The most serious risk associated with OxyContin, is respiratory depression. Because of this,
OxyContin should not be combined with other substances that slow down breathing, such as alcohol,
antihistamines (like some cold or allergy medication), barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. Other
common side effects include constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry
mouth, sweating, and weakness. Toxic overdose and/or death can occur by taking the tablet broken,
chewed, or crushed. People who abuse the drug (by removing the time-release coating) will
experience effects for up to 5 hours. The high that is felt is opiate-like - a sedate, euphoric feeling.