We are all familiar with the concept of side effects – if we stay out in the sun without sunscreen, we may get burned; if we forget coffee at the store, we won’t have any for in the morning; and if we fail to follow the instructions on our medications, we may be at risk for illness or addiction.
Oxycodone is no exception. As an opioid, it has numerous side effects that users need to be aware of – from the abuse potential to the impact it may have on your weight.
What is oxycodone?
Oxycodone belongs to a group of drugs known as opiate (narcotic) analgesics, which change the brain and body’s response to pain signals. Oxycodone produces pain relief, respiratory depression and sedation, pleasure, euphoria and relaxation by directly impacting the central nervous system (CNS).
It should not be used on an as-needed basis. This class of medication is potentially addictive, so oxycodone is best utilized in addressing the short-term management of acute pain or in low doses for the long-term management of severe chronic pain.
All opioid prescriptions are best monitored under the close observation and guidance of a medical doctor who is well-versed in the side effects of opioid medications.
What are the adverse side effects of oxycodone?
Opioid drugs, including oxycodone, all have short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects are those experienced immediately after the drug has been taken while it remains in effect in the body. The long-term effects are the result of the impact the drug has on the body as it is used/abused for extended periods.
The short-term effects of oxycodone are the ones that cause people to abuse the drug often as a result of the dopamine release and relaxed state oxycodone can elicit. But there are other short-term effects of the drug, too, including:
- Pain relief
- Respiratory depression
- Slowed pulse
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion
- Dizziness
- GI upset, including stomach pain, nausea or constipation
- Sweating or flushing of the skin
- Itching
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Mood changes
- Restlessness
Suppose you are taking oxycodone under the direction of a medical doctor for the sake of addressing chronic pain or in the case of recovering from surgery, for example. In that case, it is essential to note if these symptoms are ongoing or worsen. Unaddressed adverse side effects could lead to long-term health complications.
The long-term effects of oxycodone include:
- Chronic constipation
- Increased tolerance and dependency, where a higher dose of the drug is needed to obtain the same effects
- Increased risk of infection
- Decreased bone density and higher risk of fractures as a result
- Hormone level changes that may lead to irregular menstrual cycles reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Sleeping difficulties, including increased insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
- Heightened risk of overdose
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation
As you may have noticed, weight changes are not included on either list – so what about oxycodone’s impact on your weight? Are there any changes to be expected?
How does oxycodone affect your weight?
Oxycodone is not one of those drugs with a direct side effect of weight loss. However, many side effects impact appetite, hormones (particularly in the adrenal glands) and stomach health, all of which can harm weight.
Unhealthy habits, including unhealthy eating behaviors, characterize addiction. One critical sign of addiction is a lack of self-care, which often manifests in the quality of nutrition one receives. Suppose you are struggling with oxycodone addiction and have been gaining weight in addition. In that case, examining your food quality and determining if unhealthy snacking contributes to weight gain may be beneficial.
Additionally, the impact of oxycodone on the adrenal glands can affect metabolism, slowing it down or speeding it up, depending on the person, which may significantly impact one’s weight.
And lastly, because oxycodone is so harsh on the GI tract, the presence of constipation, nausea or stomach pain may take away one’s appetite. If, as a response to these unpleasant symptoms, you find yourself eating less than average, it would not be surprising to notice a drop in weight.
So, while weight change is not a direct symptom of oxycodone use, it may still be apparent when one takes it for extended lengths of time or is in the habit of misusing oxycodone.
Substance abuse treatment for opioid addiction
Battling a substance use disorder can feel lonely, isolating and even humiliating. But overcoming an addiction is not something you have to do on your own. Whether you or a loved one is struggling, Pyramid Healthcare is here to help. Contact our offices to learn more about our locations, treatment programs and service providers anytime by calling 800-877-3628 to learn more.
