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Is There a Connection between Oxycodone and Nausea?
Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic medication that is used to provide relief for moderate to severe pain. Many opioids have similar side effects to one another, and there are certain side effects that are more common than others. One of the most common side effects seen with oxycodone and other opioids is nausea. The link between oxycodone and nausea is well-established in patient trials, and may be caused by the way that the medication acts on the body.
One of the reasons that there is a connection between oxycodone and nausea is that this medication, like other opioids, can directly affect cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Many of these cells possess opioid receptors that, when bound by this medication, cause the muscles in this region to constrict. Constricting these smooth muscles, in turn, reduces the movement of food through the GI tract, and can lead to nausea.
The majority of individuals taking this medication for pain relief do not experience a link between oxycodone and nausea. This particular side effect is common, however, with up to 23 percent of people taking this medication experiencing nausea. After taking this medication for some time, tolerance tends to build to this side effect.
Individuals who do not become accustomed to taking oxycodone and nausea that can result may opt to take medication to control this symptom. Antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine or promethazine may successfully reduce nausea. People that have a medical condition that causes nausea on its own, which may be aggravated by oxycodone, may receive more potent medication for the stomach. Metoclopramide is one such drug that is capable of treating even severe nausea through its action on the cells of the stomach. Some people also experience relief from widely available antacid medications such as calcium carbonate or ranitidine.
Taking lower doses of this medication at a given time, or spreading out dosages with a doctor's permission, are also ways to reduce the association between oxycodone and nausea. Staying hydrated can also help, because oxycodone causes some cells in the GI tract to take up nearby water, which can lead to side effects such as stomach discomfort, constipation, and nausea. Eating foods with high concentrations of dietary fiber may help to move water back into the GI tract from he surrounding cells as well, reducing these side effects for much the same reason that drinking water is effective.
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![Oxycodone affects the GI tract, which can cause nausea.]()
By: Adam GregorOxycodone affects the GI tract, which can cause nausea. -
![Taking lower doses of oxycodone may help prevent the occurrence of nausea.]()
By: bruno135_406Taking lower doses of oxycodone may help prevent the occurrence of nausea. -
![Some people who are prescribed oxycodone become addicted to this potent painkiller that belongs to the opiate family.]()
By: JJAVASome people who are prescribed oxycodone become addicted to this potent painkiller that belongs to the opiate family. -
![People who abuse oxycodone and other prescription opiates sometimes crush, "cook," and then inject the medication.]()
By: gawriloffPeople who abuse oxycodone and other prescription opiates sometimes crush, "cook," and then inject the medication. -
![Staying hydrated may help reduce the association between oxycodone and nausea.]()
By: beerfanStaying hydrated may help reduce the association between oxycodone and nausea. -
![Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic medication that is used to provide relief for moderate to severe pain.]()
By: nyulOxycodone is an opioid analgesic medication that is used to provide relief for moderate to severe pain. -
![Spreading out doses of oxycodone with a doctor's permission may help to reduce nausea.]()
By: Andres RodriguezSpreading out doses of oxycodone with a doctor's permission may help to reduce nausea. -
![Pharmacists are responsible for monitoring prescriptions written for patients in order to prevent prescription drug abuse.]()
By: stokketePharmacists are responsible for monitoring prescriptions written for patients in order to prevent prescription drug abuse.
Discussion Comments
I had back surgery followed by nausea and vomiting apparently caused by the oral pain meds. By breaking the tablets into small pieces and taking the small pieces as needed, I was able to control the pain without the nausea.
@ZipLine-- I had the same problem with oxycodone. My doctor had me reduce my dose and increase it more slowly. Taking a high dose suddenly can cause more side effects.
I also usually eat bland food when I'm on opioids. I eat foods like bananas, oatmeal, rice, applesauce and mashed potatoes to help settle my stomach. Ginger is also great for nausea. You can buy ginger candies from health food stores.
@ZipLine-- I never had nausea when I took oxycodone. I think the medication affects different people differently. I think you should take the medication for at least a week, the nausea might go away as your body adjusts.
Also, are you taking oxycodone on a full stomach? Most medications will give me an upset stomach if I take them on an empty stomach. Having some wheat crackers and a glass of milk right before taking the oxycodone might prevent nausea. I'm not a doctor though, so call up your doctor for the best advice.
I had surgery recently and my doctor prescribed oxycodone for the pain. I thought I was doing fine on it but after a few days, the medication has started giving me nausea. If it continues, I'm going to ask my doctor to switch me to something else. I wish the nausea would go away because oxycodone is working for my pain.
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