Everything You Need to Know About Percocet

There are many types of opioid pain relievers on the market and one of them is a drug called Percocet. So what is Percocet, how does it impact your body and what treatment is available if you develop a Percocet addiction? We’ve gathered everything you need to know about this common yet often misused drug.

What Is Percocet and What is in Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription drug that’s a pain reliever. It’s a combination of two active ingredients, oxycodone and acetaminophen. Both of them are pain relievers but oxycodone is an opioid and acetaminophen is not. In fact acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.

Percocet Side Effects

Most drugs will have a list of possible side effects and that includes prescription drugs. Percocet is no different and has been known to cause various unpleasant symptoms for some users.

These side effects may include dry mouth and abdominal pain as well as drowsiness. It can cause your face to flush and it can give you headaches and mood swings.

You might have an irregular heartbeat and it can also cause digestive symptoms like nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases Percocet can lead to skin symptoms like a rash or itching and hives. Other possible side effects include seizures and sexual dysfunction as well as hallucinations and swelling in your arms and legs.

Symptoms of a Percocet Overdose

Since Percocet is an opioid there’s a risk of an overdose if you take too much. The signs of a potential overdose include feeling extremely drowsy and having trouble breathing. You might also have muscle weakness and a slow heartbeat. These changes can cause you to become unresponsive.

Others might notice that you start making a noise that sounds like unusual snoring and you might have cold and clammy skin. If this happens, it’s an emergency and you need medical attention right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Percocet Used For?

Percocet is used as a pain reliever for patients who have moderate to severe pain. It might be used after a surgery for example or if you have a painful condition. As an opioid it’s sometimes misused as a recreational drug though.

What Does Percocet Do?

This drug is part opioid. This means that it will bind to an opioid receptor in your brain which interrupts the pain signals in your brain. That process blocks feelings of pain but when it’s misused it can create a relaxed and euphoric feeling too.

How Long does Percocet Stay In Your System?

The pain relief of Percocet typically lasts for around four to six hours. When you have a prescription this is usually how long you’re instructed to have between doses. It takes about 19 hours for the drug to fully leave your system

Is Percocet the Same as Oxycodone?

It’s common to wonder, is oxycodone the same as Percocet? No they’re not exactly the same. Oxycodone is one of the ingredients in Percocet but Percocet contains acetaminophen too.

Is Percocet an Opiate?

The terms opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, but specifically opiate refers to natural compounds that come from the poppy plant, such as heroin or morphine. The term opioid may refer to a natural opiate or one that’s produced in a lab. With this distinction in mind, Percocet is considered an opioid since it contains oxycodone which is a synthetic opioid.

Will Percocet Show Up On a Drug Test?

Yes, this drug may show up on a drug test because it contains oxycodone. Percocet can show up on a variety of tests including urine, blood, saliva and hair tests.

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Your body can become dependent on Percocet since it contains an opioid and opioids are addictive.

They interact with the “reward center” of your brain, releasing dopamine when you use them and making you crave more when the initial effects wear off. Your body will eventually start depending on opioids which is called a chemical dependency.

If you suddenly stop using Percocet after prolonged use, you may experience withdrawal effects of Percocet. Some of the symptoms you can expect include increased anxiety and agitation along with muscle aches and difficulty sleeping.

You might have a runny nose and a lot of yawning as well as excessive sweating. You could develop cramps and diarrhea along with nausea and vomiting and you might have goosebumps and chills too.

Withdrawal from Percocet can be unpleasant but there are treatment options that can give you some relief. Percocet withdrawal usually begins within 12 hours of your last use. Symptoms often peak around 48-72 hours after use and they can last for a week or longer.

Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorders

According to a study published in the Anesthesia & Analgesia there are a few factors that may increase your risk of developing opioid use disorder. They include past or current substance abuse and one or more psychiatric disorders especially if they’re not treated.

Environmental factors can put you at higher risk too like a social environment that encourages substance use. You’re also at a higher risk if you’re young and if you have a family history of addiction.

How Do I Get Help if I or Someone I Know is Addicted to Percocet?

A Percocet addiction can happen to anyone even if you were initially taking it for its prescribed purpose. If someone you know has a Percocet addiction you might notice that they’re more sleepy than usual.

They might lose weight and have flu like symptoms often. They might also start to isolate themselves or withdraw from activities they used to enjoy. Someone with an addiction won’t be able to stop using the medication even though it’s having a negative impact on their life.

If you begin to notice these signs, there are several treatment options available.

Detox

Detox is often the starting point in the recovery process.

A detox center is a safe place to withdraw from Percocet where they can monitor your health for any complications and give you medications to be more comfortable and decrease the risk of complications.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient rehab is often recommended at the beginning stage of recovery from opioid addiction.

This type of treatment requires you to temporarily live in a rehab facility for a few weeks or months. You’ll have support around the clock and a thorough treatment plan for your mental, emotional, and physical healing.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is very similar to inpatient in that it provides medical care as well as therapeutic intervention. But in outpatient programs you live at home and come to the treatment center for treatment, usually a few times a week.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is a common treatment option for opioid addiction like Percocet addiction. In this type of program you’ll get medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.

These medications can relieve withdrawal symptoms, prevent drug cravings, and reduce the risk of overdose and relapse. You’ll still have therapy too to address the mental and emotional aspects of addiction while the medications help with your physical addiction.

Aftercare

Aftercare plans are an important part of recovery. Relapse can happen at any time so your recovery team will work with you to create an aftercare plan that reduces your risk of a relapse.

This plan may include ongoing therapy appointments and support groups or 12 step meetings like Narcotics Anonymous. It can include ongoing MAT and you might have regular check ins with your treatment provider.

If you or someone you know has an opioid use disorder, reach out to your doctor and find treatment options available to you.