Oxycodone for Anxiety: The Risks

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a type of opioid that’s used for pain management, depression, and anxiety. It can be easily abused if not monitored or an incorrect dose is taken, according to MedlinePlus. If someone who isn’t prescribed oxycodone takes it, there can be serious health problems, addiction, and even death. Oxycodone should only be given for treatment if someone is tolerant to opioid-type medications, as it can become addictive if overused or misused. Because of its addictive properties, oxycodone for anxiety is rarely prescribed — and it can actually make anxiety worse for people who are trying to feel better.

How Oxycodone Affects the Brain

Oxycodone is most known as a prescription medication for pain management, but it also has other properties that can help with treating anxiety. When someone takes oxycodone, it affects the brain by not only inhibiting a cell’s ability to send signals to feel pain but also decreasing the production of norepinephrine. This hormone that controls blood pressure and alertness is associated with fear responses, and that’s why someone might be prescribed oxycodone for anxiety. Unfortunately, once the oxycodone works through the body and eventually filters out of the bloodstream, the levels of norepinephrine return to normal levels. Oxycodone is more of a temporary fix for anxiety as the alertness and blood pressure levels can rise dramatically after the drug is filtered out — and that can make someone’s anxiety increase. Doctors usually won’t prescribe oxycodone for someone with anxiety as it can make the effects much worse in the long run. 

Signs of Oxycodone Addiction

There’s a higher risk of addiction when people take oxycodone because of its status as an opioid. Because people start to feel better when taking it — but that feeling fades away quickly — they might chase the feeling by taking more than they were prescribed. With the risk of addiction, there are always short-term and long-term effects that can negatively impact a person. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the signs of oxycodone addiction include: 

• Increased Tolerance: This happens when someone who is taking oxycodone finds that it’s less effective in helping with pain or anxiety. In response to their diminished relief, they might increase their dosage or intake to try to feel the same effect. 
• Increased Cravings: Strong urges can develop for the drug if someone is depednent on it and doesn’t have it in their system. They could suffer from side effects and withdrawal symptoms if they don’t get their fix, such as intense pain, anxiety, and diarrhea. In this case, they’ll need to seek professional help with opioid detox and withdrawal.
• Illegal Ways of Accessing Drugs: Once someone unsuccessfully tries the legal route of getting a higher dosage from their doctor, they might seek out illicit ways of getting the drug. 

Oxycodone addiction should be taken seriously. There are many risk factors when someone is battling opioid use disorder. A rule of thumb to always follow is to take the dose your doctor prescribes you and nothing more than that. If the symptoms you’re trying to combat keep coming back, discuss them with your doctor to find alternative options for treatment. If you do find yourself having any of the above symptoms, it could be time to seek professional help at an addiction treatment center like Resurgence Behavioral Health. 

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with oxycodone addiction, or opioid use disorder, will be prescribed buprenorphine, methadone, or extended-release naltrexone to help deal with withdrawal symptoms and get on the road to recovery. With the addition of therapeutic approaches to the proper medication regime, this is the main course of action for a treatment plan for oxycodone addiction. Some of the addiction treatments for oxycodone offered at Resurgence Behavioral Health include:

• Medical Detox: This process is supervised by medical professionals as the patient withdraws from the substance. It’s an important first step in addiction treatment, and experts can help patients with symptoms and discomfort as their body gets rid of the drug.
• Inpatient Treatment: This treatment is for patients who need intensive care and can stay in a facility 24/7 for an extended period. Depending on their addiction’s severity, their stay can be 30 to 90 days. 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapeutic approach teaches people how to look at their thinking patterns from a different point of view and learn new, more beneficial ways of seeing the world. 
• SMART Recovery: SMART stands for self-management and recovery training. This treatment plan at Resurgence Behavioral Health focuses on self-empowerment and patients looking for independence from addictive behaviors — and it can help them manage addiction symptoms. 

Addiction treatment can include more than one technique or program at Resurgence Behavioral Health. A combination of different types of addiction treatment is usually best to give a patient the best possible care. Treatment plans can also be tweaked throughout the recovery process as needed. 

Oxycodone for Anxiety: How to Avoid Addiction with Resurgence Behavioral Health

Someone with this mental health condition might be prescribed oxycodone for anxiety. Unfortunately, it carries a risk of addiction, and that’s why patients need to follow the exact instructions and dosage prescribed by their doctors. For those who start to show symptoms of oxycodone addiction, residential addiction treatment is often their best hope for getting better. Resurgence Behavioral Health is a top rehab for oxycodone addiction treatment. Resurgence Behavioral Health is proud to be a leader in helping people overcome addiction to opioids like oxycodone while also treating any co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 855-458-0050 today. 

External Sources 

• MedlinePlus — Oxycodone 
• Mayo Clinic — Opioid Use Disorder 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

Research | Editorial