Percocet Overdose Symptoms

Dealing with moderate to severe pain can be incredibly difficult. If you've been looking into Percocet, it's likely you're looking for relief.

This article will explain what Percocet is and why it's prescribed. It's also important to understand the risks involved particularly about overdose and how to recover from it.

What is Percocet Overdose?

If you're taking Percocet, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. An overdose can happen accidentally or intentionally, and it's a serious medical emergency.

Percocet combines oxycodone, a powerful pain medication, with acetaminophen. Taking more than prescribed can be dangerous.

The oxycodone can slow your breathing down to a dangerous level, potentially even stopping it completely. The acetaminophen can also damage your liver if you take too much.

It's crucial to understand the severity of an overdose because getting help quickly can save your life. Here's how an overdose can occur:

• Accidental: This can happen if you misread the dosage or take extra because your pain isn't under control. Talk to your doctor if this happens.
• Misuse: Sometimes people take more Percocet than prescribed to get high or cope with emotional problems. This is dangerous and can lead to addiction.
• Mixing with other drugs: Combining Percocet with alcohol, certain medications, or illegal drugs significantly increases the risk of overdose.

The Opioid Crisis and Percocet

The urgency of addressing Percocet overdoses is underscored by alarming statistics.

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 20 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older used or misused prescription opioids in the past year, with over 2 million misusing oxycodone products like Percocet.

In 2022, nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdoses, including those involving prescription opioids. The number of deaths involving any opioid, including prescription opioids, continued to rise, with 81,806 deaths reported in 2022.

What Are the Symptoms of Percocet Overdose?

If you're taking Percocet, you need to be aware of the difference between normal side effects and the serious signs of overdose.

Taking Percocet as prescribed may cause some mild side effects, like:

• Feeling a little drowsy or dizzy
• Constipation
• Upset stomach or mild nausea
• Itching or dry mouth

These side effects are usually manageable and temporary. If they bother you, talk to your doctor. There may be ways to ease them.

An overdose of Percocet is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is taking Percocet and experiences any of these symptoms call 911 immediately:

• Severe drowsiness: The person is very difficult or impossible to wake up.
• Slow or shallow breathing: Their breathing seems weak, irregular, or very slow. In severe cases, breathing may stop altogether.
• Pinpoint pupils: The black circles in the center of their eyes become tiny and don't change size when exposed to light.
• Cold, clammy skin: Their skin feels cool and sweaty to the touch.
• Bluish tint to lips or fingernails: This indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
• Severe nausea and vomiting: This can be accompanied by confusion or disorientation.
• Seizures: In rare cases, an overdose can trigger seizures.

The key difference between normal side effects and overdose symptoms is their severity. Overdose symptoms are much more serious and can be life-threatening, especially slowed breathing.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Don't wait for all the symptoms to appear.

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Immediate Actions to Take in Case of Percocet Overdose

After calling 911 and while waiting for emergency medical services (EMS) to arrive, some immediate actions you can take are:

• Administer Naloxone: If available, administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to overdose.
• Support breathing: If the person is not breathing, perform rescue breathing by pinching their nose and blowing into their mouth. Continue this until medical help arrives.
• Place in the recovery position: Once the person starts breathing again, lay them on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking if they vomit.
• Stay with the person: Keep them warm until emergency services arrive. Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure they do not relapse into a more severe state.

What Not to Do in an Overdose Situation

It's equally important to know what NOT to do in an overdose situation:

• Do not slap or forcefully stimulate the person: Slapping or trying to forcefully stimulate the person will only cause further injury. Instead, try to wake them by shouting their name or rubbing their chest bone with your knuckles.
• Do not put the person in a cold bath or shower: Putting the person in a cold bath or shower increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock. It is not an effective way to revive someone from an overdose.
• Do not inject the person with any substance: Injecting the person with substances like salt water, milk, or other drugs is dangerous and ineffective. The only appropriate treatment is naloxone.
• Do not try to make the person vomit: Trying to induce vomiting can cause the person to choke or inhale vomit into their lungs, leading to fatal injury.
• Do not leave the person alone: Never leave the person alone to "sleep it off" or wait for the situation to improve on its own. Continuous monitoring is essential until professional help arrives.

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Medical Treatments for Percocet Overdose

Here are some information on typical medical interventions for Percocet overdose.

Naloxone

Naloxone is the primary antidote for opioid overdoses, including those involving Percocet. It is available without a prescription and can be administered as an intranasal spray or an intramuscular injection.

Naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of a Percocet overdose, especially the dangerous slowed breathing.

It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioid molecules, and reversing the effects of the overdose, particularly respiratory depression.

Emergency Treatment Process

Upon arrival at the emergency room, healthcare providers will immediately measure and monitor the person’svital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. This initial assessment helps determine the severity of the overdose and guides the next treatment steps.

The medical team will treat symptoms as appropriate. This may include:

• Activated charcoal: Administered to absorb any remaining Percocet in the stomach if the overdose was recent.
• Airway support: Ensuring the person’s airway is open and providing oxygen or mechanical ventilation if necessary.
• Blood and urine tests: Conducted to assess the levels of oxycodone and acetaminophen in the body.
• Chest X-ray and ECG: Performed to check for any complications affecting the heart and lungs.
• Intravenous fluids: Administered to maintain hydration and support blood pressure. 
• Laxatives: Given to help eliminate the drug from the body.
• Medications: Including naloxone to reverse the opioid effects and other drugs to manage symptoms like nausea or seizures.

Expected Outcomes

The outcomes of a Percocet overdose largely depend on the severity of the overdose and the timeliness of medical intervention.

If medical attention is received promptly, before severe respiratory depression occurs, the person is likely to recover with few long-term consequences and may return to normal within a day. However, a large overdose can be fatal or result in permanent brain damage if treatment is delayed.

How to Prevent Percocet Overdose?

Percocet can be a helpful medication for managing pain, but it's crucial to use it safely to avoid complications. The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly, taking only the prescribed dosage and frequency.

Don't be tempted to take more medicine even if your pain isn't completely gone. It's also essential to avoid alcohol entirely while using Percocet, as they can interact dangerously and increase the risk of serious side effects.

To prevent accidental ingestion, never crush, chew, or break Percocet tablets. Keep them securely stored in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children and pets.

Don't throw away unused or expired Percocet. Talk to your pharmacist about the safest way to dispose of them.

What to Do When Managing Someone Else’s Medication

Supporting someone who takes medication is an important task. Here are some of our tips to prevent accidental overdoses or misuse:

• Keep a comprehensive list of all their medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
• Use pill boxes with compartments for different days and times to avoid missed doses.
• Establishing a routine is also helpful, taking medications at consistent times like with meals or before bed.
• Filling prescriptions at a single pharmacy can prevent drug interactions and simplify refills.
• Be mindful of potential problems like missed doses, unfilled prescriptions, or changes in behavior.
• Consider using technological aids like talking pill bottles, automatic dispensers, reminder apps, or other tools to ensure they take their medication correctly.

When managing someone else’s medications, we recommend joining the person in their appointments and discussing any concerns or side effects they may be experiencing.

Open communication with the doctor is crucial. Pharmacists are also a great resource for answering questions when you’re buying medication.

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Addiction Help and Resources

If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, there's help available. National helplines include:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Partnership to End Addiction: 1.855.378.4373

You can also look into local support groups of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery.

Professional counselors specializing in addiction treatment and recovery will also be helpful if someone is struggling with addiction or dependence.

Other resources available include:

• Online resources: Many websites offer information and support for people dealing with addiction.
• Rehabilitation facilities: Consider reputable facilities offering addiction treatment programs.
• Naloxone: Get Naloxone to have on hand in case of an overdose emergency.

Remember, Percocet can be a valuable tool in managing pain, but it's crucial to approach it with caution. Overdose is a medical emergency, and knowing the signs and how to respond can save a life.

Prioritize open communication with your doctor, adhere strictly to prescribed dosages, and explore alternative pain management strategies if necessary. By taking proactive steps and seeking help when needed, you can ensure that Percocet serves its purpose safely and effectively in your pain management journey.

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