After being on Tramadol for 8y and augmenting on it, my doctor switched me to a relatively low dose of 5mg oxycodone immediate release tablet. I’ve been on it for 5 months and it has worked well controlling my RLS. Also, I have taken it strictly as directed to the point of taking it at the exact time every evening.
But the past couple of weeks I’ve had a strange reaction to it .. an hour before I’m scheduled to take it, I experience intense anxiety with my heart beating like a drum. Half an hour after I’ve taken it the anxiety is gone. Fortunately, it still works, but this is a very annoying side effect that I’ve never experienced before
Has anyone else experienced this with oxycodone? I was also wondering if anyone has any suggestions for coping with this.
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Nikos64
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Oxynorm 5mg is the "go to " immediate effect pain med for most clinical events.
When I was in recoup after ICU, they gave them out like Smarties (" MnMs" to the separated brethren )
But you had to be 7 on the pain scale.😝
I never experienced the reaction you describe but it is a powerful med, and it could be a form of withdrawal, or a sign of addiction. ( Desperately needing the substance ???🤔)
Hopefully someone else will come on with a better explanation.
Thanks Madlegs1. I suspect I’ve gradually become dependent on it..
When I say dependent I don’t only mean I depend on it for RLS symptoms .. I also mean my brain probably now depends on it for neurotransmitter balance.
Like you said, it is a powerful medication, unlike any other medication I’ve been on. I’ve never been on anything stronger than 5mg hydrocodone for various things like herniated disc, tooth abscess and kidney stones but never been on that for more than a week or 2
I emailed my doctor to see if there are any coping mechanisms.
Hi Nikos 64, your story is definitely relatable, I was on tramadol for roughly the same amount of time - if only I knew it causes augmentation, I'd have never have touched it! I went from having mild rls at night, to now having severe rls 24/7. Anyway I was switched to oxycodone 5mg for about 2 years too, I found it helped, but my dose was definitely too low to help fully due to the severity of my rls so I'd take extra, which is obviously a bad idea as it'll leave you short of medication. Desperate times though, desperate measures!
The anxiety attacks you are suffering are quite an unusual symptom tbh, others suggest it may be a symptom of addiction/withdrawal - it's possible but don't let these suggestions worry you, it could just be an unusual side effect. The main thing is the oxy is helping you a lot which is great, so maybe try to focus on this positive aspect as opposed to the temporary anxiety (as awful as anxiety attacks are) just remember never give doctors an excuse to take you off a potent drug like oxy. All the best, Phil.
I see you are fairly new here. Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.
According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS the usual effective dose is 10 to 30 mg. You might want to print out that section at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a... And since it only lasts 4 to 6 hours you have to take it that often or you will have mini withdrawals.
Have you had your ferritin checked? If so, what was it? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not when you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not, post them here and we can give you some advice.
Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.
Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.
Good advice about giving doctors excuses to cut me off a drug that at least controls the RLS and enables me to sleep. At least the doctor assured me I would not augment on this medication.
hello I experienced withdrawal like symptoms, anxiety, panic, feelings of dread - when my next dose was due as soon as I started oxycodone. The feelings got worse the longer I took this drug, and when I eventually moved from oxycodone to the buprenorohine patch I had full blown withdrawal symptoms for a week.
What you are experiencing is definitely withdrawal - however if it is controlling your rls and you can cope with the symptoms it could be the best solution on offer for you personally. It didn’t control my symptoms 100% and as I progressed the withdrawal symptoms included severe leg kicking / rls - so it generally was not a good drug for me.
I’ve been considering asking for buprenorphine for several reasons. But as long as the anxiety is tolerable and it works I’ll deal with the oxycodone side effects!
I was prescribed Oxycodone after my hip operations but only for Six weeks. I did not have any side effects. I have looked up the possible side effects which I think you will recognise. I am copying them for you, and strongly suggest you speak to your Dr.What side effects can this medication cause?
What side effects can this medication cause? has been expanded.
Oxycodone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms, are severe or do not go away:
dry mouth
stomach pain
drowsiness
flushing
headache
mood changes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:
changes in heartbeat
agitation, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, or dizziness
irregular menstruation
decreased sexual desire
chest pain
hives
itching
rash
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty breathing or swallowing
seizures
extreme drowsiness
lightheadedness when changing positions
In particular the fast heartbeat and anxiety. I have been prescribed Sertraline for anxiety. I use a weighted cushion to help control Restless Legs at night.
Thank you! I’ve been on it for about 6 months. I’ve experienced many of side effects your response details. Many of which I just attributed to old age. Definitely helpful documentation!
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