Blue pills stamped with “5” and “oxy” are likely to be prescription opioid pain medications containing oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It acts on the brain to provide pain relief and can produce feelings of euphoria or relaxation.
Oxycodone Medications
Some common brand name oxycodone products include:
- OxyContin – An extended release form of oxycodone used for around-the-clock pain relief.
- Roxicodone – An immediate release form of oxycodone used for short-term pain relief.
- Percocet – Contains oxycodone combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Percodan – Contains oxycodone combined with aspirin.
These oxycodone medications come in various strengths, typically ranging from 5mg to 30mg per tablet. The “5” on the blue pill likely indicates it contains 5mg of oxycodone.
Uses of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is predominately prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain, such as:
- Chronic pain conditions (e.g. arthritis, cancer pain, neuropathic pain)
- Acute pain after surgery or injury
- Pain from medical procedures or tests
When used appropriately under medical supervision, oxycodone can provide effective pain relief. However, it does carry risks of misuse, abuse and addiction.
Effects of Oxycodone
The effects of oxycodone include:
- Pain relief – Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other areas to block pain signals from being transmitted and perceived.
- Sedation – It has a depressant effect, inducing feelings of relaxation, sleepiness and slowed breathing.
- Euphoria – Oxycodone activates the reward regions in the brain, releasing dopamine and creating a “high”.
- Constipation – Like other opioids, oxycodone reduces bowel motility leading to constipation.
- Slowed breathing – High doses can cause dangerously slowed breathing and respiratory depression.
Risks and Side Effects
Potential risks and side effects of oxycodone include:
- Tolerance – With prolonged use, tolerance develops requiring higher doses for the same effect.
- Dependence – Physical and psychological dependence can occur with regular use.
- Withdrawal – Stopping oxycodone abruptly causes withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, muscle cramps, diarrhea.
- Abuse and addiction – Oxycodone has a high potential for abuse and addiction due to the euphoria it produces.
- Overdose – High doses, especially when combined with other drugs, can slow breathing to dangerous levels resulting in coma and death.
Dangers of Oxycodone Abuse
Abusing oxycodone by taking it other than as prescribed or obtaining it illegally poses serious health risks including:
- Increased risk of addiction and dependence
- Potential for fatal overdose, especially if mixed with alcohol or other drugs
- Health complications like liver damage, brain damage, infectious disease from injection drug use
- Financial, work, social and legal problems
Some signs of oxycodone abuse include:
- Taking more oxycodone than prescribed
- Craving oxycodone
- Needing increasing doses to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Using oxycodone without a prescription or getting it illegally
- Mixing oxycodone with alcohol or sedatives
- Crushing/snorting/injecting oxycodone to intensify effects
- Obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors (“doctor shopping”)
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Failing to fulfill major obligations due to oxycodone use
- Giving up social, work or recreational activities because of oxycodone use
Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction
Treatment options for oxycodone addiction include:
- Medically supervised detox – To safely manage withdrawal symptoms when stopping oxycodone.
- Inpatient rehab – Residential program involving individual and group therapy, counseling and support.
- Outpatient treatment – Less intensive therapy and counseling while living at home.
- 12-step programs – Community-based peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Strategies to change detrimental thoughts and behaviors.
- Medications – Methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone to reduce cravings and support recovery.
A combination of medication, therapy, support and lifestyle changes has the best chance of overcoming an addiction to oxycodone or other opioids. Relapse is common, so ongoing treatment is important.
Preventing Oxycodone Abuse
To help prevent problems with oxycodone:
- Take oxycodone only as prescribed by your doctor and for the intended purpose.
- Never increase doses or take more frequently without medical approval.
- Never combine oxycodone with alcohol, sedatives or illicit drugs.
- Securely store oxycodone in a locked location.
- Safely dispose of unused oxycodone – do not keep unused pills or share them with others.
- Be aware of signs of developing dependence or addiction and discuss them with your doctor.
- Participate in non-opioid pain management strategies like physical therapy when possible.
Conclusion
Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid analgesic that can be extremely beneficial for managing pain when used responsibly under medical supervision. However, it also carries risks of misuse, abuse and life-threatening addiction. Being informed about the appropriate medical uses, effects, risks and dangers associated with a “5 oxy blue pill” is key to safely utilizing oxycodone while avoiding substance use disorders.