NutriStack
Alcohol and Oxycodone, contraindicated.
Alcohol substantially increases the respiratory depression caused by oxycodone. In a controlled human study, oxycodone reduced ventilation and alcohol caused a further drop, with more apneic events. Older adults and people with lung disease or sleep apnea are especially vulnerable.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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What the row says.
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At a glance
- Pair type
- Contraindicated
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Contraindicated · Strong evidence
Contraindicated
What is happening. Alcohol substantially increases the respiratory depression caused by oxycodone. In a controlled human study, oxycodone reduced ventilation and alcohol caused a further drop, with more apneic events. Older adults and people with lung disease or sleep apnea are especially vulnerable.
Mechanism. Oxycodone activates mu-opioid receptors in respiratory control circuits, lowering the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Alcohol adds central nervous system depression and reduces arousal, creating additive or synergistic impairment of breathing and airway protection.
Recommendation. Do not drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. Avoid driving, sleeping alone after accidental co-use, or taking any extra sedatives. Call emergency services if breathing becomes slow, shallow, noisy, or difficult to wake from.
Sources (2)
- van der Schrier R, Roozekrans M, Olofsen E, Aarts L, van Velzen M, de Jong M, et al. Influence of Ethanol on Oxycodone-induced Respiratory Depression: A Dose-escalating Study in Young and Elderly Individuals. Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):534-542. PMID 28170358
- Jones CM, Paulozzi LJ, Mack KA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol involvement in opioid pain reliever and benzodiazepine drug abuse-related emergency department visits and drug-related deaths - United States, 2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2014;63(40):881-885. PMID 25299603
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Alcohol and Oxycodone are in the same stack, this pair applies −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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