Oxycodone is a powerful pain-relieving opioid medication that is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. While oxycodone is effective in reducing pain, it has some common side effects that can be bothersome for some people. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and itching. Itching is the most common and uncomfortable side effect reported with oxycodone use. Itching occurs because oxycodone binds to opioid receptors, activating the body’s itch-inducing receptors. It is usually not severe, but can be uncomfortable and even unbearable in some cases. Additionally, itching can be exacerbated by other medications, such as antihistamines. Itching can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to oxycodone, so it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience itching after taking the medicine. Your provider may recommend other pain medications if the itching is severe or does not resolve with treatment.