How and when to take oxycodone? From Medic Experts
Oxycodone comes as:
- capsules containing 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of oxycodone – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day
- standard tablets containing 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of oxycodone – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day
- slow-release tablets containing 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg or 120mg of oxycodone – usually taken 1 to 2 times a day
- liquid containing 5mg of oxycodone in 5ml or 10mg of oxycodone in 1ml of liquid – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day. You’ll usually take the strength that contains 5mg in 5ml. If you have oxycodone liquid, always check that you have the right strength
Oxycodone is often started at a low dose, which can be progressively increased until your pain is manageable. The number of dosages you need to take may then be reduced if your doctor prescribes slow-release pills.
Your doctor will gradually lower your dosage when you quit taking oxycodone, particularly if you have been taking it for a long time.
How to take it
You can take oxycodone at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time every day and space your doses evenly. For example, if you take oxycodone twice a day and have your first dose at 8am, take your second dose around 8pm.
Take oxycodone with, or just after, a meal or snack as it’s less likely to make you feel sick.
It’s important to swallow slow-release oxycodone tablets whole with a drink of water.
How long to take it for
You might only need to take oxycodone for a brief period of time, depending on why you’re taking it.
For instance, you might only need to take oxycodone for a few days or weeks if you’re in pain following an injury or surgery.
If you have a chronic illness like cancer, you might need to take it longer.
Your body may become accustomed to taking oxycodone if you must do it for an extended period of time. Usually, this is not an issue, but if you abruptly stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like:
- feeling agitated, anxious or nervous
- panic attacks
- difficulty sleeping
- shaking
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
- sweating
If you want to stop taking oxycodone, talk to a doctor first. Your dose can be reduced gradually so you do not get these symptoms.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, check the information that comes with the medicine or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
It’s important not to take more than your prescribed dose, even if you think it’s not enough to relieve your pain. Speak to your doctor first, if you think you need a different dose.
If you take too much oxycodone you may feel very sleepy, sick or dizzy, find it difficult to breathe or become unconscious.
How to store oxycodone
If you have been prescribed oxycodone, it’s really important that you:
- store it properly and safely at home
- keep it out of the sight and reach of children
- do not give your medicine to anyone else
- return any unused oxycodone to a pharmacy so it can be thrown away safely