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Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a pain medication that treats moderate to severe back pain. As an opioid, it does not just treat tissue inflammation; it also turns off the brain’s response to pain. This provides relief for a variety of back pain conditions.

Conditions Treated by Oxycodone

Any form of severe back pain may be treated by oxycodone. It is typically administered to treat post-operative pain, but doctors may prescribe it to treat conditions like:

  • Chronic upper, middle and lower back pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Tumors in the back and neck

Side Effects

Oxycodone is a powerful pain medication, and there are several side effects to consider. Milder side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth

If you suffer from these side effects, tell your doctor. You may need to reduce your oxycodone dosage or stop taking the drug entirely. You may also experience other side effects, including:

  • Swollen face, throat, hands, feet and legs
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting
  • Seizures

Addiction, Withdrawal and Overdose

As with any form of pain medication, users should exercise caution to avoid developing an addiction. Physicians should suggest milder alternatives and treatments before prescribing oxycodone.

Do not attempt to stop taking oxycodone without a doctor’s guidance. You will need to gradually pare down your use of the drug or risk withdrawal symptoms that may include:

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety

Addiction may lead to overdose. Oxycodone overdose symptoms include cold, clammy skin, difficulty breathing and blue lips, fingernails and skin. You may experience extreme fatigue and difficulty moving, which may lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Dosage

Oxycodone is typically prescribed in tablet or pill form. There are two types of oxycodone: fast-acting and long-acting. While fast-acting oxycodone is often prescribed for post-operative pain and may be administered in the event of acute trauma, long-acting oxycodone pills are better suited to treat chronic back pain.

Your initial dosage will likely be low, but if you suffer no adverse effects and your pain persists, your dosage may be increased. Your doctor may prescribe oxycodone in conjunction with other pain medications including acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Contact your doctor to discuss an oxycodone regimen for your back pain condition.