Oxycodone and Headaches: What Users Say

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2020

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "After taking MS Contin for 5 years, I thought it was losing effectiveness and made the mistake of telling my doctor this. He switched me to this Xtampza ER. Horrible drug. It made me sick to my stomach, headachy, general malaise physically, anxious, and somewhat depressed. It wasn't any more effective than the MS Contin, and the pain relief it gave me wore off in 4 hours. Due to the side effects, I had no life. I didn't feel well enough to do simple things like go to the grocery store, do dishes, etc., which the MS Contin allowed me to do. I was taking it for 2 weeks, and the symptoms were getting worse, not better. I just wanted my old medicine back, and it was a big struggle to get it back. I got the sense from my doctor that this Xtampza ER was the king of pain medication. For me, it was far from that."

• Ros...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2020

For Chronic Pain "My pharmacy also switched to Rhodes oxycodone. I had taken the same dosage for years, with excellent pain relief. Then after the brand switch, I couldn’t understand why I was constantly sick with no pain relief and developed rashes all over, also severe headaches. I was never told anything about taking it with fatty foods. That’s completely absurd! I, too, cannot eat when I’m in pain. Rhodes Pharmaceutical should be out of business—absolutely no pain relief and terrible side effects. I guess us legitimate pain sufferers, who never abuse or sell our pain medicine, need to start using heroin to get help with pain relief, as the government seems to think they deserve a “GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE,” but we don’t. It’s so frustrating and infuriating!"

• Pau...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I am legally disabled! I've been going to the same pharmacy for years and always get the Actavis 30-milligram oxycodone. And then about 3 weeks ago, they gave me the white Rhodes brand. No pain relief at all, got me nauseous and felt like I was going to throw up, and constant headaches. Thank goodness I only got a seven-day supply. So now I'm going to another pharmacy. The pharmacist is ordering me the 30 mg Mallinckrodt brand. To me, the Mallinckrodt brand is the best one. But my insurance isn't covering them. And I'm paying $105 a week for 35 pills. I don't know what else to do because I can't afford this for much longer! The rating bar I'm putting a 10 because I'm talking about the Mallinckrodt brand."

• Sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2019

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "In a word...awful. I've been on 2x18mg Xtampza ER for over a month now, after my sadistic insurance co refused to cover OxyContin, which I've been taking 2x20mg since 07 for severe pelvic floor pain. While Xtampza is designed to avert abuse, it most definitely is not designed for any credible chronic pain relief. First and foremost, it's doing very little for my pain. It takes FOREVER, like 2+ hours(!), to work, and lasts 3-4 hours, at best. I'm being generous saying it 'works', since it barely takes the edge off my pain. I still have to take breakthrough meds, even while this junk is supposed to be in full effect. I regularly experience strong side effects described by other reviews, including headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, and high anxiety. It's amusing to hear the claims of this med being 'exactly the same' as OxyContin - the one thing that actually worked."

• Che...
• September 13, 2019

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "I too was forced to use something other than MS Contin. Xtampza was chosen, and I suffered through it for 3 weeks before calling my physician in tears to let him know that I had no relief whatsoever from the pain, and as well, I was experiencing headaches, diarrhea, and deeper depression. I was then given a prescription for Belbuca film. Would have liked to try it, but insurance doesn't cover it, and it costs $475 a month! What are we to do???"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "Moved and had to change doctor. Was given Xtampza twice daily. I have found this medication horrible. It does not work on a consistent level, any relief that it gives quickly fades. Twelve-hour relief is a joke, maybe six to seven hours. Blood pressure has gone up, needed to increase my atenolol 25 mg. Nausea soon becomes a constant companion, with headaches to add to the original chronic pain. This has been my experience, I also see many others have issues with this medication."

• Fee...
• April 25, 2019

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "Since I was just switched to Xtampza ER on 4-19-19 and have been taking 9 mg twice daily for a week. So I really can't say too much other than I have had headaches daily starting one day after starting the medication and has not let up yet. I was told that this drug would last longer than my current medication, which was OxyContin 10 mg twice daily. So far, neither has lasted the 12 hours as it claims. I am lucky to get 5 to 6 hours of relief per dose. Neither gave me complete pain relief, but some was better than none. My pharmacy said they have never had anyone prescribed this medication before me. I was lucky enough to get my script at my monthly doctor visit. The pharmacy had to special order the medication but could not order it until they got a prior authorization from the doctor or my insurance would not process. At this point, I do not feel that I am getting the relief I was getting previously as far as the length of time. I was down for 2 days with a bad headache out of the 7 days on this medication."

• Rlz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2022

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "This is a horrible medication, it's tearing my stomach up, and I already recently was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer a few months back. I had been recovering, and now my stomach hurts again, plus I'm having several gallbladder attacks every day due to having to eat high-fat food trying to get it to work, which it doesn't anyway. I'm tired of being treated like an addict by insurance companies, etc. In 16 years, I have NEVER abused my medicine, and these insurance companies just assume pain patients all abuse pain meds. This Xtampza causes constant headache, general malaise, dizziness sometimes, nervousness sometimes, and I have body aches in places I haven't hurt before, like severe cramps in my toes. I feel withdrawn, like it takes all I have to have a conversation. They need to worry about the fentanyl coming across the border and leave us pain patients that have no red flags of abusing their medicine alone!!!"

• Inj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "This product should not even be on the pain medication list for doctors. Nothing but nausea, headache, anxiety, and added pain!!! Don’t waste your money because most insurance doesn’t cover it!!! GARBAGE!!!"

• Dal...
• November 9, 2017

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "My last post was taken down. Been on this for a few months. Honestly, we have to stop changing medicine that works, just because of the small percentage that abuse these drugs. Side effects: dizzy, nausea, severe headaches, which I never had before. I feel numb to the world, tired, and still in pain. Also found out that long-term effects of this drug have still not been studied, and there is a euphoric blocker in these that stops you from experiencing well-being. I get it, the well-being is what addicts crave, but for people in chronic pain, well-being is a good pain reliever, as moods affect our pain. The medication is supposed to last 12 hours, they don't, they last about 5-6 hours. It also only takes the edge off the pain."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2025

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "A placebo could be more effective than this medication! Currently, there is a national shortage of MS-ER, causing my pain specialist to prescribe this useless medication. 5 years ago, the same doctor prescribed Xtampza ER, and I couldn’t function due to the excruciating pain 24/7! He actually admitted aloud that it was a huge mistake, so why I have been prescribed this yet again defies all logic and proper medical treatment. 18 mg, twice daily. An OTC Tylenol is more effective; in other words, it does not do anything to relieve ANY pain, but it certainly caused headaches, nausea, vivid nightmares, and extreme fatigue! Why is this medication still on the market? Very expensive, worthless for pain relief! I am currently unable to get out of bed, and my pain level is off the charts…"

• Anonymous
• January 10, 2019

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "Very disappointed. Was on morphine sulfate 100 mg. My doctor wanted me to try Xtampza. Not impressed. They just gave me headaches and stomach pain with no relief from my chronic pain, plus with insurance, it cost me $273.00. Will not use this again."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 23, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I was taking KVK Tech brand oxycodone 10 mg for over a year, and it works fine for me, but recently my pharmacy has switched over to Rhodes brand, which is RP 10. Let me tell you, this is the worst brand I’ve taken. It causes awful stomach pain, sore throats, depression, and headache. It doesn’t help with my pain. Anyone else have this problem? I will report it to the FDA, pharmacy, and call my doctor about it."

• Pat...
• November 2, 2017

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "Been on this for months, just don't understand why I'm having side effects, as my doctor says everything is the same, just time release. The first 4 weeks, headaches so severe I couldn't put in a full day. I'm a secretary, so on the computer screen all day. This is what gave me the headaches I believe, along with meds. I also got very nauseous, dizzy, and extremely moody. I put on 20 pounds once I was told to eat a fatty diet with this meal, as I guess the fats help break down the medicine, doctor never told me this, but helped a lot with being sick all the time. Doctor finally listened, as I was tired of being in a cloud all day. Also, anxiety and sleeplessness... This medicine may work for some, just not me."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2013

OxyContin (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "I've been on OxyContin 10 mg 2x daily for about a month now, and I stopped it about 2 days ago. I had gotten to where I didn't have the energy to do anything, getting out of bed was a tremendous chore, and I have been waking up with a headache and going to bed with a headache. This is the second day off of it, and I have a little more energy than I've had since I started it, and I am hoping the headaches stop real soon. I made an appointment to go back to my doctor early to change."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2016

Oxaydo (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "Horrible medication. This is my first review for anything, but I felt I had to say something. I was on oxycodone 10/325 for years for chronic pain and never had a problem with side effects. Since being on Oxaydo, from day one, I've felt sick. Stomach pain and burning, nausea, constipation, horrible headaches, and bouts of dizziness, not to mention I'm in more pain now than ever. I've barely left the house since I started this crap. While I think an abuse-deterrent is a great idea, something is not right with this medication."

• Rea...
• June 29, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Feels like monthly prescription Russian Roulette. Just wish it would work the same each month and not randomly cause suicidal depression, fatigue, confusion, headaches, jitters, etc. Consistency = everything when you have health problems. FDA is either looking the other way or encouraging generic drug makers to degrade/alter Oxycodone quality so it adds side effects and alters its functioning as a deterrent and is using society’s sickest as unwitting test subjects. I didn’t sign up for this drug trial! Tired of hearing “small variance” or “fillers” excuses for why the same med goes from effective one month to side effect-riddled “suicide pill” the next. I didn’t ask for life-altering diseases. These pills allow me to function when they work, but I can’t handle the side effects, and I’m so exhausted trying to figure out which brand of an identical drug will actually work right this month. FDA has every right to strictly monitor these meds, but no right to have such variance in each product."

• WeD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 4, 2021

For Chronic Pain "Feels like in June all generics became side effect riddled (suicidal thoughts, confusion, dizziness, headaches, sickness, diarrhea, stomach problems, etc.) with wild effectiveness waves. No clue what to even do. So tired, beaten down. Government says watch out for patients who mention 'how they feel' because it’s a sign of drug seeking, yet never actually gained a pill from any of this because didn’t want to put my doctor’s career in jeopardy or lose the human right to choose how to deal with my diseases for the rest of my life by replacing. What kind of system tells someone who suffers this much to take tainted pills for six months without recourse, help, or information? We can’t simply stop taking them like most meds. Schedule II drugs are powerful, so the problems/side effects from tainted pills equal an emergency! More powerful drug equals worse problems from quality issues. Please do the right thing, FDA and media!!"

• Dia...
• April 21, 2018

Xtampza ER (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "I have constant, chronic severe facial pain from a head and neck injury that was recently helped in a major way with stimulator implant surgery in Denver. Still need pain meds but much lower dose. Forced to use this drug through the insurance company's refusal to continue providing Oxy ER. Was put on Xtampza for about 2.5 months, gained 25 pounds fast without changing diet, extreme headaches with pressure like never before, every joint hurt. Doctor said to maintain 18 mg/2x day dose anyway. Took one more week, gained 5 pounds more, and said enough. Got off it using leftover fast-acting, now down to just occasional doses for severe breakthrough pain. Found out all my allergies and general body aches the past 13 years have been due to pain meds and my body's reaction to them, so once I'm off, symptoms disappear. Wouldn't have known that without Xtampza, but my headaches aren't easing after being off it for a month, plus going off Topiramate. Will these headaches ever get better, or is this my new normal?"

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2023

Dazidox (oxycodone) for Chronic Pain "I have a number of chronic pain issues and have taken 10 mg of oxycodone for years. I switched pharmacies, and they gave me Dazidox. I have more pain and more headaches, and it doesn't last nearly as long."

• Rea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 18, 2021

For Chronic Pain "KVK Tech oxycodone is absolutely the most horrible generic medication that I have taken, and I've been on oxy for close to 10 years. This rubbish gives me headaches and makes me feel like rubbish. On top of having chronic pain, I now have to deal with this rubbish. I'm getting a new prescription for a better brand named Rhodes that does me well. This medication brand needs to be pulled from the market, and the company should be fined, being they’re already being scrutinized for this low-quality product. REQUEST ANY OTHER BRAND OTHER THAN KVK TECH. You’ll regret it if you don't!"

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2016

For Pain "Full hip replacement. I take Oxycodone 20 mg every 6 hours. When I first started taking it, it gave me headaches, but my pain control was great. In about a week, the headaches were gone. I would highly recommend this pain med. I have been taking them for a month, and my mind is clear. I don't feel tired. On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain is about a 2 or 3 with the pain meds. I would like to warn you: if you wait too long to take your meds, you will regret it. I take 20 mg every six hours. One night, I slept about 10 hours and woke up with intense pain."

• Alw...
• June 2, 2020

For Chronic Pain "I find that oxycodone is very effective for musculoskeletal pain, but seems to exacerbate neuro pain. It helps somewhat with a migraine spike. Using it gives me an 'active' headache (annoyance level, but still unpleasant) (visualized with a wire cage of a ball on a column coming out from just above the eyes, down to nose level. The cage has been pulled from the sphere and is stretched out and is 'outside' of the skull)."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2009

OxyContin (oxycodone) for Pain "I have severe chronic neck pain due to permanent spinal cord nerve damage. I was given 20 mg twice a day, and it didn't give me enough pain relief. The doctor has increased the dose to 20 mg three times a day, and the side effects are too much to handle. My brain is foggy, I'm more anxious, dizzy, very lightheaded, I have a nagging headache that will not go away, and I have an all-around ill feeling. I like the idea of a pain medicine that is timed release and spreads out over time, but this medication is not right for me. I can't wait to get off of the OxyContin."

• End...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2017

For Chronic Pain "I have chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis and chronic back pain (lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, bulging and dried-out discs) that began after tearing a ligament near my spine. I was prescribed one 40 mg ER tablet every 12 hours. While it did reduce my pain to a 3 from an 8, it also gave me a horrible headache, made me nauseated, caused me to feel hot, and made me sweat. After only 3 days on this 'medicine,' I had to stop taking it because I could not tolerate those horrid side effects. The only reason I gave it a 3 out of 10 is that it did relieve the pain, but the benefits did not outweigh the nasty side effects. This stuff seemed like pure poison to me. TAKE THIS MEDICATION WITH EXTREME CAUTION."