occur at the prescribed dosage of OxyContin.

Many cases of drug overdose involving prescription medications are related to mixing drugs that accelerate each other's effects. Never mix a powerful medication like OxyContin with another prescription drug that you or your physician suspect may not be safe. Never mix OxyContin with over the counter medications that have not been approved by your doctor or pharmacist, and avoid mixing it with street drugs of any type. Ignoring drug interaction warnings has resulted in fatal overdose in some patients.

Cautions: OxyContin should be prescribed with caution to patients with Addison's disease or kidney, liver, thyroid, or urogenital tract problems. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to OxyContin, or any other medication.

Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

OxyContin works by slowing the central nervous system. It should be used with caution with other drugs that have similar effects. Non-opioid pain medication, which includes most over the counter pain medication, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication is usually safe to take in combination with OxyContin. (Though over the counter pain medications should not be mixed with each other.) Consult your doctor regarding a combination which will be effective for you.

OxyContin can change or increase the effects of certain drugs, and your physician should be advised if you are taking any of the following.

• Alcohol - Oxycodone and alcohol can accelerate central nervous system depression. Avoid mixing the two, as this could result in a fatal overdose.
• Antihistamines like Tavist
• Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide), Xanax (alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and others, should be used cautiously with OxyContin.
• Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive CNS depression.
• MAO inhibitors - Oxycodone must not be mixed with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil, Marplan, or Parnate. It should not be taken for 2 weeks after you have stopped using these medications.
• Narcotic pain medication of any other kind, like Codeine, Demerol (meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine, Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine), Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), or Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) should not be mixed with OxyContin.
• Norflex (orphenadrine) - Risk of oversedation.
• Sedatives like Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal, Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants - such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Skelaxin (metaxalone), Soma (carisoprodol), or Robaxin (methocarbamol) may increase respiratory depression when mixed with OxyContin.
• Sleep medication like Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), or over the counter sleeping pills should be used with oxycodone only as, and if, advised by your doctor.
• Street drugs of any type must never be mixed with OxyContin as this could result in a fatal overdose.
• Tranquilizers such as Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine), or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) may cause oversedation.
• Trexan (naltrexone) - Causes narcotic pain medication to be ineffective.
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase the central nervous system suppressant effects from either the antidepressant, or the oxycodone.
• Ultram (tramadol)
• Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir) - Narcotic pain medication increases blood levels of this drug, potentially making side effects more severe.

In addition to the above medications, tell your doctor if you are using any other major antidepressants or central nervous system depressants in combination with OxyContin. Be cautious about taking OxyContin with any medicine warning that it 'may cause drowsiness.'

OxyContin Dosages

OxyContin dosage for adults is usually started at one tablet every 12 hours at a dosage of 10-60mg, and may be increased gradually if patient develops a tolerance or is in extreme pain. Dosage rarely exceeds 160mg per day. OxyContin comes in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg tablets. Eighty milligram tablets are only recommended for opioid tolerant patients.

Patients taking 60mg doses or less can usually stop treatment abruptly without ill effect. If you take a higher dosage of OxyContin, your doctor may suggest stepping down treatment gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

OxyContin Directions

If you miss a dose of OxyContin, take it as soon as you remember. If you are within an hour or so of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your schedule. Taking double doses of OxyContin is not recommended, as it may lead to an overdose or dependence.

Do not crush tablets before taking, as this could release the drug into the bloodstream too fast, possibly resulting in an overdose.

Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking OxyContin before any kind of surgery or medical test. This medication may interfere with certain test results. OxyContin should not be combined with certain medications given during surgery.

Store OxyContin away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep OxyContin away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

OxyContin may cause drowsiness or disorientation. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions. 

OxyContin has not been well studied for effects during pregnancy. Caution is advised in prescribing OxyContin to pregnant women.

Babies born to mothers taking opiates like oxycodone can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. The oxycodone withdrawal symptoms in the baby may include: irritability, hyperactivity, tremors, faster breathing, increased stools, fever, vomiting, sneezing, and yawning. The severity of the symptoms is not always tied to how much, or how long the mother used oxycodone (or other opiate).

OxyContin and Children

OxyContin has not been well studied for effects on children.

OxyContin and Seniors

OxyContin does not seem to affect the senior population differently, but lower starting dosages are recommended. There is a higher occurrence among the elderly of Addison's disease or kidney, liver, thyroid, or urogenital tract problems. OxyContin should be prescribed with care to these patients, and the elderly may have to be watched more carefully for respiratory depression.

Non Prescription Alternatives - Click Here

OxyContin is a trademark of Purdue Pharma L.P.

Back to top

The information contained in this document is provided for educational purposes and information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or Health professional, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor, physician or Health professional can say if a medication, a drug alternative or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.