What Happens in an Oxycodone Overdose?

Oxycodone products are some of the most prevalent opioid painkillers marketed today. With hundreds of brand names including Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Percodan, and Percocet, oxycodone is used or abused by millions of people.

On the street, high potency oxycodone pills became notorious for overdoses with the introduction of Oxycontin which became available in up to 160 mg. tablets. These medications produce effects that are nearly indistinguishable from heroin and were never meant to be used by opioid naïve individuals. Since then, the numbers of opioid painkiller overdoses have continued to rise and oxycodone remains high on the list of culprits.

Oxycodone Overdose Risks

The danger of Oxycodone overdose increases when alcohol is involved.

The route of administration plays a key role in oxycodone overdose risks and IV users are in the most danger along with those who are naïve to the use of opioids or have a lowered tolerance such as after detox. Mixing oxycodone with other substances, especially alcohol and other CNS depressants can elevate the risk of respiratory depression or failure and complicate the vital functioning of other organs and systems leading to overdose.

According to a panel study by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, “Middle age is the most vulnerable time for opioid overdose.” Because many opioid users are IV users and poly-substance abusers, they often suffer from serious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, AIDs, and other physical health problems for which they may or may not have been prescribed the oxycodone, but, remain at higher risks of oxycodone overdose because of their compromised health.

What Happens in an Oxycodone Overdose?

According to the World Health Organization, Opioid overdose is identified by a combination of three signs and symptoms referred to as the “opioid overdose triad”.”

The triad is marked by symptoms of:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Unconsciousness
• Respiratory depression

In many cases, the overdose can be immediately recognized within seconds of administering the oxycodone. The person’s eyes roll into the back of their head and they lose consciousness, or become extremely confused, fall down, or faint. Almost immediately, their respiration slows or stops, they may be unable to be roused, and as the oxygen levels in their system become depleted, there may be signs of bluish-colored fingernails and lips. Eventually, the heart and brain will become damaged if enough oxygen is not circulating through the body and the person dies.

High dosages of oxycodone can also cause unconsciousness, where, even if the dose is taken orally, as it continues to metabolize, the user can experience an overdose while they are in that state.

Non-Fatal Overdoses

Not all overdoses are fatal and there are estimated to be thousands of non-fatal overdoses unreported because of fear of ambulatory costs or effectiveness, fear of police involvement, or fear of being labeled as an official drug user.

A non fatal overdose, however, can also be dangerous contributing to long term health complications including cerebral hypoxia, pneumonia, reduced immunity, pulmonary and cardiovascular problems, or untimely death from complications.