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WARNINGDANGER OF DEATH
High doses alone or ordinary doses in combination with other depressants can fatally stop breathing.
Oxycodone
Dihydrohydroxycodeinone
OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, Oxy
Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid of the morphinan class, synthesized from poppy-derived thebainecitation needed. Developed in Germany in 1916 as part of efforts to improve upon existing opioids such as morphine and codeine, it entered clinical use the following year. It is widely prescribed for moderate to severe pain in both immediate and extended release formulations. Compared to other opioids, it is reportedly more stimulating and mood-elevating, contributing to its significant potential for recreational misuse.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~5 mg
Light5-10 mg
Moderate10-20 mg
Strong20-30 mg
Heavy30+ mg
Bioavailability
40-50%
Duration
Onset10-30 minutes
Come Up60-120 minutes
Peak1-2 hours
Offset1-2 hours
After Effects1-6 hours
Total4-8 hours
Half-life
3.2-4.5 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of oxycodeine can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of codeine is described by many as one of intense euphoria, relaxation, anxiety suppression and pain relief.
Cognitive
The cognitive effects of codeine can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Visual
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid that acts as a highly selective full agonist of the μ-opioid receptor.citation needed Binding at this receptor activates G protein-coupled signaling that inhibits neurotransmitter release through reduced cAMP production, closure of calcium channels, and opening of potassium channels. Oxycodone also acts as an agonist at the κ-opioid and δ-opioid receptors, though with low affinity at both sites.
Pharmacokinetics
Oxycodone undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism (~95%) primarily through the cytochrome P450 system. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 catalyze N-demethylation to the major metabolite noroxycodone (approximately 45-70% of the administered dose),citation needed while CYP2D6 catalyzes O-demethylation to oxymorphone (approximately 5-19%). Additional pathways include 6-keto-reduction and conjugation. Despite producing several metabolites with μ-opioid receptor activity, oxycodone itself accounts for approximately 83% of its analgesic effect after oral administration and approximately 95% after intravenous administration. Oral bioavailability averages 60-87% and is not affected by food. Oxycodone has a volume of distribution of 2.6 L/kg,1 with unbound brain concentrations approximately threefold higher than blood concentrations at equilibrium.citation needed The elimination half-life is approximately 3.2 hours for immediate-release formulations and 4.5 hours for extended-release formulations, with a clearance of 0.8 L/min.1 Oxycodone and its metabolites are primarily excreted in urine.citation needed
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Full Tolerance
Oxycodone tolerance can develop for many effects after sustained repeated use, sometimes within days of daily administration. The pace differs by effect: constipation-related tolerance develops especially slowly compared with analgesic and euphoric tolerance. People taking oxycodone daily may need to raise their dose substantially to obtain similar effects, with some chronic users reporting daily doses of 200 mg or more compared with initial effective doses of 5-10 mg.
Baseline Reset
1-2 weeks of abstinence in the absence of further consumption. Fatal overdose risk can rise steeply when someone resumes use after a break because tolerance has fallen. Environmental context may also affect tolerance; research has shown that familiar drug-associated settings can provide some tolerance protection compared with novel settings.
Half Tolerance
3-7 days
Cross Tolerance
All other opioids
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
HighOxycodone is highly addictive with significant potential for abuse and psychological dependence.citation needed Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, and many users find themselves consuming more than intended. The drug induces feelings of euphoria and relaxation that strongly reinforce continued use.
Physical
HighPhysical dependence develops rapidly with regular use, reportedly faster than with morphine. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain and weakness, restlessness, irritability, depression, sweating, cold shivers, vomiting, diarrhea, and painful cramps.citation needed Severe withdrawal is expected after abrupt cessation in dependent individuals.
Toxicity
Respiratory
Dose-dependent respiratory depression occurs at all doses, becoming clinically significant at higher doses or in opioid-naive individuals; overdose can result in respiratory arrest and death.citation needed
Gastrointestinal
Constipation is extremely common (affecting approximately 23% of users)citation needed and persists with continued use as tolerance to this effect develops slowly; chronic use has been implicated in life-threatening bowel perforations.
Cardiovascular
Acute cardiovascular effects including bradycardia, hypotension, and histamine-mediated flushing can occur; serious cardiovascular depression is primarily associated with overdose situations.
Endocrine
Chronic use, particularly at higher doses, commonly causes hormonal disruption including hypogonadism and decreased libido.citation needed
Psychosis Risk
Hallucinations, confusion, and delirium are documented but uncommon side effects.citation needed These psychiatric manifestations are less frequent with oxycodone compared to some other opioids.
Seizure Risk
Seizures and convulsions are uncommon but have been reported.2
History & Culture
Discovery and Early Development
Oxycodone was first synthesized from the opium poppy alkaloid thebaine by Martin Freund and Edmund Speyer at the University of Frankfurt in Germany, with their synthesis published in 1916.citation needed Clinical application of the drug followed the next year, when it was initially employed for…
Legality
International
1961 Convention: Schedule I.
1971 Convention: not internationally scheduled.
1988 Convention: not internationally scheduled.
By Country
Controlled / restricted1
RussiaRestrictedGovernment of the Russian Federation Resolution No. 681 of 30 June 1998, current regulator-hosted consolidation amended 11 June 2025 (List II, narcotic substances); Federal Law No. 3-FZ of 8 January 1998, Articles 1 and 2; Ministry of Health Order No. 1094n of 24 November 2021 (prescribing procedure and form 107/u-NP, in force through 1 March 2028); Ministry of Health Order No. 100n of 7 March 2025 (current dispensing rules from 1 September 2025); Government Resolution No. 1002 of 1 October 2012, current table amended 11 June 2025 (quantity thresholds); Criminal Code No. 63-FZ of 13 June 1996, Articles 228 and 228.1.14232425262728293031323334353637
Russia's instrument calls this List II (список II), a restricted-and-controlled category, not List I's blanket prohibited-turnover category. Medical use is permitted only through the regulated medicinal-product channel. For a List II narcotic medicinal product, Order No. 1094n paragraph 8 uses special paper form 107/u-NP (subject to its narrow exceptions), and the form states a 15-day validity period; Order No. 100n is the current dispensing framework from 1 September 2025. Resolution No. 1002's oxycodone thresholds are stated as grams "over" 0.5, 2.5 and 500, and are not dosage limits. Article 228 applies to no-sale acquisition/storage/transport/manufacture/processing and Article 228.1 separately covers production, sale or dispatch. These statutory ranges do not predict a particular case: classification depends on measured substance amount, intent, conduct, aggravators and the law in force on the conduct date. A lawful prescription pathway exists in principle, while the current registration, marketing or pharmacy stock of a specific oxycodone product in Russia is uncertain.
Prescription14
United StatesPrescription onlySchedule II50
Controlled under the Controlled Substances Act since 1970.51 Illegal to sell without a DEA license and illegal to purchase or possess without a valid prescription.2 The FDA revoked approval of the original sustained-release OxyContin formulation in 2010 due to widespread misuse, with reformulated abuse-deterrent versions subsequently approved.
By state
Most state and territorial schedules reviewed classify oxycodone consistently with federal Schedule II treatment.
AustraliaPrescription onlyListed in Schedule I of the Commonwealth's Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 pursuant to international treaty obligations.6 Additionally classified as Schedule 8 under the Poisons Standard, designating it as a controlled drug available for medical use but requiring restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession, and use to reduce potential for abuse and dependence.7
AustriaPrescription onlyPrescription only (AMG/SMG)8
Legal for medical use under the Arzneimittelgesetz (Medicines Act). Possession or sale without a valid prescription is prohibited under the Suchtmittelgesetz (Addiction Substances Act).
GermanyPrescription onlyListed in Appendix III of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act), meaning it is a controlled narcotic available for medical prescription.13 Only licensed physicians, dentists, and veterinarians may prescribe oxycodone, and the federal government regulates prescriptions through reporting requirements.
Hong KongPrescription onlyDangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134), First Schedule Part I and sections 4(1)(a), 8(1)(a) and 50(1); Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) and Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A) prescription/sales framework; current Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department penalty table and Security Bureau Narcotics Division enforcement summary.141516171819
Hong Kong treats oxycodone as a Part I First Schedule dangerous drug, but the DDO framework preserves authorized medical use through Department of Health licensing and prescription controls. Part I First Schedule controls remain operative, and the DDO's binding effect was not affected by its 18 July 2025 amendment. HK$5 million/life applies to trafficking or manufacture, while ordinary illegal possession other than trafficking or consumption has a HK$1 million/seven-year indictment maximum (and Customs separately lists lower summary maxima). Not every possession circumstance is unlawful: authorized prescription, licensing and other statutory routes remain relevant.
NetherlandsPrescription onlyList I (Opiumwet)20
Classified as a List I substance under the Opium Act, designating it as a 'hard drug' associated with significant health risks. Despite this classification, physicians retain the ability to prescribe oxycodone for legitimate medical purposes under the Medicines Act.
NorwayPrescription onlyForskrift om narkotika (narkotikaforskriften)21
Oksykodon is on Norway's narcotics list as N I. It is regulated as a narcotic drug.
PolandPrescription onlyRegulation of the Minister of Health on the list of psychotropic substances, narcotic drugs and new psychoactive substances22
Oksykodon is included in Poland's official list of narcotic drugs. Its handling is controlled under the counteracting drug addiction framework.
SingaporePrescription onlyListed as a Class A drug, attracting the most severe penalties under Singapore law. Unauthorized manufacture carries a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment plus 5 strokes of the cane, with maximum penalties of life imprisonment or 30 years plus 15 strokes. Trafficking offenses carry minimum penalties of 5 years imprisonment plus 5 strokes, and maximum penalties of 20 years plus 15 strokes.
TurkeyPrescription onlyOxycodone is controlled in Turkey as Ökodal (Eugodal) under Law No. 2313, which has applied since its publication on 24 June 1933. Retail supply of controlled narcotic substances is confined to pharmacies and requires a prescription; unauthorized sale by a pharmacy is punishable under the Turkish Penal Code. Unauthorized manufacture, import, export, sale, supply, transport, storage, purchase, acceptance, or possession of a narcotic or stimulant substance is also punishable under Article 188 of the Penal Code.
United KingdomPrescription onlyControlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a Class A substance, considered among those most likely to cause harm.48 Possession without prescription is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Dealing carries penalties up to life imprisonment. Also listed as Schedule 2 under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, permitting medical prescription.49
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Azadfard M, Huecker MR, & Leaming JM. (2024). Oxycodone - StatPearls. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482226/12
- Oxycontin- oxycodone hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release. DailyMed (5 December 2024). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bfdfe235-d717-4855-a3c8-a13d26dadede12
- Oxycodone Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2014 - 2023. ClinCalc (n.d.). https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Oxycodone1
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026; Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00633/asmade/2026-05-28/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026; Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/C1967A00053/2024-10-14/2024-10-14/text/original/pdf1
- Commonwealth of Australia. (n.d.). Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 – first schedule. Australasian Legal Information Institute. http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/nda1967160/sch1.html1
- Australian Government. Department of Health and Aging. Therapeutic Goods Administration. (June 2008). Standard for the uniform scheduling of drugs and poisons no. 23. Commonwealth of Australia. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/3BBB39C4645284BCCA2574A6001C711F/$file/PoisonsStandard2008.pdf1
- Suchtgiftverordnung. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/geltendefassung.wxe?ShowPrintPreview=True&abfrage=bundesnormen&gesetzesnummer=100110531
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca (n.d.). https://www.laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/section-sched95314.html1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (1996, c. 19). (27 February 2009). http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowFullDoc/cs/C-38.8///en1
Further Reading
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Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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