What are the Side Effects of Roxicodone vs. Oxycodone?

Roxicodone and Oxycodone are essentially the same drug, with Roxicodone being a brand name for immediate-release oxycodone. Therefore, when it comes to the side effects of Roxicodone vs Oxycodone, they’re basically the same. The side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, and itching. While less common, severe side effects can include respiratory depression, low blood pressure, physical dependence, and addiction.

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Table of contents

» What Is the Difference Between Roxicodone and Oxycodone?

» Are the Side Effects of Roxicodone and Oxycodone the Same?

» How Do Roxicodone and Oxycodone Differ in Terms of Onset and Duration of Effects?

» Can You Switch Between Roxicodone and Oxycodone Safely?

» Key Takeaways on Roxicodone vs Oxycodone

» Resources

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What Is the Difference Between Roxicodone and Oxycodone?

Roxicodone and oxycodone are both prescription opioids to manage moderate to severe pain. While they are essentially the same medication, key differences exist between their formulations and intended use. Roxicodone is the brand name for the short-acting form of oxycodone, which is a generic medication and the active ingredient in various other opioid drugs, including OxyContin.

Roxicodone is always an immediate-release formulation of oxycodone. It is designed to take effect relatively quickly, typically within 15 to 30 minutes, with effects lasting between 3 and 6 hours. This medication version is generally prescribed for patients requiring rapid relief, such as after surgery or an injury.

Conversely, the generic drug oxycodone can be available in multiple formulations, not limited to immediate release. Extended-release oxycodone is formulated to release the medication gradually over 12 or 24 hours, offering prolonged pain relief. According to the Mayo Clinic, extended-release oxycodone capsules should not be utilized for short-term pain management, such as during recovery from surgery or for intermittent pain.

Additionally, oxycodone can be found in many combination pain medications that include other active ingredients, like Percocet, which combines oxycodone with acetaminophen. In general, generic medications like oxycodone are often more affordable than their brand-name counterparts.

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Are the Side Effects of Roxicodone and Oxycodone the Same?

Roxicodone vs oxycodone side effects are generally the same, since they both contain the exact same active pharmaceutical ingredient, oxycodone. Opioids like oxycodone affect the central nervous system, and side effects can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly with long-term use or misuse. Common side effects of both drugs include:

• Constipation, which often necessitates management through laxatives, fiber supplements, or dietary adjustments
• Nausea and vomiting, particularly when starting the medication or at higher doses
• Drowsiness/Sleepiness that can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery
• Dizziness or lightheadedness can result in falls
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Itching
• Sweating
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Mood changes, from feelings of relaxation or euphoria to anxiety or agitation

Serious side effects of Roxicodone and oxycodone are less common but require medical attention, including:

• Respiratory depression (characterized by slow or shallow breathing) can be life-threatening
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty urinating
• Slowed heart rate
• Allergic reactions, including rash, swelling, and severe dizziness

Both Roxicodone and oxycodone carry a high risk for abuse, dependence, and addiction, as with all opioids. Even when used as directed, the body can build tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence on oxycodone, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly discontinued. These withdrawal symptoms and experiencing the symptoms of addiction to pain pills may compel individuals to continue using the drug or seek out illicit opioids to alleviate discomfort, potentially leading to a substance use disorder (SUD).

It is crucial always to take Roxicodone or any oxycodone product exactly as prescribed, as taking higher doses, more frequently, or in combination with other substances significantly increases the risk of severe side effects. People who become dependent or addicted and increase their doses to attain the same impact face a greater risk of overdose due to respiratory depression, which can increase the chances of relapse after addiction treatment.

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How Do Roxicodone and Oxycodone Differ in Terms of Onset and Duration of Effects?

Since Roxicodone is always an immediate-release (IR) formulation of oxycodone, its effects come on and fade away more quickly. Typically, Roxicodone starts to alleviate pain within 10 to 30 minutes after being taken orally, making it ideal for acute pain, breakthrough pain, or adjusting the dose when beginning opioid therapy.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Roxicodone achieves its maximum pain-relieving effects within 1 to 2 hours and generally lasts 3 to 6 hours. Because of its shorter duration, it must be taken more often to ensure consistent pain management.

Since oxycodone is available in various formulations, including immediate release, its onset and duration of effects can differ. Controlled-release or extended-release oxycodone may take longer to take effect, usually around 1 hour, but sometimes extending to 2 to 4 hours.

This medication is released gradually into the bloodstream over time, providing longer-lasting and consistent pain relief. These formulations of oxycodone typically reach their peak effectiveness at about 3 to 5 hours, with effects generally lasting 12 hours, although some newer versions may last up to 24 hours.

The differences in the onset and duration of effects between Roxicodone and oxycodone carry significant implications for their potential for dependence and addiction. Generally, immediate-release oxycodone, such as Roxicodone, has a greater risk of addiction for several reasons:

• Stronger Rewarding Effect: Roxicodone, with its quick onset and peak effects, creates a more powerful “rush” and euphoric sensations, leading to rapid and strong reinforcement that can foster psychological dependence and addiction.
• Highs and Crashes: Because of its relatively short-lasting effects, users may take doses more frequently to sustain the desired effects or prevent withdrawal, which can lead to escalating usage patterns.
• More Severe Withdrawal: Immediate-release opioids tend to produce more intense and rapid withdrawal symptoms due to the swift decline in opioid levels within the body, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to cease use.

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Can You Switch Between Roxicodone and Oxycodone Safely?

Switching between immediate-release formulations of oxycodone and Roxicodone is safe under a pharmacist’s or doctor’s supervision, as these are generic alternatives to Roxicodone, and this practice is commonly adopted to lower expenses. However, switching from Roxicodone to an extended-release version like OxyContin should only be done with medical supervision. Despite sharing the same active ingredient, their formulations differ significantly.

Making changes to these medications without a doctor’s advice can result in inadequate pain management or, more critically, an overdose. Some individuals might mistakenly consume too much of an immediate-release formulation, believing it will provide the exact duration of relief as the extended-release version, or they may inadvertently take an extended-release dose too often.

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Key Takeaways on Roxicodone vs Oxycodone

• Roxicodone vs Oxycodone are the Same: Roxicodone is a brand name for immediate-release oxycodone; both contain the same active opioid ingredient and have nearly identical side effects.
• Common Side Effects: Both drugs share side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and itching, which are typical for opioids.
• Differences Lie in Formulation: Roxicodone is always immediate-release (IR), offering fast pain relief, while oxycodone can be IR or extended-release (ER), like OxyContin, for longer pain control.
• High Addiction Potential: Both drugs can lead to physical dependence and addiction; however, Roxicodone has a higher addiction potential than ER formulas due to their rapid and short-lived effects.
• Switching Between Formulations Requires Medical Supervision: Substitution between IR and ER formulations must be done carefully to avoid underdosing or, more critically, overdosing.

WhiteSands Treatment in Florida provides comprehensive recovery programs for those dealing with Roxicodone and oxycodone dependence and addiction, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional challenges individuals may face. Through medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient treatment options, and aftercare support groups for addicts and their families, WhiteSands Treatment offers structured and comprehensive support to withdraw from opioids and attain lasting sobriety safely.

Whether you are facing the side effects of Roxicodone or oxycodone and find it difficult to stop your medication, or if you have been struggling with long-term misuse, our skilled clinicians create tailored treatment plans that cater to your specific needs.

Don’t wait to take the first step toward a healthier, opioid-free life. Reach out to WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-3470 to speak to one of our admissions specialists about your treatment options.

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Resources

• Mayo Clinic – Oxycodone (oral route)
• American Family Physician – Management of Common Opioid-Induced Adverse Effects
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Roxicodone

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.