Oxycodone is a prescription opioid medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It works mainly by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. Oxycodone may be prescribed alone or combined with other medicines, such as acetaminophen. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Because it can cause slowed or stopped breathing, oxycodone can be dangerous, especially when taken in higher doses or combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives.