Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate-based painkiller prescribed for chronic and severe pain. It is manufactured from thebaine, an alkaloid chemically related to morphine and codeine and found in the poppy plant. It is usually prescribed to cancer and arthritis patients suffering from unbearable pain especially after surgery.
According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report, approximately 3.7 million people aged 12 years and above misused oxycodone products in the past year. Oxycodone, available in the pill form, is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Also known as OC, Roxy, Kicker, and Blue dynamite, it is easily available on the streets, leading to its widespread use and abuse. Oxycodone is considered to be highly potent with 20 mg of it being equivalent to 30 mg of morphine.