As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where oxycodone interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended, or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of adverse interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with oxycodone include the following.
- Certain pain medications, such as pentazocine
- Other opioids including street drugs like heroin
- Opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone
- Alcohol
- Medications for anxiety management, such as lorazepam or alprazolam
- Muscle relaxants, such as carisoprodol
- Other central nervous system depressants
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Oxycodone and Acetaminophen
Oxycodone and acetaminophen are sometimes used in combination to better control pain. Acetaminophen can increase the effects of the oxycodone without a higher risk of an opioid overdose. The combination can sometimes lead to acetaminophen overdose, however.
Oxycodone and Tylenol
Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, so it is also used in combination with oxycodone under the brand names like Tylox, Percocet, Primlev, Roxicet, Endocet and Xartemis XR. Taking Tylenol with an oxycodone medication that contains acetaminophen could lead to overdose and potential liver damage.
Oxycodone and Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sometimes combined with oxycodone under the brand name Combunox to relieve acute pain.
Oxycodone and Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for Alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine or a “benzo.” Mixing it with oxycodone could lead to overdose and exacerbate symptoms such as drowsiness, sedation, confusion, slowed or difficulty breathing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 30 percent of all overdoses involve benzos and an opioid such as oxycodone.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with oxycodone include:
- A high-fat meal can increase the peak plasma concentration of oxycodone
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Oxycodone and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on oxycodone and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases, and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with oxycodone include:
- Acute alcoholism
- Adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
- CNS depression or coma
- Delirium tremens
- Kyphoscoliosis associated with respiratory depression
- Myxedema
- Hypothyroidism
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Urethral stricture
- Hepatic impairment
- Renal or pulmonary impairment
- Toxic psychosis
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Oxycodone and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on oxycodone and pregnancy risks.
Oxycodone and Breastfeeding
For more information, please visit our page on oxycodone and pregnancy risks.
Other Interactions
Other potential interactions include the following.
Oxycodone and Weed
There is some indication that mixing marijuana with an opioid such as oxycodone might have therapeutic benefits. At least one study states that the THC in the weed may enhance the analgesic effects of the opioid without increasing the risk of overdose.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
