Theo Nash
Oxycodone is a pain-relieving opioid that can be addictive and is sometimes used by people to get 'high'. When combined with alcohol, oxycodone can have fatal consequences. Mixing two respiratory depressants such as alcohol and oxycodone is particularly dangerous and can lead to severe respiratory depression, sedation, and a heightened risk of overdose. Oxycodone can cause death and those who combine it with alcohol have an increased risk of respiratory depression and a fatal overdose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk | High risk of overdose, slow/no breathing, slowed/stopped heart rate, loss of consciousness, and death |
| Side effects | Dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness |
| High | Oxycodone is a pain-relieving opioid that can be addictive if abused. Alcohol is also a highly abused substance. |
| Combination | Oxycodone and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. |
| Effect | The combination of oxycodone and alcohol can increase the risk of opioid withdrawal symptoms. |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of overdose and fatality
Oxycodone is a powerful and addictive opioid used to treat severe pain. When combined with alcohol, the risk of serious, life-threatening side effects is significantly increased. This is because both substances are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow breathing and can ultimately lead to death.
Oxycodone is a respiratory depressant, meaning it slows breathing. When combined with another respiratory depressant such as alcohol, the risk of severe respiratory depression, sedation, and heightened risk of overdose is increased. This is a clear danger of mixing the two substances, with data from 2017 indicating that roughly 1 in 7 opioid-related deaths involved drinking alcohol within a few hours of opioid use.
The combination of oxycodone and alcohol can lead to an increased risk of overdose and fatality. This is because both substances depress the central nervous system, which can lead to slowed or stopped breathing, a decreased heart rate, loss of consciousness, and death. The risk of respiratory depression is especially high in older individuals.
In addition to the risk of overdose and fatality, mixing alcohol and oxycodone can also lead to other adverse health outcomes such as over-sedation, impaired motor control, bodily injury, risky sexual behavior, respiratory arrest, anoxic brain injury, and other organ damage. The combination of these two substances can also increase the risk of developing an alcohol or opioid use disorder, as individuals can become addicted to the feeling produced by the combination.
It is important to note that the risk of serious side effects when taking oxycodone is not limited to mixing it with alcohol. Other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products can also interact with oxycodone and increase the risk of serious, life-threatening side effects. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking oxycodone with any other substances.
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Respiratory depression
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid commonly used to treat chronic pain. However, it is also a major drug of abuse, contributing to a significant number of opioid overdose deaths each year. Mixing oxycodone with alcohol increases the risk of experiencing serious, life-threatening side effects, including respiratory depression.
Oxycodone has been found to cause respiratory depression, or slowed breathing, in mice during experiments. When taken in combination with alcohol, oxycodone's harmful respiratory effects are exacerbated, leading to a significant increase in the number of times individuals experience a temporary cessation in breathing. This combination of oxycodone and alcohol can result in a dangerous respiratory complication, which can be potentially fatal.
In a study conducted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the effects of combining oxycodone with alcohol on breathing were examined in both young and elderly volunteers. The results showed that the combination caused a significant decrease in minute ventilation, which is the amount of air breathed per minute. Additionally, the number of times volunteers experienced a temporary cessation in breathing increased significantly, ranging from 0 to 3 events without alcohol to 0 to 11 events at 1 g/L of ethanol.
To reduce the risk of harm when taking oxycodone, it is important to avoid mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. It is also crucial to keep naloxone handy, as it can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. If you experience any side effects or are concerned about your oxycodone use, it is important to speak with your doctor.
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Heightened risk of addiction
Oxycodone is a powerful and addictive opioid used to treat pain. It is sometimes used by people to get 'high'. It is available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid, and suppositories. Some forms of oxycodone have an immediate effect, while others work more slowly, and some are stronger than others. Oxycodone can be addictive if abused.
Oxycodone can cause serious or even life-threatening breathing problems, especially during the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and any time the dose is increased. It is important to inform your doctor if you have or have had slowed breathing, asthma, lung disease, a head injury, a brain tumour, or any condition that increases the pressure in your brain.
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant that produces calming effects. When combined with oxycodone, alcohol can increase the risk of serious, life-threatening side effects, including respiratory depression and the risk of a fatal overdose. The combination of these two substances can lead to high blood pressure and even coma. Individuals may stop breathing due to the effect of the two drugs on the body.
The use of oxycodone and alcohol together can also increase the risk of opioid withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body can become used to the presence of oxycodone, leading to tolerance and dependence. As a result, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking oxycodone, which can be difficult to manage without medical assistance.
It is important to note that polydrug use, such as combining oxycodone and alcohol, can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided. If you or someone you know is struggling with the use of oxycodone and alcohol, it is crucial to seek professional help. There are resources available to support individuals and families facing substance use disorders, such as the National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues.
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Intensified side effects
Oxycodone is a pain-relieving opioid that can be addictive. When combined with alcohol, it can have fatal consequences. Mixing the two can lead to an intensified high and a higher risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and fatality.
Oxycodone and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, which slow down the body's vital functions. When taken together, they can cause an adverse intensification of side effects, including:
- Slowed or stopped breathing: The combination of oxycodone and alcohol can lead to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. This is because both substances are respiratory depressants, slowing down breathing and potentially causing respiratory arrest.
- Slowed or stopped heart rate: Oxycodone and alcohol can both slow down the heart rate, and in extreme cases, cause heart failure.
- Loss of consciousness: The combination may lead to a loss of consciousness due to the depressant effects on the central nervous system.
- High blood pressure: This mixture can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure, which can further lead to other health complications.
- Impaired motor control: The intensification of side effects can lead to poor coordination and impaired motor control, increasing the risk of injury.
- Increased risk of overdose: The combination of oxycodone and alcohol increases the risk of overdose. This is due to the enhanced effects of both substances, which can lead to taking higher doses or experiencing an overdose at a lower combined dose.
- Heightened risk of addiction: Oxycodone and alcohol, when combined, can create a highly addictive combination. The intensified effects can lead to a higher risk of developing an addiction to one or both substances.
It is important to note that the risks associated with mixing oxycodone and alcohol are severe and can be life-threatening. The combination can lead to a range of intensified side effects, including respiratory depression, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of overdose and fatality. It is strongly advised to avoid mixing oxycodone with alcohol or other drugs to mitigate these risks.
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Withdrawal symptoms
Oxycodone is a powerful and addictive painkiller. It is possible to become addicted to oxycodone, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop using it. These symptoms can include:
- Restlessness
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle or joint aches or pains
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing
Withdrawal from oxycodone can make you feel very sick, but it is not life-threatening. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the type of opioid and the duration of use. Generally, withdrawal happens more frequently in people who have been using opioids daily for longer than two weeks, especially more than 90 days.
Alcohol withdrawal can be more severe and, in rare cases, can be life-threatening. Symptoms can appear within 6-24 hours after stopping alcohol use, are typically most severe after 36–72 hours, and can last for 2–10 days. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Dangerous fluctuations in body temperature and blood pressure
- Extreme agitation
- Extreme dehydration
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Frequently asked questions
Oxycodone is a pain-relieving opioid that can be addictive if abused. Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain. Oxycodone is also sometimes used by people to get 'high'.
Alcohol works to depress the nervous system, producing calming effects for some. In addition to the effects that alcohol produces, like slow reflexes, nausea, and poor coordination.
Oxycodone and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. When combined, they can have fatal consequences. Mixing the two can increase the risk of overdose toxicity and multiple other adverse health outcomes such as respiratory arrest, anoxic brain injury, and other organ damage.
The symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal vary depending on the severity of the addiction. The first 6 to 30 hours can produce feelings of tiredness, sweating, and anxiety; at 72 hours some can experience vomiting, chills, and diarrhea.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, and other flu-like symptoms. In more severe cases, withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which includes hallucinations, fever, and seizures.
