How Effective Is Oxycodone for Pain?

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.