Does Oxycodone Make You Sleepy? Is It Dangerous?

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone, a potent pain relief medication, is prescribed for moderate to severe pain management. It belongs to the class of prescription opioids, known for their efficacy in treating intense pain when other medications fail. Operating by binding to brain opioid receptors, oxycodone interrupts pain signals transmitted from the body. Dampening nerve communication throughout the body to the brain acts as a central nervous system depressant. This characteristic diminishes pain signals and slows respiratory functions, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Oxycodone’s Uses

Oxycodone tackles moderate to severe pain by altering how the body processes pain signals. It aids in managing these symptoms:

• Anxiety.
• Fatigue.
• Sleep difficulties related to chronic pain.

Immediate-release and extended-release are the primary forms of Oxycodone, often employed when other pain medications are ineffective or not tolerated well enough. It is typically administered post-surgery, injury, or for specific medical conditions demanding opioid treatment.

Oxycodone’s Side Effects

Common side effects of Oxycodone include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.

Serious effects, such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, breathing slowdowns, and addiction, can also manifest.

How Does Oxycodone Influence Sleep? 

Because it is classified as a central nervous system depressant, oxycodone causes severe drowsiness and fatigue, impairing individuals’ ability to perform daily tasks safely, including driving, and potentially increasing the risk of developing an addiction to the drug.

The desire to use oxycodone not only as a pain reliever but also as a sleep aid is often motivated by the impediment that pain poses to adequate sleep. As a result, some patients may use oxycodone without medical supervision, seeing it as a way to induce sleep and relaxation even after their pain has subsided.

While oxycodone causes drowsiness and can speed up sleep onset, it also significantly impacts the duration and quality of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, lowering overall sleep quality. The inability to achieve deep, restful sleep impedes the replenishment of the body and brain, resulting in tiredness, lethargy, and mood fluctuations upon waking.

Drowsiness, however, is not the only sleep-related side effect associated with oxycodone. Following consumption, some people may experience insomnia and other sleep disruptions. Inadequate high-quality sleep, unfortunately, not only compromises the immune system but also alters pain perception, increasing sensitivity to pain stimuli.

Other Side-Effects of Oxycodone

Oxycodone is classified under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its heightened potential for abuse. This designation signifies the substance’s capability to induce severe physical or psychological dependency. Despite being available for prescription use by healthcare providers, the heightened risk of addiction, dependence, adverse interactions, and potential overdosing necessitates strict adherence to prescribed medical guidelines when consuming this medication.

The euphoric and calming sensations produced by oxycodone make individuals susceptible to developing an addiction, even when following professional medical recommendations. Additionally, the body often builds a tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of the medication, prompting the individual to escalate their dosage, subsequently elevating the likelihood of dependency and addiction.

Oxycodone addiction can lead to several detrimental side effects, including:

• Chronic sinus infections.
• Intense headaches.
• Withdrawal symptoms in case of irregular dosing, such as muscle cramps, restlessness, perspiration, vomiting, heightened heart rate, and insomnia.
• Respiratory issues.
• Swallowing difficulties.
• Hepatic complications.
• Diminished kidney function.

Learn More:

• Is Oxycodone Addictive
• What Is Oxycodone?
• Oxycodone Side Effects
• Opiate Withdrawal
• Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
• Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
• Tramadol vs Oxycodone: Which is Better? Side Effect Comparison
• Oxycodone Dosage Guide, Precautions, and Max Dose
• Oxycodone Vs Oxycontin. Differences & Similarities, Abuse & Treatment Options

Is it Possible For Oxycodone To Cause Sleep Disorders?

Users of oxycodone commonly encounter various sleep disorders, including:

1. Insomnia: A prevalent side effect of opioid painkillers like oxycodone, causing challenges in falling or staying asleep. Research indicates that the occurrence of insomnia among opioid users surpasses that of non-opioid users by more than 40%.
2. Parasomnia: Oxycodone use can trigger parasomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by atypical behaviors and occurrences (e.g., sleep paralysis, sleepwalking) during sleep, alongside inducing insomnia.
3. Hypersomnia: Oxycodone’s tendency to disrupt adequate sleep can lead to hypersomnia, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. This heightened sleepiness during the day can negatively impact various aspects of life, such as work performance, relationships, and mental well-being.
4. Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Oxycodone may instigate sleep-disordered breathing, encompassing conditions like sleep apnea and hypopnea, involving irregular breathing patterns during sleep.
5. Mixed Sleep Disorders: Some oxycodone users may experience a combination of sleep disorders. For instance, individuals facing night terrors (parasomnia) might also develop excessive daytime sleepiness.

Sleep disorders can significantly disrupt personal and professional aspects of life. If you are using oxycodone and encountering sleep difficulties or experiencing daytime drowsiness, disturbed sleep, or similar symptoms, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Long-term Effects of Oxycodone Use

• Development of a severe tolerance.
• Emergence of withdrawal symptoms (indicative of physical dependence).
• Potential development of an opiate use disorder.
• Occasional cases of liver and kidney failure after extended use.
• Brain changes lead to issues with attention, memory, and problem-solving.

When used as prescribed and monitored by a physician, the risk of detrimental long-term effects related to medicinal use is significantly minimized. Prolonged misuse raises the likelihood of these adverse long-term effects.

Is it Dangerous to Have Sleeping Problems Caused by Oxycodone?

If you use oxycodone or other opioids, it’s critical to maintain a close relationship with your healthcare provider to effectively manage your dosage and address any side effects, such as sleep disturbances.

The variety of sleep disorders associated with opioid use can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and health, potentially resulting in dangerous situations.

Among the dangers associated with oxycodone-related sleep issues are:

1. Sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea, disrupts breathing patterns sporadically during the night. When coupled with oxycodone-induced respiratory depression (i.e., slow, shallow breathing), it can pose fatal risks.
2. High oxycodone doses may intensify respiratory depression, which is particularly dangerous when combined with conditions like sleep apnea. This scenario can lead to oxygen deprivation during sleep, causing organ damage and failure.
3. Opioid-induced insomnia can swiftly result in sleep deprivation, elevating the risks of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
4. Mixing oxycodone with sleep aids or sedatives in an attempt to enhance sleep quality can have fatal consequences. Combining medications without consulting a doctor can be perilous. Moreover, combining oxycodone with alcohol should be strictly avoided.