Oxycodone

Death may occur when opiates are combined with depressants such as benzodiazepines, thienodiazepines, alcohol or other GABAergic substances.

It is strongly discouraged to consume moderate to heavy dosages of these substances together.

Oxycodone
The skeletal formula of oxycodone
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	Oxycodone, OxyContin, Oxy, Roxicodone, Oxecta, OxyIR, Endone, Oxynorm
Systematic name	(5R,9R,13S,14S)-4,5α-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Opioid
Chemical class	Morphinan
Routes of Administration
Oral Dosage WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation. This dosage and duration information has been sourced from TripSit Threshold 1 - 2.5 mg Light 2.5 - 10 mg Common 10 - 25 mg Strong 25 - 40 mg Heavy 40 mg + Duration Total 4 - 6 hours Onset 20 - 40 minutes Insufflated Dosage WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation. This dosage and duration information has been sourced from TripSit Threshold 1 - 2.5 mg Light 2.5 - 7.5 mg Common 7.5 - 15 mg Strong 15 - 25 mg Heavy 25 mg + Duration Total 3 - 5 hours Onset 2 - 5 minutes

Summary sheet: Oxycodone

Oxycodone (trade names Roxicodone, OxyContin, Oxecta, OxyIR, Endone, Oxynorm, and OxyNEO) is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from poppy-derived thebaine. It is a narcotic analgesic within the morphinan chemical class and is generally indicated for relief of moderate to severe pain. It was developed in 1916 in Germany as one of several new semi-synthetic opioids in an attempt to improve on the existing opioids.

Oxycodone is available as single-ingredient medication in immediate release and controlled release. Combination products formulated with non-narcotic ingredients such as NSAIDs and tylenol (acetaminophen) are also available.

Chemistry

Oxycodone, or dihydrohydroxycodeinone, is an opioid of the morphinan class. Oxycodone and other molecules of this class contain a polycyclic core of three benzene rings fused in a zig-zag pattern called a phenanthrene. A fourth nitrogen containing ring is fused to the phenanthrene at R₉ and R₁₃, with the nitrogen member looking at R₁₇ of the combined structure. This structure is called morphinan.

Oxycodone, along with other morphinans, contains an ether bridge between two of its rings, connecting R₄ and R₅ through an oxygen group. It contains a carbonyl group bound at R₆ and a methyl group located on the nitrogen atom at R₁₇. The carbon-oxygen double bond of the carbonyl saturates the benzene ring it is bonded with, thus oxycodone lacks the double bond on that ring found in codeine. Oxycodone also shares the 3-methoxy substitution found in codeine; however, it contains an additional hydroxy group at R₁₄. Oxycodone is analogous to the other morphinans including dihydrocodeine, heroin, ethylmorphine, and codeine.

Pharmacology

Oxycodone produces effects that are typical of μ-opioid agonists which suggests that it is pharmacologically similar to more traditional opioids such as codeine and morphine. These compounds exert their effects by binding to and activating the μ-opioid receptor. This occurs because opioids structurally mimic endogenous endorphins which are naturally found within the body and also work upon the μ-opioid receptor set. The way in which opioids structurally mimic these natural endorphins results in their euphoria, pain relief and anxiolytic effects. This is because endorphins are responsible for reducing pain, causing sleepiness, and feelings of pleasure. They can be released in response to pain, strenuous exercise, orgasm, or general excitement.

In 2006, research by a Japanese group suggested the effect of oxycodone is mediated by different receptors in different situations. Specifically in diabetic mice, the κ-opioid receptor appears to be involved in the direct pain relief caused by oxycodone, while in nondiabetic mice, the μ1-opioid receptor seems to be primarily responsible for these effects.

Metabolism

In humans, Oxycodone is metabolized to oxycodol; oxymorphone, then oxymorphol and noroxymorphone; and noroxycodone, then noroxycodol and noroxymorphone.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

• Pain relief
• Euphoria - In comparison to other opioids, this particular substance can be considered similar in its physical euphoria when compared with that of morphine or diacetylmorphine (heroin) and more intense when compared to kratom and hydrocodone. The sensation itself can be described as extreme feelings of intense physical comfort, warmth, love and blissful euphoria.
• Respiratory depression - At low to moderate doses, this effect results in the sensation that the breath is slowed down mildly to moderately, but does not cause noticeable impairment. At high doses and overdoses, opioid-induced respiratory depression can result in a shortness of breath, abnormal breathing patterns, semi-consciousness, or unconsciousness. Severe overdoses can result in a coma or death without immediate medical attention.
• Sedation - Oxycodone is considerably less sedating than codeine but more sedating than kratom.
• Itchiness
• Constipation
• Cough suppression
• Difficulty urinating
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Pupil constriction
• Decreased libido

Cognitive effects

• Euphoria - This seems to be caused by both u agonism and downstream dopamine reinforcement. In comparison to other opioids, this particular substance can be considered similar in its cognitive euphoria when compared with that of morphine or diacetylmorphine (heroin) and more intense when compared to kratom and hydrocodone. The sensation itself can be described as powerful and overwhelming feeling of emotional bliss, contentment, and happiness.
• Anxiety suppression

Visual effects

• Internal hallucinations - One may experience a state of semi-consciousness and hypnagogia during heavy dosage nodding which results in dream-like states and up to level 3 imagery and mild geometry.

Toxicity and harm potential

Oxycodone has a low toxicity relative to dose. As with all opioids, long-term effects can vary but can include diminished libido, apathy and memory loss. It is also potentially lethal when mixed with depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other opioids, the chronic use of oxycodone can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of oxycodone develops with prolonged and repeated use. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Oxycodone presents cross-tolerance with all other opioids, meaning that after the consumption of oxycodone all opioids will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

• Depressants (1,4-Butanediol, 2m2b, alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, GHB/GBL, methaqualone) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Dissociatives - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Stimulants - It is dangerous to combine oxycodone, a depressant, with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the sedative effect of oxycodone, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of oxycodone will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only taking a certain amount of oxycodone.

Legal issues

Oxycodone is subject to international conventions on narcotic drugs. In addition, oxycodone is subject to national laws that differ by country. The 1931 Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs of the League of Nations included oxycodone. The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations, which replaced the 1931 convention, categorized oxycodone in Schedule I.

• Australia: Oxycodone is in Schedule I (derived from the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs) of the Commonwealth's Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. In addition, it is in Schedule 8 of the Australian Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons ("Poisons Standard"), meaning it is a "controlled drug... which should be available for use but require[s] restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence".
• Canada: Oxycodone is a controlled substance under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
• Germany: The drug is in Appendix III of the Narcotics Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz or BtMG). The law allows only physicians, dentists, and veterinarians (Ärzte, Zahnärzte und Tierärzte) to prescribe oxycodone and the federal government to regulate the prescriptions (e.g., by requiring reporting).
• Hong Kong: Oxycodone is regulated under Part I of Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
• Singapore: Oxycodone is listed as a Class A drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act of Singapore, which means offences in relation to the drug attract the most severe level of punishment. A conviction for unauthorized manufacture of the drug attracts a minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and corporal punishment of five strokes of the cane, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. The minimum and maximum penalties for unauthorized trafficking in the drug are respectively five years of imprisonment and five strokes of the cane, and 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
• UK: Oxycodone is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• USA: Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

See also

• Responsible use
• Extraction of opioids from painkiller products
• Depressants
• Codeine

External links

• Oxycodone (Wikipedia)
• Oxycodone (Erowid)
• Oxycodone (TripSit)