7 Oxycodone Interactions You Should Know About

Oxycodone (Roxicodone, OxyContin) is an opioid drug. It’s FDA-approved to treat extreme pain when the non-opioid medications aren’t helping.

The opioids, such as Oxycodone are considered to be controlled substances. In comparison to other controlled substances, they tend to cause dependence and addiction. Also, controlled substances are subject to prescriptions that are state-by-state and have refill restrictions.

The FDA and several different organizations offer guidelines regarding the most secure method to prescribe and utilize opioids. This includes prescribing only opioids for those who really require them. This means prescribing only the smallest amount and dosage of opioids if needed.

The safe usage of oxycodone is about the avoidance of dangerous interactions with other drugs. We’ll discuss seven of the most significant interactions with oxycodone in this post.

The metabolism of oxycodone is influenced by various medications.

The liver is accountable in helping process (break down) various drugs like buying oxycontin online. The liver accomplishes this task by using liver’s enzymes (enzymes).

However, many medicines could alter the way that these enzymes work. Certain drugs block these enzymes, making them less effective. Certain medications increase the effectiveness of these enzymes by increasing their effectiveness.

If you’re taking other medicines that inhibit the enzymes that make oxycodone. You could have greater levels of oxycodone inside your body. This could increase the likelihood of negative side effects and dangers that could be dangerous, like an overdose.

Examples of these and other substances are:

Macrolide antibiotics include clarithromycin

Azole antifungals ketoconazole

Medicines that contain Ritonavir (Norvir)

Certain antidepressants are paroxetine (Paxil) as well as the drugs the drug fluoxetine (Prozac) along with bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, WellbutrinXL)

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

Certain medications and substances may increase liver enzymes, which help to metabolize the oxycodone drug. This could lead to less oxycodone levels that could result in it being less effective in tackling pain. Examples include:

Seizure medications, like carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)

Rifampin (Rifadin)

St. John’s wort

If you’re taking any other medication other than oxycodone doctor can help in determining if they interact with the drug.

If your reaction becomes serious, your medical professional may suggest altering the dose of your medication or eliminating all Oxycodone. But, do not change your treatment regimen without first consulting with your physician.

Drugs that slow the brain

Sedatives as well as similar medications, reduce brain activity. They may cause inattention, insomnia or even modifications in your coordination. These are the most likely effects when you take several serotonins. In the worst case the use of too many substances that relax your body can result in serious negative consequences like overdose, coma, or even death.

Oxycodone is a prime instance of a drug that acts as a sedative. Others examples of such sedatives as well as related substances include:

The Benzodiazepines comprise Lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax)

Barbiturates, like phenobarbital

Sleep medications, like zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar) and eszopiclone (Lunesta)

Other opioids like hydrocodone/acetaminophen and tramadol (Ultram, ConZip)

The muscle relaxants are methocarbamol as well as Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Alcohol

However using any combination of the substances or other substances with oxycodone can be dangerous. It’s recommended to steer free of these combinations completely.

In fact, the FDA cautions against mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol with opioids. The risk of experiencing severe anxiety, sedation and possibly even dying is much. Each opioid, not just the oxycodone one, has a warning box that warns about the risk. This is the only significant message that FDA could put in the packaging of any medicine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that treat ailments such as depression or Parkinson’s disease. Examples of MAOIs include the ones listed below: rasagiline (Azilect) and selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam).

A combination of oxycodone and MAOIs can increase the likelihood of a risk of side effects related to opioids and cause breathing issues. There is also a chance that it can cause serotonin syndrome, but it’s extremely uncommon.

Serotonin disorder is a medical condition caused by an excessive amount of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates many bodily functions, such as state of mind and sleep. This condition can be experienced if you’re taking several medications that boost serotonin levels. There are some symptoms that may be a little mild, like the sensation of shaking, a fast heartbeat, or sweating. The more severe signs include high fever, hyperactivity and high blood pressure.

Certain opioids like tramadol are known for their capacity to increase serotonin. Oxycodone isn’t as likely to increase the production of serotonin as tramadol. It isn’t advised to take oxycodone longer than 14 days following the use of MAOI.

Other medications that boost serotonin levels

Many medications such as MAOIs can increase the levels of serotonin. If you are taking oxycodone in with this, serotonin disorder is more likely be a reality.

As we’ve said, it’s not typical for oxycodone drugs to be a contributing factor to serotonin-related syndrome. However, it’s possible. It is recommended to be careful if you’re taking any of these medications that contains Oxycodone

If you’re currently taking any of these medicines, talk to your doctor prior to starting Oxycodone. They may suggest a different route. Maybe, they’ll advise you to be on guard for serotonin syndrome if you have to take both.

Opioid antagonists

Opioid antagonists comprise medications that inhibit any effects caused by opioids as well as alcohol. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) together with Naloxone (Narcan) are two examples of opioid antagonists. Naltrexone can be used treat alcohol dependence and dependence to opioids. It is also utilized to quickly stop any effects caused by an overdose of opioids.

Naltrexone is offered as a daily oral medication or as a once-monthly injection. If you’re already taking naltrexone, then it is not recommended to start with oxycodone.

If you’ve been prescribed naltrexone it is recommended to stay free of opioids for between 7 to 14 days. If you don’t do this, you may have withdrawal symptoms from opioids that can be uncomfortable. These symptoms can vary from mild to serious and may include muscle pain, nausea and an increased anxiety.

Naloxone is a form that is a nasal spray, or an injection. Naloxone differs from naltrexone because it’s not a typical or a monthly medication. It’s a fast-acting medication that can be used to combat any adverse effects caused by the excessive dose of opioids. Naloxone can save lives in these situations.

If you choose to take naloxone after the consumption of opioids, then you might have withdrawal symptoms from opioids. This isn’t a reason to stop Naloxone. The withdrawal effects of opioids aren’t as dangerous as a fatal overdose from opioids if they aren’t properly treated.

Diuretics

Diuretics (water pills) assist in eliminating excess fluids out of your body through the urine. They may help in treating certain health conditions, including hypertension or heart disease. Examples of diuretics include furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide).

However, diuretics may be less effective when coupled with oxycodone. This is because the oxycodone drug can release a chemical known as the antidiuretic hormonal hormone (ADH). ADH neutralizes diuretics’ ill effects.

If you’re taking diuretics or buy oxycontin online be aware of the signs of an increase in negative effects. These signs may include a reduction in urine or more often swelling of the legs and feet, or an increase in blood pressure. Contact your physician if you observe any of these symptoms.

Anticholinergic medicines

Anticholinergic medications are a broad class of drugs that lessen the effect of acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is a chemical that is vital to the brain’s muscle and nerve function.

But, anticholinergic medications can have a range of adverse results. They may cause dry mouth, difficulty in peeing, and constipation. Examples of anticholinergic drugs include Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) dicyclomine (Bentyl) and Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL). Other medications like diphenhydramine and TCAs are also able to exert anticholinergic effects.

Opioids like oxycodone can contain anticholinergic effects, especially for people who are older. Before starting oxycodone, check with your doctor if your medications have anticholinergic effects. Be aware of any signs of an increase in the severity of symptoms such as constipation or trouble to pee.

What should I discuss with my doctor regarding an oxycodone interaction?

Before starting oxycodone treatment you should provide your physician and pharmacist a current medication list. The list should include every medication prescribed by your physician and other items that you can buy over the counter and take. This allows you to look for related interactions to oxycodone.

If you experience any significant or new adverse reactions while taking Oxycodone or any other medication, you should notify your doctor. This could indicate a possible interaction.

Certain interactions may require changes to the dosages of your medications. You can also discontinue taking some of your medicines, such as the oxycodone drug completely. But, do not reduce or alter the dose or dosage of any medicine without discussing with with your physician first.