From the FDA Drug Label
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dose increase. Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death
The number of dosages that can cause respiratory problems with oxycodone is not specified in the FDA drug label.
- Respiratory depression can occur at any dose, and the risk is greatest when starting oxycodone or when the dosage is increased.
- Fatal respiratory depression can occur even at recommended dosages.
- The FDA label does not provide a specific number of dosages that can cause respiratory problems, as this can vary depending on individual patient factors and concomitant use of other medications. 1 1 1
From the Research
It is not possible to provide a specific dosage of oxycodone that would cause respiratory problems, as this varies greatly between individuals and depends on many factors, including opioid tolerance, age, and underlying medical conditions, as noted in a recent review of opioid-induced respiratory depression 2. The risk of respiratory depression, a potentially fatal side effect, can occur at prescribed doses in some people, especially those who are opioid-naive, and is a major concern in the management of acute pain, as highlighted in guidelines for monitoring opioid-induced advancing sedation and respiratory depression 3. Risk factors that lower the threshold for respiratory problems include:
- Older age
- Sleep apnea
- Lung disease
- Liver or kidney impairment
- Concurrent use of other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol Tolerance to opioids increases the amount needed to cause respiratory depression, which is why someone with opioid use disorder might take doses that would be fatal to others, as discussed in a review of oxycodone's pharmacology and abuse potential 4. If you're concerned about opioid safety, always take oxycodone exactly as prescribed, never increase the dose without medical supervision, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, or confusion, as advised in a study on the efficacy and safety of oxycodone for acute musculoskeletal pain 5. If you're asking about intentional overdose, please contact a crisis helpline or emergency services immediately for support.