Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid analgesic used to manage moderate to severe pain when other treatments are not effective or appropriate. It works on specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the perception of pain but also carries a high risk of tolerance, dependence, addiction, and overdose, especially if misused. Oxycodone should only be taken exactly as prescribed, never shared with others, and stored securely away from children or people with a history of substance misuse. Abruptly stopping long-term therapy can cause withdrawal, so tapering must be supervised by a healthcare professional.