Call Our 24/7 Addiction Hotline Who Answers?
800-560-1904 Who Answers?

25 Oxycontin Effects You Should be Aware Of

  • Euphoria - According to the DOJ, "Euphoria and feelings of relaxation are the most common effects of oxycodone on the brain, which explains its high potential for abuse."
  • Respiratory Depression - If a person takes too much Oxycontin, severe respiratory depression can result. Even if you take Oxycontin specifically as prescribed, your respiration will probably slow down somewhat.
  • Sweating - Sweating is one of the common side effects of oxycodone, the active ingredient in Oxycontin. It is not normally a cause for alarm.
  • Nausea and Vomiting - Nausea and vomiting are common side effects caused by Oxycontin. If you have trouble with this, try to take your medication with food.
  • Dry Mouth - Dry mouth is another common side effect. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help combat this issue.
  • Constipation - Constipation is, according to Harvard Health, caused by "all opioids." Discuss this side effect with your doctor and find out what remedies you can use (like drinking lots of water) and which laxatives might be safe to use.
  • oxycontin abuseOxycontin causes drowsiness, lightheadedness and dizziness.
  • Drowsiness - Drowsiness is common when one takes Oxycontin. Make sure you do not operate heavy machinery or drive in this state.
  • Loss of Appetite - To combat weight loss or malnutrition as a result of Oxycontin-induced loss of appetite, remind yourself to eat regularly.
  • Stomach Pain - Mild stomach pain is a common Oxycontin side effect and can be discussed with your doctor.
  • Headache - Over-the-counter medication can help with headaches caused by Oxycontin.
  • Weakness - You will often feel weakness in your limbs and body when taking Oxycontin.
  • Seizures - Seizures are one of the severe side effects sometimes caused by Oxycontin. If you experience them, talk to your doctor immediately.
  • Lightheadedness - Fatigue and drowsiness are common, but lightheadedness may be a sign of a more severe Oxycontin-induced condition.
  • Constricted Pupils - Constricted pupils are normal as a part of Oxycontin use. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of overdose.
  • Dependence - Dependence on Oxycontin is common in long-term use but is not necessarily a sign of addiction.
  • Addiction - Addiction to Oxycontin occurs when a person has been abusing the drug chronically for a period of time, making them unable to stop on their own.
  • Drug-Seeking Behavior - Going hand-in-hand with addiction, drug-seeking behavior can cause someone to seek out Oxycontin at the detriment of themselves.
  • Depression - Sometimes, severe abuse of Oxycontin can cause depression or depressed feelings.
  • Apathy - Oxycontin abuse can also cause apathy toward other aspects of a person's life.
  • Withdrawal - According to the NLM, "If you stop taking this medication suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms" such as anxiety, muscle and bone pain, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Confusion - Oxycontin can cause confusion, especially if more of the drug than necessary is taken.
  • Mood Changes - People who take Oxycontin legally and illegally may experience varying degrees of mood changes.
  • Overdose - Oxycontin overdose can occur and can lead to severe respiratory depression and death.
  • Heroin Addiction - Abusing Oxycontin in high doses has been known to lead to heroin addiction (NIDA).
  • Changes in the Brain - Abusing Oxycontin can cause major changes to the brain's reward system, leading to addiction.

Where do calls go?

Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Additional calls will also be forwarded and returned by one of our treatment partners below.

Calls to any general helpline (non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) for your visit will be answered by ARK Behavioral Health, a paid advertiser on DrugFree.

All calls are private and confidential.