Is it true that having an oxycodone prescription for breakthrough pain just makes people take more pain medication?

Oxycodone: Yes and no. Oxycodone is a frequently prescribed immediate release narcotic given to people who are on chronic opioid therapy with a sustained release narcotic taken orally or by patch. The key is frequent follow-up with your pain physician to get to a regimen of sustained release narcotic where you require the minimum amount of oxycodone/breakthrough meds for emergency only.

Depends: Opioids such as oxycodone are very effective agents for pain relief in acute situations, but on a long term basis they are associated with poor outcomes and with increasing use of pain medications.