Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Commonly prescribed after surgery or for chronic pain conditions, oxycodone carries a high risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose, especially when misused. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, often under brand names like OxyContin and Percocet (when combined with acetaminophen).