Oxaydo Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects

Oxaydo is a relatively new prescription, brand-name drug. The active ingredient in Oxaydo is oxycodone. Oxaydo is unique in a couple of ways. First, it’s designed to reduce the risk of intranasal misuse. With oxycodone, it’s frequently misused by being crushed and then snorted for a more rapid, powerful high. If someone tries to misuse Oxaydo by crushing the tablet, it has an inactive ingredient that would burn the nose of the patient. Oxaydo is also unique because it only contains one active ingredient, which is oxycodone. Most oxycodone drugs contain another medication such as acetaminophen. Oxaydo is intended as a short-term, as-needed pain medication. It should only be prescribed in certain situations, such as when other medications aren’t well-tolerated or effective.

The active ingredient in Oxaydo, oxycodone, means this drug has a high potential for misuse, despite its misuse-deterrent feature. Oxycodone is one of the most frequently misused prescription opioids in the U.S. Oxycodone is a powerful narcotic, and anytime someone is using it outside of prescription use, it’s considered misuse. Symptoms of Oxaydo misuse can include altering the tablet in any way, such as crushing it to snort it or inject it. Symptoms of Oxaydo misuse can also include taking higher doses than prescribed, taking it without a prescription or stealing it from a friend or family member. If someone takes Oxaydo for the effects it creates beyond pain relief, it’s also a symptom of misuse. Developing a tolerance for Oxaydo can indicate misuse, and someone who develops a tolerance will need higher doses to achieve the desired effects.

The side effects of Oxaydo misuse can be similar to what’s seen with the misuse of other prescription opioids. Side effects of Oxaydo misuse can be physical, mental and behavioral. Some of the most common side effects of Oxaydo misuse may include:

• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Depression
• Restlessness or agitation
• Mood swings or rapid changes in mood
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in pain tolerance
• Phantom pain
• Memory and attention problems
• Dry mouth
• Sleep apnea or changes in sleep patterns
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Circulatory problems

There is a distinction between Oxaydo misuse and addiction. Someone can misuse Oxaydo without being addicted, but misuse is a risk factor for addiction. When someone is addicted to Oxaydo, their use is compulsive and out-of-control. Addiction can be diagnosed based on a set of symptoms and side effects, and it is classified as a disease. Oxaydo addiction can impact a person’s physical and mental health as well as their lifestyle and their family. Some of the signs of Oxaydo addiction include:

• Out-of-control Oxaydo use
• Continuing to use Oxaydo despite adverse health effects or lifestyle outcomes
• Trying to stop using Oxaydo unsuccessfully
• Putting a priority on using and obtaining Oxaydo
• Lying or stealing to get more Oxaydo
• Doctor shopping for prescriptions
• Forging prescriptions
• Secrecy or hiding the use of Oxaydo
• Financial problems
• Relationship or legal issues

The longer someone misuses Oxaydo, the more likely they are to become addicted and also physically dependent. When someone is physically dependent on Oxaydo and they stop using it suddenly, they will likely go through an uncomfortable withdrawal period. Addictions can be classified as mild, moderate and severe, so the longer someone continues to use Oxaydo, the more severe their addiction may become as well. There are also other long-term effects of Oxyado that can occur. Long-term Oxaydo effects can include:

• Liver or kidney damage
• Brain damage and changes in brain function
• Low blood pressure
• Damage to the cardiac and respiratory systems
• Severe constipation and complications to the GI system
• Changes in fertility and hormonal systems
• Increased pain sensitivity
• If someone injects Oxaydo, they may experience infections, inflammation and damage to the heart

Despite the gripping effects of Oxaydo and other opioids, treatment options are available and can be effective — contact The Recovery Village for more information.