What are the Effects of Percocet Abuse?
In This Article
Prescription medication is generally safe, especially when following your healthcare provider’s instructions. However, many people misuse prescription medication to enhance the effects of different drugs.
Misusing prescription opioids, like Percocet, can lead to various adverse effects, from compromising your treatment to resulting in physical dependence and other long-term complications.
In this blog article, we cover Percocet’s effects and what you should anticipate for its side effects and potential for abuse.
What is Percocet?
Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is a type of prescription painkiller. Doctors commonly prescribe Percocet to relieve moderate to severe pain relief. In addition, recreational users frequently abuse it for the euphoric effects it produces.
Other common brand names for Percocet include:
- Primlev
- Roxicet
- Endocet
- Xartemis XR
What Are the Side Effects of Percocet?
Percocet contains the opioid pain reliever oxycodone and the non-opioid pain reliever acetaminophen. This makes it a very effective pain management medication with a high risk of abuse.
Short-term side effects of Percocet use include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Chills
- Slowed heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Fainting
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Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Percocet and other opiates change the way your brain functions. If you develop a tolerance for it, you’ll need greater quantities of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can quickly spiral into an addiction.
There are several physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of Percocet addiction, which include:
Physical Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Here are physical symptoms that can indicate an addiction to Percocet:
- Problems with balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Reduced heart rate
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing or breathing problems
- Sleep problems, including insomnia
- Constipation
- Exhaustion
- Withdrawal
Psychological Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Here are a few psychological and cognitive symptoms of a Percocet addiction:
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Impaired memory and judgment
- Agitation
- Anger and aggressions
- Mood swings
Behavioral Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Here are several behavioral symptoms that may indicate a Percocet addiction:
- Seeing several different doctors to get a prescription
- Using a fake prescription
- Seeking out drug dealers
- Stealing
- Failure to complete social, household, or work duties
- Abandoning previous hobbies in favor of Percocet use
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Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
If you develop a dependency on oxycodone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop using it. Withdrawal is characterized by intense physical symptoms, which include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cold, clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritation
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Fever
The intensity of the symptoms will depend on the strength of their addiction.
Percocet withdrawal can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Contact a medical professional immediately if you or someone you know experiences withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Signs of a Percocet Overdose?
Percocet overdoses can be severe and even fatal. In 2017, 47,600 people died of prescription opioid overdose. Someone who develops an opioid addiction is at high risk for an overdose.
Signs of a Percocet overdose include:
- Constricting pupils
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Respiratory failure
- Blue skin, fingertips, or lips (cyanosis)
- Coma
Percocet Use for Co-occurring Disorders
Besides misusing the drug for recreational purposes, some people may use Percocet to manage unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms of a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders occur when someone suffers from a mental health issue and a substance use disorder (SUD).
Mental illness can cause someone to develop a SUD. Meanwhile, substance abuse can worsen or aggravate pre-existing mental health disorders.
Co-occurring disorders require specialized care that treats the conditions as interrelated rather than separate issues. Common conditions associated with SUD include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depression
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Percocet vs Other Pain Relief Drugs
There are various pain relief drugs that doctors prescribe their patients. Although they generally treat pain, people respond to them differently, depending on their condition.
The most commonly prescribed painkillers in the US include:
| Brand Name: | Active Drug(s) | Drug Class | Legal Status |
| Percocet | Oxycodone, Acetaminophen | Opioid | Schedule II |
| Vicodin | Hydrocodone, Acetaminophen | Opioid | Schedule II |
| OxyContin | Oxycodone | Opioid | Schedule II |
| Tylenol-Codeine No. 3, Tylenol-Codeine No. 4, Vopac | Acetaminophen, Codeine | Opioid | Schedule III |
| Roxanol | Morphine sulfate | Opioid | Schedule II |
| Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze | Fentanyl | Opioid | Schedule II |
| Methadose, Dolophine | Methadone | Opioid | Schedule II |
| Dilaudid | Hydromorphone | Opioid | Schedule II |
Is Percocet Addictive?
Yes, Percocet is considered a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Percocet releases a large amount of dopamine. In high doses, dopamine creates heroin-like effects, with side effects that include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Heightened pleasure
These side effects are often sought after by recreational users. However, if it’s prescribed for long periods or misused frequently, users can quickly develop tolerance, dependency, and addiction.
The effects of Percocet abuse are severe and include:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory loss
- Low blood pressure
- Liver damage
- Coma
Percocet Drug Interactions
Percocet can have adverse effects when mixed with central nervous system (CNS) depressants and other substances. These include:
- Other opioids
- Tranquilizers
- Sedatives
- Anesthetics
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Sleep medications
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants
The interaction between these substances can change how the medicine works or increase existing side effects. Contact a medical professional to review your treatment options if you or a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction.
How Does Percocet Work?
Percocet belongs to the opioid class of medications. Percocet interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors to modify your reaction to pain. It’s typically prescribed for sudden or breakthrough pain as needed.
Each tablet includes oxycodone and acetaminophen and may be prescribed in the following doses:
- 2.5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen
- 5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen
- 7.5 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen
- 10 mg oxycodone and 325 mg acetaminophen
What Are Treatment Options for Percocet Addiction?
Anyone who undergoes detox will experience withdrawal symptoms, which is why attending a treatment center with medical supervision is recommended when you decide to detox.
In serious cases, medications like buprenorphine or methadone may be prescribed to help ease withdrawal symptoms. After a medical detox, you’ll undergo substance abuse treatment, which may include:
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.
- Support groups and aftercare programs: Provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
Summary
Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is a type of prescription painkiller. It’s an opioid pain medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain.
While safe when used as instructed, opioid medications have a high risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse. This is because Percocet releases dopamine in the brain, which can cause pleasure and euphoria in high doses.
Abusing Percocet can lead to short and long-term side effects, including withdrawal and overdose. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for Percocet addiction. Consult an addiction specialist today to learn more about treatment options.
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- Scholl et al. “Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2013–2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.
- "Benzodiazepines and Opioids." National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022.
- "Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report: Overview." National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- Shah, M., and Huecker, M. “Opioid Withdrawal.” StatPearls (Internet), National Library of Medicine, 2023.
- “Harmful Interactions.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2014.
- Dydyk et al. “Opioid Use Disorder.” StatPearls (Internet), National Library of Medicine, 2023.
