Can taking xanax and oxycontin short term prescribed cause damage?

It depends. All medications have side effects. Xanax and oxycontin have abuse potential but do have a place when used appropriately. Do not mix either of these drugs with alcohol. Xanax is an anxiolytic but can cause drowsiness and confusion Oxycontin is an opiate and is used for pain relief but may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, itchiness and addiction.

If used at low dose and sparingly, these two drugs might be useful and safe, BUT the combination exacerbates the risk of difficulty breathing, and nocturnal apnea, especially in preceding sleep apnea. I would tend to avoid using these drugs together, almost invariably.