Oxycodone is only meant to be used for a few weeks at a time; using it for longer periods of time can cause serious health problems such as: High levels of drug tolerance. Oxycodone is physically addicting, which means that your body needs higher amounts of the drug over time in order to experience the same effects. Thus, if you use Oxycodone for a long period of time, you’ll need higher doses of it, which puts you at greater risk for respiratory failure. Respiratory distress. Since Oxycodone works by slowing down the respiratory and central nervous systems, you may experience respiratory distress if you take it for a long period of time or take higher doses of the drug. Symptoms of respiratory distress include difficulty breathing, lightheadedness and dizziness from lack of oxygen. Physical dependence. After taking Oxycodone for a long period of time, users develop a physical need for the drug in order to function appropriately. Long-term Oxycodone users may feel physically ill if they don’t take the drug. The long-term effects of Oxycodone use are increased physical illness and risk of death.