"i&#039;ve been using the immediate release form of oxycodone for many years frequently in combination with codeine for chronic back pain.  for me the combination is more effective than either alone.  i try to take the minimum dose necessary to control my pain, which for me is about 5 to 10 mg oxy plus 60 mg codeine 3 or 4 times a day, depending on my level of physical activity.   as mentioned by others, tolerance and dependence or addiction (btw, not the same thing) are the main problems."