We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Effective Is Oxycodone for Pain?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,897
Share

Oxycodone for pain is extremely effective, though taking it can produce major side effects and even cause physical dependence. Oxycodone side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, other side effects may include constipation, urinary retention and feeling lightheaded. One of the greatest concerns of taking oxycodone for pain is the risk of dependency, and it should never be taken unless under the strict supervision of a physician.

This medication is in a classification of drugs called opioids, and although opioids can be very effective in treating moderate to severe pain, they are not effective in treating accompanying inflammation. For pain that is accompanied by inflammation, over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications are typically more effective. These medications include ibuprofen and aspirin.

Occasionally, the physician may prescribe oxycodone for pain relief of migraine headaches. Because one of the side effects of oxycodone can be headache, oxycodone for pain relief of migraines is usually not recommended. Other medications better suited for migraine pain are called triptans, which may either be administered via injection or orally. These medications work rapidly to relieve migraine pain and resultant nausea and vomiting, without producing side effects similar to those of oxycodone.

Another reason oxycodone is generally not prescribed for migraine headaches is because migraines typically cause nausea, which is one of the major side effects of oxycodone. When other forms of migraine pain relief are ineffective, the physician may prescribe oxycodone for migraines coupled with an anti-nausea medication to counteract the side effects of the opioid.

Patient who use oxycodone for pain may take the drug orally, through an intramuscular injection or through an intravenous injection. It may also be administered rectally and injected directly under the skin. One of the main reasons oxycodone for pain is so effective is that it alters the patient's perception or response to pain. This mechanism is especially effective when pain relief is needed for cancer or arthritis pain.

For people who are experiencing only mild pain, the physician may be hesitant to prescribe oxycodone for pain. Although this medication may also be prescribed after dental procedures and for the post-surgical patient, doctors typically prefer to reserve its use for pain that cannot be managed by other forms of pain relief. In addition, people who are prone to gastrointestinal disturbances may not be candidates for oxycodone because it can contribute to stomach upset.

It is important to note that people who are taking oxycodone for pain should never drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform any tasks that require intense concentration. Doing so may be very dangerous since the medication may cause a significant decrease in response time and cause the person to become incoherent. People who take this medication should report any adverse reactions to their physicians, who can recommend an alternative method of pain relief.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-effective-is-oxycodone-for-pain.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.