Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodonealso called oxy is a drug in theopioid family.
It is a prescription pain medication derived from the poppy plant.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to deliver pain relief.
The amount of oxycodone needed for pain relief varies depending on each individuals pain levels and body.
Oxycodone is taken orally (by mouth).
Most people feel the effects of the immediate-release formulas of oxy within 20-30 minutes of consumption.
The drug reaches peach concentrations in the body within 1-2 hours following ingestion.
Extended-release formulas of oxycodone can take 4-5 hours to reach peak concentrations in the body.
Overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 47,000 people in 2018, and 32% of those deaths involved prescription opioids.
Common Brands/Names
Oxycodone is the primary ingredient in many opioid painkillers.
These pills come in many shapes, sizes and doses, depending on the brand.
Oxycodone is most often prescribed in pill or liquid form.
Thats why individuals who drink too much alcohol often slur their speech or stumble around a bit.
These effects are generally temporary and do not cause permanent damage.
Excessive drinking/long-term alcohol misuse can lead to serious issues with cognitive impairment and memory.
Not only that but drinking profoundly alters your mood, behavior, and neuropsychological functioning.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Alcohol is a drug.
Both drugs can both make you drowsy, light-headed, and impair judgment.
Drinking alcohol while taking oxy can intensify these effects.
Even small amounts of alcohol combined with the drug can be harmful.
If overdose occurs, combining the two drugs can lead to heart failure and death.
Signs of overdose include:
Medical interventionsuch as naloxone treatmentis required in case of overdose to avoid death.
Call 911 If…
There are different treatment options, depending on the situation and individuals needs.
Signs of Addiction
It is not always easy to recognize an addiction problem in someone you know.
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is currently available under different brand names.
Keep the person awake/alert if possible, and stay with them until EMS has arrived.
Medical attention should be sought after the use of naloxone.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is provided in special units of hospitals or medical clinics.
It offers both medical detoxification (to help the individual through physical withdrawal symptoms) and rehabilitation services.
The individual in inpatient treatment generally lives in the center anywhere from a month to a year.
Inpatient treatment centers often have phases of treatment, with different expectations and activities during each phase.
Outpatient treatment programs varysome require daily attendance, whereas others meet a couple of times per week.
Most outpatient programs last anywhere from two months to a year.
A Word From Verywell
Mixing alcohol and oxycodone can have dangerous and dire consequences.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while taking oxycodone.
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol screening and brief intervention for people who consume alcohol and use opioids.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opioid overdose.
National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism.Alcohols effects on the body.
US Department of Health and Human Services.Non-fatal opioid overdose and associated health outcomes: Final summary report.
Weathermon R, Crabb DW.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol and medication interactions.Alcohol Research & Health.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.What Is substance abuse treatment?
A booklet for families.
