Nevertheless, substance abusers who become addicted to both substances do abuse them simultaneously. It is very important to follow your healthcare provider’s orders for dosage and time taken to avoid misuse, overdose, and/or death. Overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 47,000 people in 2018, and 32% of those deaths involved prescription opioids. When opioids such as oxycodone and alcohol are combined, it can have devastating effects. Drinking alcohol while using opioids comes with many risks, including slower breathing, impaired judgment, and potentially overdose and death. Though highly effective in reducing discomfort, this drug produces a range of side-effects, has very high abuse potential, and overdoses can be deadly.

1. The recommendation is that you take the medication as soon as you remember, and try to return to your normal schedule of doses as soon as possible.
2. Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.
3. Though highly effective in reducing discomfort, this drug produces a range of side-effects, has very high abuse potential, and overdoses can be deadly.
4. It also indicates oxycodone can only be used for specific purposes and according to a physician’s instructions.
5. Throughout the course of treatment, stay vigilant of how you’re feeling and keep your healthcare provider informed on your progress.

A person who experiences moderate to severe pain can discuss pain management options with their doctor. If a person has a family history of alcohol or substance use disorder, they should also tell their doctor. A family history of these conditions may mean a person is more likely to become addicted to oxycodone. Suffering a substance use disorder may be challenging, but all hope is not lost. Individuals needing help can access medications and treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (which uncovers behaviors and teaches healthier behavioral changes), 12-step programs, and counseling.

Oxycodone drug interactions

This means that after prolonged abuse of either substance, addicts develop a physical need for it and they will do whatever is necessary to obtain it. In the case of a restricted substance such as oxycodone, an addict who is not willing or able to purchase it on the black market may rely only on alcohol until he or she is able to obtain oxycodone again. This then leads to a situation in which the addict becomes dependent on two substances, both of which are very harmful on their own in the amounts that he or she needs to take in order to satisfy cravings for each one. Treatment for alcohol and substance addiction may vary between people, facilities, and programs.

Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted. Opioid medicine, including oxycodone, can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Mixing Oxycodone and Alcohol

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, combining oxycodone with alcohol can lead to respiratory depression (slowed breathing or cessation of breathing). Lack or loss of oxygen can lead to paralysis, nerve damage, kidney failure, fluid build-up in the lungs, pneumonia, or death. These pills come in many shapes, sizes and doses, depending on the brand. It is used either alone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER) or in combination with other non-narcotic analgesics such as aspirin (Percodan) or acetaminophen (Percocet). Drinking alcohol while you’re taking oxycodone may make you feel more sleepy or increase the risk of serious side effects.

The Risks of Combining Oxycodone and Alcohol

Concurrent management of alcohol and opioid withdrawal presents a challenging clinical scenario, and the simultaneous use of first-line treatments, including benzodiazepines and opioid agonists is controversial. Although clinicians should approach concurrent prescribing of these agents with care, the benefit of effectively managing both alcohol and opioid withdrawal likely outweighs the risk in a controlled, inpatient setting. Strategies to minimize the risk for respiratory depression with this how psychedelic drugs can be used for mental health the new york times combination include conservative initial dosing of opioid agonists, cautious but effective dose titration, and hold parameters on inpatient medication order sets. Scheduled medication regimens may be preferred based on the lack of evidence for symptom-triggered protocols and complexities affecting symptom scale validity in patients using multiple substances. This would most likely rule out the potential to initiate ER naltrexone prior to discharge based on hospital length-of-stay limitations.

Contact a treatment provider today and discover treatment options. Not unlike the use of other Opioids involved in the Opioid crisis, individuals who take Oxycodone can become addicted and choose to feed their addiction the heroin detoxification process with more potent substances. In many cases, those battling an Opioid use disorder who develop a tolerance or dependence are at risk of developing addictions due to the drug’s ability to relax the central nervous system.

Those who combine alcohol and Oxycodone have an increased risk of respiratory depression and an increased risk of fatally overdosing. Individuals can stop breathing due to the effect the 2 drugs have on the body. Oxycodone, which is often referred to by its most common brand name, OxyContin, is a very potent and highly addictive opioid narcotic pain reliever that is used to relieve severe pain caused by serious injury or disease.

Medications

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of oxycodone. Fatal side effects can occur if you use opioid medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. Oxycodone is a potent pain-relieving medicine that should be reserved for mainly cancer-related pain.

If these persist or become severe, let your healthcare provider know. It’s also important not to stop taking this drug suddenly as this can lead to withdrawal, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including irritability, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, anxiety, cramps, and many others. If so much time has elapsed that you’re almost to your next scheduled dose, you can go ahead and skip one. Specific dosages vary based on the case and level of tolerance, but dosing tends to call for 5 to 15 mg every four to six hours as necessary for pain. You’ll get specific guidance on how to correctly administer this solution.