What Does Percocet Do? Uses and Effects

Percocet is a combination medication that contains an opioid pain reliever (oxycodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). It treats pain by changing how the body feels and responds to pain sensations.

Though Percocet has legitimate medical uses for moderate to severe pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, it has a high risk of misuse and addiction. Learn more about Percocet’s medical applications and the drug’s risks.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is the brand name for a prescription pain-relieving combination medication that contains oxycodone – an opioid – and acetaminophen. It’s used when other treatment options haven’t provided adequate pain relief.

Percocet has a high potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction, so it’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.[1] Percocet may be misused for more potent pain relief, as well as for the rewarding euphoria and relaxation that are associated with the opioid.

Oxycodone works by attaching to and activating the brain’s opioid receptors to moderate pain signals. With this opioid activation, dopamine activity increases in key areas of the brain, reinforcing Percocet use.

Percocet is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. When misused, Percocet tablets may be crushed or liquified to allow for misuse through snorting and injection.

What Does Percocet Do? Uses for Percocet

Opioids like Percocet are prescribed for people with acute or chronic pain that hasn’t been relieved by other treatments. It may be prescribed for acute pain caused by injury or surgery, such as wisdom tooth extraction, or chronic pain associated with back or neck problems, rheumatism, or arthritis.

Pain from cancer or cancer treatments or end-of-life care may require potent pain relievers like Percocet.

Effects of Percocet

Percocet interacts with opioid receptors to provide feelings of pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. The most common effects include:[2]

• Euphoria
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

In high doses, Percocet can significantly slow breathing and reduce heart function.

Risks of Percocet

Percocet is only available through a prescription. It has serious risks, including:[3]

• Dangerous slow breathing, bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
• Allergic or skin reactions, such as rash, hives, blistering, or peeling skin, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath
• Life-threatening overdose
• Addiction

Acetaminophen also carries risks, especially at high doses from Percocet abuse. Acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure, kidney damage, hypoglycemic coma, and coagulation defects.

Percocet should never be taken with other central nervous system depressants, including other opioids, benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, or alcohol. Combining these medications can slow breathing to a dangerous level, possibly leading to a fatal overdose.

Percocet Overdose

The most dangerous effect of an opioid overdose is respiratory depression, which requires immediate emergency attention. An overdose can also cause pronounced drowsiness or sedation, loss of consciousness, constricted pupils, limp muscles, and cold, clammy skin.[4]

An overdose of Percocet not only involves an opioid overdose but also acetaminophen overdose, which can cause acute liver injury with nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and malaise.

If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone if you have it, and try to keep them awake and breathing. Stay with them until help arrives.

How to Take Percocet

It’s important to take Percocet exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of serious or adverse side effects. Use only your prescribed dose and take the pill whole to avoid a fatal dose. Do not take more Percocet than prescribed, as overdose can occur.

Never share your Percocet prescription with anyone else, even if they take opioids safely. Selling or giving away Percocet is illegal. Don’t leave your Percocet where it can be accessed by other people, children, or pets.

Percocet can have dangerous interactions with other depressants and medications. Don’t take Percocet if you have used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, or other opioids. You should also avoid mixing Percocet with MAO inhibitors within 14 days.

Percocet can be dangerous for people who have liver disease, kidney disease, breathing problems, a history of seizures, urination problems, thyroid, pancreas, or gallbladder problems, or substance use problems.[5] Discuss your medical history and other medications you’re taking with your doctor.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Percocet, as it can harm the baby.

Percocet Withdrawal

Percocet activates the opioid receptors and reinforces use, building a tolerance over time. Eventually, your body becomes used to the presence of Percocet and needs it to function, which is dependence. If you stop taking the medication suddenly, withdrawal symptoms may occur.

The withdrawal symptoms for Percocet can vary based on dosage, duration of use, and individual factors, but the following may occur:[6]

• Anxiety
• High body temperature
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bone and muscle pain
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Chills and goosebumps
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Yawning

Opioid withdrawal isn’t considered dangerous like alcohol or benzo withdrawal, but it can have life-threatening complications from persistent vomiting and diarrhea that can cause electrolyte imbalances.

Percocet Misuse and Addiction

Percocet can be misused, even with a prescription, if you take more than prescribed or more frequent doses than prescribed. If you take Percocet with the intent to get high, take another person’s prescription, or take it in a way other than intended, such as snorting or injecting, you’re misusing it.

Misuse can lead to addiction, which is an opioid use disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The criteria for opioid use disorders include:[7]

• Taking Percocet for longer periods or in larger amounts than intended
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Percocet
• Being unable to control Percocet use
• Failing to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school because of Percocet use
• Continuing Percocet use despite interpersonal problems
• Giving up social, recreational, or occupational activities because of Percocet use
• Using Percocet in risky situations

Treating Percocet Addiction

Percocet is a potent opioid that’s highly addictive. it can be difficult to overcome Percocet addiction on your own, especially if you try to quit “cold turkey.” A full addiction treatment program with detox is often recommended.

With medical detox, you have a medical team to monitor your health, manage your symptoms, and prevent complications. Several medications may be used for opioid addiction, including methadone and buprenorphine, to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, you may transition into an inpatient program that involves 24/7 support and monitoring. Outpatient treatment may be an option if you need flexibility. Both of these treatment settings use a combination of traditional therapies, such as talk therapy, group counseling, behavioral therapies, and other modalities.

Avoid Percocet Misuse and Addiction

Percocet is an effective pain reliever that’s used for moderate to severe pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, but it has side effects and risks. If you are misusing Percocet or developed an addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid long-term health effects or potential overdose.