In this article, we look at the uses, risks, and effectiveness of oxycodone, along with its addictive potential. Oxycodone can cause serious side effects and is not safe for people with breathing problems or certain other conditions. Prescribed to help manage moderate to severe pain, oxycodone is an opioid analgesic drug. Oxycodone can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed, you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death. Oxycodone works much better and provides immediate relief than other pain relievers like morphine, heroin, and cocaine. But remember, this drug has great potential for addiction and is a Schedule II controlled drug in the USA. Overview: Oxycodone is a medicine that is used to help treat severe pain. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. Do not drive or do. Oxycodone, sold under the brand names Roxicodone and OxyContin (which is the extended-release form) among others, is a semi-synthetic opioid used medically for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone may cause serious or life-threatening breathing problems, especially during the first 24 to 72 hours of your treatment and any time your dose is increased. Oxycodone can cause serious unwanted effects if taken by adults who are not used to strong opioid pain medicines, children, or pets. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it. Oxycodone has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Oxycodone may also cause severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of oxycodone that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take oxycodone. Children aged 1 month and over may sometimes be prescribed it.