Does Oxycodone Make You Sleepy?

Oxycodone & Drowsiness Effects

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain medication that can cause drowsiness and fatigue as common side effects. Drowsiness is one of the most commonly reported side effects of oxycodone use and can occur in as many as 1 in 3 people taking the medication.

One of the main ways that oxycodone can impact sleep is by decreasing the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, an important stage of the sleep cycle associated with memory consolidation, learning, and emotional processing. Oxycodone use can also cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and grogginess upon waking, interfering with daily activities and reducing the overall quality of life.

In addition, long-term use of oxycodone can lead to the development of tolerance, which means that a person may need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same level of pain relief, which can further disrupt sleep.

Other Side Effects of Oxycodone Related to Sleepiness

In addition to drowsiness and the potential for sleep disturbances, several other side effects of oxycodone may be related to sleepiness.

Additional Side Effects of Oxycodone 

• Fatigue – Oxycodone can cause fatigue, extreme tiredness, or lack of energy. This can be a common side effect, particularly when starting or adjusting the dose of the medication.
• Reduced Cognitive Function – Oxycodone can impair cognitive function, including problems with concentration, attention, and memory. These effects can be especially pronounced in individuals sensitive to opioids or taking higher doses.
• Dizziness – Oxycodone can cause dizziness, which the medication’s sedative effects can exacerbate. This can lead to problems with balance and coordination and increase the risk of falls.
• Respiratory Depression – Oxycodone can cause respiratory depression, a slowing of breathing that can be dangerous or life-threatening. This is more likely to occur at higher doses or in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Sleep Apnea – Oxycodone can worsen sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue and increase the risk of other health problems.

Other Common Side Effects of Oxycodone & Opioids

In addition to the side effects related to sleepiness discussed, there are several other common side effects of oxycodone and opioids.

Common Side Effects of Oxycodone: 

• Nausea & Vomiting – Opioids can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly when starting or adjusting the dose of the medication. These side effects can often be managed with anti-nausea medications or by changing the opioid dose.
• Constipation – Opioids can cause constipation, a common side effect that can be very uncomfortable. Drinking fluids and eating a high-fiber diet help prevent or manage constipation.
• Itching – Opioids can cause itching or skin rash, particularly in individuals sensitive to the medication. This side effect can often be managed with antihistamines or a different opioid medication.
• Sweating – Opioids can cause excessive sweating, particularly at night, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive to sleep.

Do All Painkillers Make You Tired?

Not all painkillers make you tired. Different painkillers have different mechanisms of action and can affect the body differently, leading to varying side effects. Some painkillers, such as opioids like oxycodone, can cause sedation and drowsiness, making you tired or sleepy.

Other painkillers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, do not typically cause drowsiness as a side effect.

However, even painkillers that do not typically cause drowsiness can affect individuals differently. Some people may be more sensitive to certain medications or may experience side effects that are not common.