Pain is a frustrating feeling that no one wants to feel. So, for the people dealing with pain, Oxycodone is an effective solution for pain relief. But it is an opioid, which means it has a high chance of addiction and physical dependence. Its effects can also vary from one another. Hence, nowadays people are leaning towards natural Oxycodone alternatives. So, if you want to explore and understand the alternatives to Oxycodone, then this blog is right for you. In this blog, we will discuss the effective what is natural alternative to Oxycodone, Oxycodone alternative medication, and other non-pharmacological alternatives to Oxycodone.
A Complete Guide To Effective Alternatives To Oxycodone
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a medicine that belongs to the group of drugs called Analgesics. It works on the central nervous system and blocks the path of pain signals travelling from the nerves to the brain. Doctors prescribe Oxycodone when other painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are not working properly to help the patient with pain. It is sold under the brand name of OxyContin. As it is a semi-synthetic drug, it is often called a narcotic. Notably, this medicine should not be used for a pain that has happened only once or once in a while. This medicine is available in various forms such as;
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Extended-release Tablets
- Oral solution
- Oral concentrate
Side effects
Oxycodone is a strong painkiller. Like every other medication, it also has some after effects. These effects can be mild or severe. Mild after effects are often the signal that says the medicine is working properly in the body, but in case of severe side effects, you should seek medical help. Let’s see what are those after effects.
Some very common effects of Oxycodone are
- Headache
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Less Appetite
- Stomach ache
- Dry mouth
- Itching
Now, let’s see some serious side effects that require medical help if they happen to you.
- Slow or sallow breathing
- Severe bowel problem
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Trouble walking
- Difficulty in speaking
- Low blood pressure
- Chills or shivers
- Fever
- Tightening of muscles
- Swelling
- Feeling like fainting every time trying to get up
Who Should Avoid Using Oxycodone?
Oxycodone belongs to the Schedule II category of drugs. Which means it has a high risk factor towards dependency and misuse. So, let’s see in which type of condition you must avoid having Oxycodone.
- If you have a severe health condition related to breathing
- If you have mild or severe hypercarbia
- If you have a digestive issue where your system is not able to process the body waste properly
- Do not take Oxycodone if you are allergic to opioids
- If you have kidney or liver-related issues, then you should avoid taking it
- Do not take Oxycodone if you are under the age of 18
- If you are addicted to alcohol
- A woman who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- If you are using any other opioid Medications
- Elderly people
- If you are breastfeeding
Alternatives
There are a bunch of alternatives available for Oxycodone. Some of them are natural and some of them are medications. Let’s see what are those legal Oxycodone alternatives.
Natural Oxycodone Alternative
- Ginger: Ginger is packed with anti-inflammatory benefits. It is effective and helpful to manage pain. It is often used to get relief from menstrual and postpartum pain.
- Turmeric: Curcumin is the active ingredient of Turmeric. Study says it has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve pain like NSAIDs.
- Lavender and Peppermint Oils: These oils are used to inhale their aroma and feel relaxed from pain.
- White Willow Bark: It is the natural version of Aspirin as it contains Salicin. Our body converts Salicin to Salicylic acid, which offers pain relief.
- Capsaicin: It is derived from peppers. It has a desensitizing effect. It is used in topical creams that can work on joints and muscles.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Study says it is beneficial for spine-related pain. It is a helpful agent for NSAIDs, which can give you relief from pain.
Over-The-Counter Alternatives
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- lidocaine patches and creams for specific spot pain relief
- Combinations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen medicines can cure the pain and reduce the need for opioids
- Inflammatory conditions can be healed by oral steroids
- Anticonvulsants
Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options
- Physiotherapy
- Target specific stretches
- Meditation and yoga can reduce pain and muscle tension. A study shows a mindful meditation can give an individual pain relief like the starting dose of Oxycodone. It is also helpful for lower back pain.
- Using ice or heat bags for the affected spot of pain is a simple and effective way of healing from pain instantly.
- Doctors suggest doing regular exercise, which helps the body improve overall pain management.
- Massage can increase blood circulation in the system, which decreases muscle tension.
- A traditional Chinese technique called Acupuncture is also helpful for pain treatment. It is done by inserting fine needles into specific points, which increases the level of the body’s natural painkillers, that is, endorphins and serotonin. This technique requires medical supervision.
Other Opioid Alternative
Sometimes pain can be unbearable, and other alternatives might take some days to relieve the pain. When the pain relief is required instantly, there are some other opioids which you can use, and those are as effective as Oxycodone and have few side effects. Let’s see what those are.
- Tapentadol
- Hydrocodone
- Oxymorphone
- Tramadol
Alternatives For Pregnant Women
- Acetaminophen
- Epidural
- Truncal blocks
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- NSAIDs
- Water Therapy
- Massage
- Physiotherapy
Conclusion
There are a lot of other alternatives present around us to replace the use of Oxycodone medications. But it is important to take advice from your doctor before trying any other alternatives. If you are already an active user of Oxycodone, then do not change the medicine suddenly or stop it. Always talk to your doctor and then find a solution.