Oxycodone is a powerful opioid medication prescribed for pain management, but it carries significant risks when combined with other substances. Oxycodone interactions can increase the chances of serious side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation and overdose. It is essential to understand how Oxycodone interacts with different drugs, alcohol and supplements to minimize these risks.
Crossroads Treatment Centers helps individuals manage the complexities of opioid addiction and provides opioid use disorder treatment. Our goal is to educate people about the potential dangers associated with opioid medications, such as Oxycodone, especially when combined with other substances.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (Alprazolam) and Ativan (Lorazepam), are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia and seizures. Both Oxycodone and benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system, leading to heightened drowsiness, dizziness and confusion when taken together. The most severe risk is respiratory depression, where breathing slows to dangerous levels, potentially leading to coma or death.
The FDA has issued a strong warning against combining these two medications due to the high risk of overdose and fatal consequences. If you are prescribed both medications, keep your provider informed so that you can stay safe.
Alcohol
One of the most dangerous combinations is Oxycodone and alcohol. Both substances act as depressants on the central nervous system, and their combined effect can significantly impair breathing, coordination and cognitive function. The risk of overdose increases dramatically when these two substances are consumed together.
Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of Oxycodone, making everyday tasks like driving or operating machinery extremely hazardous. If you are taking Oxycodone, it is critical to avoid alcohol altogether to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences.
Sleep Medications
Many people take sleep medications like Ambien (Zolpidem) or Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) to treat insomnia. However, combining these drugs with Oxycodone can be dangerous. Both medications increase sedation and slow down brain function, which can lead to confusion, dizziness and accidents.
Sleep medications, when used alongside Oxycodone, may cause excessive drowsiness or respiratory issues. The risk of overdose becomes even higher, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about managing sleep disturbances if you are taking Oxycodone.
Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Zoloft (Sertraline) or Prozac (Fluoxetine), are common medications prescribed for depression and anxiety. While they can be essential for mental health management, combining them with Oxycodone can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the brain.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat and muscle stiffness. If you are prescribed both Oxycodone and antidepressants, it is crucial to watch for these symptoms and seek medical help immediately if they occur.
MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are a class of drugs used to treat conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease. Medications in this category, such as Selegiline (Zelapar) or Phenelzine (Nardil), can have dangerous interactions with Oxycodone.
The combination of Oxycodone and MAOIs can lead to severe complications, including serotonin syndrome and respiratory depression. If you are taking an MAOI, you should discuss using Oxycodone under the care of your healthcare provider.
Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers, such as Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or Methocarbamol (Robaxin), are used to relieve muscle pain and spasms. Meanwhile, combining these medications with Oxycodone can significantly increase sedation, making it difficult to stay alert or focused.
Taking both medications together can also heighten the risk of respiratory depression, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. If your pain management includes Oxycodone, understand the potential risks when these medications are prescribed together and take them under strict medical supervision.
Grapefruit Juice
It may come as a surprise, but grapefruit and grapefruit juice can have a serious interaction with Oxycodone. Grapefruit inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down Oxycodone in the liver. When this enzyme is blocked, higher levels of Oxycodone stay in the bloodstream for longer periods, intensifying the drug’s effects and increasing the risk of side effects.
These heightened levels of Oxycodone can result in dangerous sedation, dizziness and an increased risk of overdose. If you are taking Oxycodone, it is best to avoid grapefruit products entirely.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. It works by blocking the effects of opioids, including Oxycodone, in the brain. Taking Naltrexone while using Oxycodone can precipitate withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.
Additionally, after completing treatment with Naltrexone, returning to Oxycodone or other opioids poses a significant overdose risk. Your tolerance to the drug may have decreased, and taking even small amounts of Oxycodone could result in an overdose. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping Naltrexone while using opioids.
Anticholinergic Medications
Anticholinergic medications, such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Scopolamine (Transderm Scop), block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in several bodily functions, including muscle control. When combined with Oxycodone, anticholinergic drugs can increase side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these interactions, as they may already experience reduced organ function. If you are taking anticholinergic medications, your healthcare provider can help you adjust dosages to minimize the risks of combining them with oxycodone.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal supplement used for treating mild depression and anxiety. However, it can speed up the metabolism of Oxycodone.
If you are taking St. John’s Wort, it is necessary to notify your healthcare provider so they can adjust your medication or recommend an alternative supplement that does not interfere with Oxycodone.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs )
NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve), are commonly used to reduce inflammation and treat pain. While it is generally safe to use Oxycodone with NSAIDs under a healthcare provider’s supervision, it is crucial to be cautious. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal issues like ulcers or bleeding, and when combined with the pain-relieving effects of Oxycodone, these problems may go unnoticed due to the masking of pain.
Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring or adjusting doses to ensure you are using these medications safely. If you experience any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as stomach pain or dark stools, it is critical to seek medical advice promptly.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are often used to treat allergies, insomnia and cold symptoms. Combining with Oxycodone can make antihistamines increase sedation and impair cognitive function.
Both drugs cause drowsiness, and together, they can intensify this effect, leading to difficulty concentrating, confusion and a higher risk of accidents. The combination also increases the risk of respiratory depression, especially in elderly individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications, such as Risperidone (Risperdal) and Quetiapine (Seroquel), are prescribed to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, combining antipsychotics with Oxycodone can lead to significant side effects, including extreme drowsiness, dizziness and impaired motor coordination.
Both drugs affect brain function, and the combined sedative effects can increase the risk of falls or accidents. Additionally, the combination can lead to more profound cognitive impairment, making it difficult to think clearly or make decisions.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners, such as Warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, are prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. While these medications are vital for certain conditions, combining them with Oxycodone can increase the risk of internal bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
Oxycodone’s pain-relieving effects can mask the symptoms of internal bleeding, delaying treatment and leading to serious health complications. If you are on a blood thinner, it is key to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor for signs of bleeding and to discuss the safest way to manage pain.
Seizure Medications
Seizure medications, such as Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Phenytoin (Dilantin), are used to control epilepsy and other seizure disorders. These drugs interact with Oxycodone by altering its metabolism, potentially lowering the levels of oxycodone in the bloodstream.
This can reduce the effectiveness of Oxycodone in managing pain and may even trigger withdrawal symptoms in patients who rely on it for pain relief. In some cases, seizure medications can also increase the risk of sedation or respiratory depression when combined with Oxycodone.
The Importance of Knowing Oxycodone Interactions
Being aware of Oxycodone interactions is crucial for anyone prescribed this opioid medication. Combining Oxycodone with certain substances can have serious, life-threatening consequences, ranging from overdose to severe respiratory depression. Always keep your healthcare provider informed of all your medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs to avoid harmful interactions.
At Crossroads Treatment Centers, we recognize the challenges individuals face when managing pain and addiction. For those dealing with substance misuse, our substance use disorders treatment offers solutions to help individuals regain control of their lives.