Percocet® contains a combination of the opioid oxycodone and the pain reliever acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe it as a short-term treatment to relieve moderate to severe pain that doesn’t respond to other pain treatments. However, this medicine can cause addiction in both misuse and prescribed use.
Acetaminophen helps reduce fevers and relieve pain. This over-the-counter pain medication is the active ingredient in Tylenol. While this medication does not have habit-forming properties, it can still produce some negative health effects in high doses. Liver damage is one of the unwanted health effects of large amounts of acetaminophen.
Oxycodone is the opioid in Percocet® that helps relieve more intense pain than traditional pain relievers. This substance is a part of the narcotic analgesics group of medicines. This opioid’s characteristics are what make Percocet® a potentially addictive substance. The effects of oxycodone are strengthened with the addition of acetaminophen, creating a useful pain reliever that’s also potentially harmful to a person with high risks of substance use disorder.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Percocet® as a Schedule II drug — meaning it has a high potential for misuse and severe addiction, but it still has some accepted medical uses. Percocet® is one of the brand-name medications of oxycodone and acetaminophen and is only available in tablet form. Four types of Percocet® are available for patients with varying levels of oxycodone concentration. The Percocet® tablets have several different appearances, depending on the dose:
These descriptions of Percocet® are only relevant to the Percocet® brand medication. If an individual has a prescription for the generic version of Percocet®, the pills may have a different appearance.
Individuals who misuse or have a prescription for Percocet® may begin to experience physical, psychological and behavioral effects. The side effects of using this substance can cause potential harm to your body or overall health. As individuals continue to use Percocet®, the side effects can grow into more intense symptoms or long-term health issues.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing any side effects from regular Percocet® use, it’s helpful to reach out to a medical professional to take the proper steps for treatment. People who use Percocet® for recreational or medical reasons can experience side effects ranging from mild to severe, such as:
Another health aspect to consider when using Percocet® is its negative effects during pregnancy on and the pregnant person. Using Percocet® during pregnancy can increase the baby’s risk of developing birth defects.
Elderly individuals should also be conscious of the negative health effects Percocet® can produce. The side effects can be stronger for older individuals and increase the development of respiratory problems.
The side effects of consuming alcohol while using Percocet® can become more intense and harmful for the body. A person’s risk for liver failure will increase with the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen in Percocet®. Prolonged polydrug use with Percocet® and alcohol can potentially cause long-term liver damage or failure because of intense stress on the organ.
A Percocet® overdose can become lethal. Opioids depress the central nervous system and can slow down breathing and heart rate. During an overdose on Percocet®, someone can have slowed or stopped breathing and heart rate.
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that may show itself in numerous ways depending on the person who’s struggling with the disease. An individual with a Percocet® addiction may start exhibiting various physical or behavioral changes that are concerning to others around them. Regular Percocet® misuse can slowly transform an individual into an unrecognizable person to their family and friends.
A common sign someone may be suffering from substance use disorder is they start distancing themselves from hobbies or people to continue obtaining or using Percocet®. This behavior and other signs will show that treatment may be the next step to recover from substance use disorder.
Someone with a Percocet® addiction may do anything they can to get the drug. Since Percocet® requires a prescription, they might take drastic measures to get more of it. These signs and behaviors can include:
At Gateway Foundation, we offer multiple levels of care that are suited to your specific needs. The care you need will depend on your situation and where you currently are in the recovery process.
Like all opioids, Percocet’s high potential for misuse makes it imperative to take the drug exactly as prescribed. In most cases, Percocet® is recommended for short-term relief of acute pain, not chronic conditions. Doctors sometimes recommend it for a brief period of time after surgery or due to an injury.
Percocet® is typically not prescribed for long-term pain relief because of the substance’s addictive properties. Percocet® changes the way the brain reacts to pain, which helps people feel more relaxed while experiencing moderate or strong pain levels.
The first step individuals should take before using their prescription Percocet® is reviewing the medication guide from the pharmacist and asking the pharmacist or doctor plenty of questions regarding side effects and dose. Percocet® is an oral medication that comes as ingestible tablets. Patients can take Percocet® with or without consuming food. If people experience nausea after taking Percocet®, they can consult with their doctor about reducing nausea.
Opioid addiction impacts every aspect of life. Percocet® drug addiction treatment centers aim to address all these elements:
Opioid addiction treatment centers provide medical services that help patients manage the physical symptoms of addiction. They offer treatment that addresses withdrawal, cravings and related medical issues.
Addiction to Percocet® involves behavioral and emotional changes that cause many of its symptoms. Therapy and peer support help patients learn new coping mechanisms and recovery skills.
Some Percocet® drug addiction rehabilitation centers partner with community resources. These services support patients in getting everyday necessities such as jobs, housing and food.
Start your healing journey at Gateway Foundation with supportive, evidence-based treatment.
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