Oxaydo Addiction: Symptoms, Treatment and Resources

What Is Oxaydo (Oxycodone HCI)?

Oxaydo is a brand-name version of the opioid drug oxycodone. Oxaydo is a relatively new drug intended to treat acute and chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid. Oxaydo should be prescribed when other treatments are not effective or well tolerated. Oxaydo is an immediate-release oral formulation of oxycodone and is designed to have a reduced misuse potential compared to other forms of oxycodone. There is an inactive ingredient in Oxaydo that creates nasal burning if someone tries to manipulate the drug and snort it to get high. The makers of Oxaydo say their goal was to deter misuse since oxycodone is one of the most frequently misused opioids. Oxaydo is the first and only immediate-release oxycodone designed specifically to prevent intranasal misuse, according to the manufacturers.

What Does Oxaydo Look Like?

Oxaydo is available in two dosage strengths: 5 mg and 7.5 mg. Both are small, white tablets printed with the dosage strength. For patients who don’t have an existing opioid tolerance, dosages usually start with 5–15 mg taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. When someone takes Oxaydo, they’re instructed to drink enough water with it but don’t have to take it with food.

Oxaydo Addiction

Oxaydo contains oxycodone, a highly addictive Schedule II controlled substance. As a result, doctors are concerned about the possibility of Oxaydo addiction. A doctor must closely monitor the drug while it is prescribed, and it should only be taken as directed to reduce the risk of addiction.

Is Oxaydo Addictive?

Millions of people misuse opioids non-medically each year, but usage begins with a prescription for many. That’s why the makers of Oxaydo tried to add a misuse-deterrent to this drug. Although there is an inactive ingredient that makes it harder to crush and snort Oxaydo, it is still an addictive drug. All opioids, including oxycodone, activate opioid receptors when they’re used. These are the same receptors activated by heroin. When people misuse drugs like oxycodone, it can create euphoria and pleasurable feelings because dopamine floods the brain and body. That response can create a reward and reinforcement response in the brain, which can lead to addiction.

The risk of becoming addicted to a drug like Oxaydo is lower when people use it as prescribed and follow instructions exactly, but it still exists. Oxycodone is also available in prescription brand-name drugs like OxyContin, Percodan and Percocet. While Oxaydo is designed to prevent intranasal misuse, people also misuse prescription opioids by injecting and chewing them, taking larger doses than prescribed or taking them without a prescription. All of these increase the likelihood of an addiction developing. Oxaydo comes with a black box warning about not only the potential for misuse and addiction but also dependence and overdose. The drug should only be used under careful medical supervision, and certain people might not be good candidates for Oxaydo. Patients are also warned about the risks of mixing Oxaydo with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Oxaydo Addiction

The side effects of Oxaydo misuse can be physical, mental and behavioral. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in pain tolerance
• Phantom pain
• Memory and attention problems
• Dry mouth
• Sleep apnea
• Headache, low blood pressure and circulatory problems.

Addictions can be classified as mild, moderate and severe, so the longer someone continues to use Oxaydo, the more severe their addiction may become. Other long-term effects of Oxaydo can occur, such as:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Brain damage
• Low blood pressure
• Damage to the cardiac and respiratory systems
• Severe constipation
• Changes in fertility
• Hormonal fluctuation
• Increased pain sensitivity

Oxaydo Withdrawal

Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms occur because someone’s brain and body have adjusted to the presence of the drug. If that drug is suddenly removed, the brain has to adjust. Common Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Teary eyes
• Yawning
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Drug cravings
• Concentration problems

Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 30 hours of the last dose and peak within the first few days. The most severe symptoms usually subside within a week, but some psychological symptoms may persist for weeks or months.

Initial symptoms can include aches and pains, nausea and sweating. Within eight days, the most severe symptoms may occur, such as chills, cramps, tremors, nausea and vomiting. The physical symptoms often start improving after a week, but psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression can persist.

It is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing Oxaydo withdrawal symptoms. Medications and treatments can help manage the symptoms and make the withdrawal process more comfortable.

Oxaydo Overdose

Overdosing on Oxaydo is possible and more common than many realize. In the U.S., there is an average of 91 deaths daily from opioid overdoses.

Certain scenarios and risk factors may put someone at a higher risk of overdosing on Oxaydo or any prescription opioid. Overdose risk factors can include:

• Taking higher doses of Oxaydo than prescribed
• Using Oxaydo recreationally
• Experiencing extreme pain and feeling the need for higher doses to alleviate that pain
• Developing a tolerance to Oxaydo and needing larger amounts to feel the effects
• Using Oxaydo in any way other than how it’s intended to be used, such as breaking or crushing it to snort or inject it
• Taking Oxaydo without a prescription
• Mixing Oxaydo with alcohol
• Combining Oxaydo and benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants
• Using Oxaydo with another opioid, including prescription drugs or heroin
• Detoxing from opioids and then reusing them (this can lead to a lower-than-expected tolerance, increasing the chance of an overdose)

If you or someone you know has overdosed on Oxaydo, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. It is always better to be safe now than sorry later. Prompt medical attention can save a life; waiting too long could result in loss of life. 

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of an Oxaydo overdose:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Weak or irregular heartbeat
• Cold, clammy skin
• Confusion or unresponsiveness
• Seizures
• Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin)

If you think someone is overdosing on Oxaydo, call 911 immediately. Do not leave the person alone. Many resources are available to help people struggling with Oxaydo addiction or who have overdosed. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out for help.

How Long Oxaydo Stays in Your System

The half-life of Oxaydo is three–4 hours, which means it takes about that long for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. However, the time Oxaydo stays in your system can vary depending on many factors, including your metabolism, age, hydration level and kidney and liver function. Because it takes five half-lives to eliminate a dose of a drug from your body, it should take about 20 hours to eliminate a dose of Oxaydo.

Generally, older people and those with impaired kidney or liver function may take longer for Oxaydo to be eliminated from their system.

Finally, if you use other substances, including prescription medications or illicit drugs, it may take longer for Oxaydo to leave your system. This is because these substances can interact with Oxaydo and slow down its metabolism.

Mixing Oxaydo and Alcohol

Oxaydo and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, which slow down the central nervous system. When these substances are combined, the effects are additive, meaning the risk of overdose is much higher.

Some of the less severe side effects of mixing Oxaydo and alcohol can include:

• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Extreme drowsiness or sedation
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Low blood pressure
• Feeling faint
• Nausea and vomiting
• Memory impairment or blackouts
• Risky decision-making

The more serious side effect of mixing Oxaydo and alcohol is respiratory depression. Respiratory depression occurs when breathing slows down to a dangerously low level. This can lead to coma or death.

It is important to remember that mixing Oxaydo and alcohol is never safe. If you take Oxaydo, it is important to avoid alcohol altogether. If you are struggling with an addiction to Oxaydo or alcohol, treatment options are available. Please reach out for help if you need it.

If you or someone you know has overdosed on Oxaydo and alcohol, call 911 immediately. Prompt medical attention can save someone’s life.

Treatment for Oxaydo Addiction

Different treatment options are available if someone feels they require treatment for Oxaydo addiction. Most people addicted to opioids are also dependent on them, so they usually start with a medical detox. This is a process of safely withdrawing from the drug under the supervision of a medical professional. Once detox is complete, the person may participate in inpatient or outpatient rehab.

Oxaydo Detox

A full detox is necessary before addiction treatment can begin, and a medical detox may be the best way to get to this point. During an Oxaydo medical detox, patients may be given medication-assisted treatment options, such as buprenorphine. FDA-approved drugs can help reduce opioid cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Following a full Oxaydo medical detox, addiction treatment can begin.

Inpatient Oxaydo Rehab

Inpatient Oxaydo rehab is a type of treatment that requires patients to live in a facility full-time. This type of program offers a great deal of support and structure and the opportunity to escape from triggers and stressors in an individual’s everyday environment.

The first part of an inpatient Oxaydo rehab program will almost always be a medically supervised detox. Once detox is complete, patients will work with a therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include different therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), job and life skills training, meditation and yoga. There is also a focus on holistic health in inpatient rehab, such as nutrition.

Inpatient Oxaydo rehab can also provide dual diagnosis treatment for underlying and co-occurring mental health disorders. This is important because many people who struggle with addiction also have a mental health condition. By addressing both of these issues, inpatient rehab can help people achieve long-term recovery.

Outpatient Oxaydo Rehab

Outpatient Oxaydo rehab is a type of treatment that does not require patients to live in a facility full-time. This type of program is less structured and formalized than inpatient rehab and typically lasts 12–24 weeks. Outpatient Oxaydo rehab may include group and individual therapy sessions held throughout the week. These sessions may be based on specific therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or 12-step concepts.

Outpatient Oxaydo rehab is usually less expensive than an inpatient program, and participants can continue living and working largely as normal. However, outpatient Oxaydo rehab might not be intensive enough for some people. Some people participate in outpatient rehab as their only form of addiction treatment, but it may also be something people participate in after a residential rehab program.

Get Help for Oxaydo Addiction Today

If you or a loved one struggles with Oxaydo, you are not alone. An Oxaydo addiction can feel overwhelming, but help is available. At The Recovery Village, we believe that Oxaydo recovery requires treatment of body and mind. As such, we customize a continuum of care to meet your needs, from medical detox to help wean you off Oxaydo to rehab to help keep you off the drug. Don’t wait: contact us today to learn more.

Editor – Theresa Valenzky

Theresa Valenzky graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts in News/Mass Media Communication and a certificate in psychology. She is passionate about providing genuine information to encourage and guide healing in all aspects of life. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more