OxyContin®, a brand name for oxycodone, is a powerful pain reliever. Your doctor may prescribe it to treat moderate to severe pain.
This medicine is meant to treat continuous pain over an extended period of time. It is not intended for use on an as-needed basis or to treat occasional pain. Oxycodone is also sold under the brand names Roxicodone® and Oxecta®.
OxyContin may be taken with or without food. If you experience nausea when taking oxycodone, taking it with food may help. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
If you are taking OxyContin long-acting tablets, swallow the tablets whole. Breaking, crushing, chewing or dissolving them may release all of the drug at once, increasing your risk of overdosing.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions when taking this medicine. Do not take it in larger amounts than your doctor prescribes. Tell your doctor if it doesn't seem to be effective. Your doctor may start you at a lower dosage and then adjust it to find the right dosage to fit your needs.
OxyContin is a powerful narcotic prescription medicine that can be habit-forming. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Your doctor may decrease your dosage gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Medicines that cause drowsiness or affect your breathing may increase the risk of serious side effects while taking this medicine, such as cough-and-cold products, sleep medication, muscle relaxants and anti-seizure drugs.
People have reported side effects while taking OxyContin. Common minor side effects include:
- Constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itching skin
- Sleepiness
- Call your doctor immediately if you have more serious side effects, such as:
- Extreme weakness, sweating, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, or cold or clammy skin
- Blue lips, fingernails or skin
- Severe constipation or vomiting
- Severe confusion, lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
Reach out to your doctor if you believe you are having an allergic reaction. Signs may include itching or hives, swelling in your hands or face, tingling or swelling in your mouth or throat, trouble breathing and chest tightness.
Also, visit our OxyContin drug page to get more information about the drug and to get free OxyContin coupons to save off the retail cost of the medication.
