Percocet is becoming popular in modern medicine. Perhaps you’ve come across it a few times, prompting you to ask what it is. While you’ll always hear about Percocet addiction, it’s important to note that the medicine itself is not a bad thing. Don’t be surprised if a trained practitioner recommends it to you for dealing with chronic pain. Even so, the FDA recommends extra care when using medicines that combine opioids with acetaminophen. And with this warning comes the need to know everything you can about it. Don’t worry, we’ve handled the hard part by researching it for you. Today’s article details everything you should know about this magic drug.
What Is a Percocet?
There’s probably no better way to answer what are percs than looking at their uses. It is the brand name for a medicine used to treat pain. Its main ingredients include oxycodone and acetaminophen, two solutions popular for relieving pain.
These components directly define the function of this medicine. The oxycodone in it makes it an opioid pain reliever. So, it directly affects the brain by changing how the body responds to pain. On the other hand, acetaminophen works to reduce any accompanying fever. Combining both solutions in one compound caused the medicine to produce the same euphoric feeling that heroin produces. So don’t be surprised to learn that people misuse this drug to the extent of overdosing.
Brief History
Can we really talk about Perc’s history without talking about its main ingredient responsible for pain relief? The history of this popular ingredient can be traced back to 1916, when German researchers created and used it for the treatment of severe pain. Despite its addictive potential, it became a mainstay for decades in the medical world. It was mostly used for treating pains resulting from surgery or cancer treatment.
However, it was not until the 1970s that researchers manufactured Perc as a modern alternative to Percodan. Percodan’s content of aspirin meant that it is often left with frustrating blood-clotting side effects. Here comes Percs to take on the role of Percodan without the negative effects. It also grew to become a viable alternative to addictive medications like heroin and morphine. The idea was obviously born out of a desire to manufacture medicines that can reduce pain without the possibility of addiction. While this was hugely successful, the inclusion of oxycodone brought back a bit of the addiction factor.
By the late 20th century, the use of this drug peaked among laborers and factory laborers who needed to reduce work-related pains. However, many of these people did not get enough education about the drug’s addictive potential. Because of this, abuse became a thing, leading the US. Drug Enforcement Administration to classify it as a Schedule II controlled substance. The classification helps to regulate its prescription, even in the most controlled medical settings.
One more important piece of information to note about Percocet is that it is a brand name. Its main components are available in many other brands. More on the oxycodone vs percocet comparison later.
Medical Uses
This medicine is a prescription-only drug used to treat different levels of pain. But that’s not all there is to it. We’ve also seen it being prescribed for long-term pain and more threatening situations when analgesics are insufficient. That is clear; some primary uses of this drug include:
- As a post-surgical pain relief medication
- For the management of injury-related pains
- For managing pains associated with chronic conditions like cancer.
As expected, there are many other uses of this medication. For example, one study shows it to be also useful for the management of severe acute pains like those from Burns and cuts. So next time you see questions like what do percs do? You should be able to tell. In any case, there are situations where medical personnel may prescribe percs as a second-line option for patients being managed at home with biliary or renal colic with little or no tolerance for NSAIDs.
Available Forms, Dosage, and Administration
Is Percocet the same as oxycodone? Certainly not, and the best way to understand this is to look at how they look and feel.
So what does a Percocet look like? The medication is typically available as tablets and solutions. Patients should swallow the tablets as a whole because when chewed or broken, they can release chemicals really quickly, causing rapid absorption. This can in turn lead to overconcentration of the chemicals in the body, ultimately causing severe consequences.
The liquid form also works for pain, just like the tablets. However, the dosage usually differs depending on the condition and doctor’s prescription. Whatever the case, we recommend carefully measuring the dose with the special device specifically designed for it. When it comes to getting the best-personified treatment, it is best to follow a doctor’s prescription.
Standard Dosing
To make the use of the substance effective, you must learn about standard dosing and how it affects digestion and efficacy.
For moderate to moderate-severe pain:
- Capsules
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- Adults – 1 capsule every six hours, or as recommended by a physician.
- Children – usage to be determined by a physician.
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- Extended-release tablets
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- Adults – tablets every 12 hours, or as prescribed by a physician.
- Children – not recommended.
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- Endocet ® tablets
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- Adults – 1-2 tablets every six hours or as recommended by a physician.
- Children – follow specific doctor’s prescription
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- Percocet ® tablets
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- Adults – 1-2 tablets every hour or as recommended by a physician.
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Irrespective of prescription or adjustments, please note that you can’t take more than six tablets per day. If you miss any of the doses, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the time for the next one is already close, skip the missed one to avoid double dosing.
How Percocet Works in the Body
Like most other naturally occurring synthetic opioids, Percocet’s working mechanism involves delivering its components to the brain’s neurotransmitter opioid receptors (popularly known as mu receptors). If you’re taking the medication in its pill form, you can expect a dissolution in the digestive tract before it moves into the bloodstream, from where it is transmitted to the brain. It’s in the brain that the opioid ingredients in the drugs bind to the opioid receptors, decreasing pain and creating a sense of pleasure. Please note that Percocet does not directly affect the source of the pain. Instead, it tricks the body into blocking any kind of pain sensitivity until you’re fully relieved.
The acetaminophen content functions a little differently. Although its full working mechanism is yet to be established, it is often categorized alongside NSAIDs because of its ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase pathways. Researchers believe that it exerts central actions that eventually lead to the alleviation of pain symptoms.
How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?
It is important to also note that Percocet gets absorbed in the body when swallowed as a tablet. So you can expect it to begin work in about 15-30 minutes. However, it will reach peak effect in about one hour and begin to fade off after 3 to 6 hours.
Below is a table that details the Percocet withdrawal timeline:
| Withdrawal timeline | Timeline name | Symptoms |
| 5-8 hours after last dose | Onset |
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| 2-3 days after the last dose | Peak withdrawal |
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Common and Severe Percocet Side Effects
Like most medications, Percocet comes with its side effects. The higher the dosage, the more likely you are to get complications. Consider speaking to a medical practitioner about it.
Common Side Effects
These common side effects of Percocet affect more than one in 100 users.
- Constipation
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting/nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dry mouth.
Severe Side Effects
Although less common, there have also been reports of more severe side effects from the consumption of this medication. Some of the severe side effects include:
- Allergic reactions like swollen face, skin rashes, itching, stomach ache, and breathing problems.
- Respiratory depression
- Liver damage
- Low blood pressure
- Sphincter of Oddi spasm
- Coma
- Death. (In extreme cases).
Addiction and Dependency Risks of Percocet
With drugs like this, there’s a possibility of misuse, which can involve any or all of the following:
- Taking for the purpose of getting high
- Using someone else’s prescription
- Overdosing
- Taking the medication through other routes apart from the prescribed route.
The danger of misuse is that it can lead to addiction. Besides, the ingredients used for percs are pretty addictive. So it’s not surprising that many people soon begin to form a habit after using it for a long time. Addiction can cause physical or psychological dependence, thus making it difficult to quit. Even when trying to quit, you can expect unpleasant Percocet withdrawal symptoms like cravings, headaches, sleep problems, nausea, and restlessness.
Overdose Symptoms and Emergency Response
Opioid medicine overdoses can be very catastrophic, requiring immediate emergency care. Middle-aged people who take high doses of this medicine face a higher risk of abusing it. The risk becomes even more pronounced if you’ve had a history of abuse. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow and shallow breathing, and unconsciousness.
If you notice any of the signs listed above during treatment, please contact a medical professional. Most doctors will handle the situation by administering medications like Naloxone to reverse the overdose effects.
If you fail to help an overdose patient quickly, they may develop long-term medical problems like brain and heart damage, liver issues, or even stroke.
Treatment Options and Resources
While addiction is a thing, it is also possible to overcome the addictive power of this drug. One of the ways to do this is by differentiating its feeling from its benefits. But what does Percocet feel like, and how can you overcome being addicted to the feeling? Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for you. You just need to know which suits you better and stick to it. Here are some of the popular treatment options available for everybody.
- Addiction treatment programs: for most people, the first step of recovery is to recognize their struggle with abuse. Once you know you need help, you’ll start to look for the right treatment. There are lots of licensed treatment centers that can help create individualized treatment plans for you. These plans may range from inpatient rehab, outpatient rehabilitation, habilitation, addiction treatment medications, faith-based treatment, etc.
- Detox program: here’s another common option for managing withdrawal symptoms. It involves the gradual removal of any traces of already consumed substances from the body. The detox process typically happens under medical supervision to ensure that it does not develop into something else.
- Medical-assisted therapy: addiction is also treatable by using a combination of dependence medications with other therapies. So don’t be surprised when an expert begins a series of counseling sessions despite administering drugs.
- Counseling and behavioral therapy: one of the most effective approaches for dealing with addiction is to help the patient through a reorientation. An expert can consistently hold one-on-one sessions where they’ll educate the addict on the dangers of their behavior and offer an escape route.
Fortunately, several groups are taking it upon themselves to offer programs that can help addicted people. You can contact these rehabilitation centers through their hotlines, which are readily available on their website, or through a quick online search.
Precautions, Safety, and Interaction With Other Substances
You shouldn’t use this drug if you’re allergic to any of its components. You should also avoid usage if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have severe breathing problems or asthma
- Have a blockage in your intestines or stomach.
To ensure safe consumption, we recommend telling your doctor about previous cases of sleep apnea, breathing problems, or liver or kidney disease.
Most times, when people ask questions like “How long does Percocet stay in urine?” it’s because they’re curious about its interaction with other medicines and substances. Avoid taking it with alcohol to avoid an increase in the risk of potential side effects and addiction. Experts typically recommend leaving enough time between Percocet consumption and any alcohol to avoid the risk of any interaction. Pain medications like naltrexone, samidorphan, and mixed opioid agonists/antagonists such as butorphanol and nalbuphine can also interact with the medicine.
Alternatives: Exploring Non-opioid Pain Relief Options
Now that we’ve talked so much about this drug, you’re probably wondering whether it is right for you. We recommend speaking about it with a certified medical practitioner. However, if you want to explore other alternatives, you can try any of the following:
- Non-opioid medications: from its name, you can tell what medicines fall into this category. They’re not opioids and work for treating mild to moderate pain. Some common examples are NSAIDS and Acetaminophen-only options.
- Non-pharmacological alternatives: a professional may also recommend alternatives besides drugs for handling pain. Treatment options like mindfulness, physical therapy, and acupuncture easily fall into this category.
Below is a table that compares the use of this medicine for pain relief to non-opioid alternatives.
| Percocet | Non-opioid alternatives | |
| Effectiveness | Very effective for treating mild to severe pains | Effective for treating mind pains |
| Risk |
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| Benefits |
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Conclusion
Percs may not be as popular as many other pain relief brands, but we can’t deny that people still get addicted every day. It makes sense to know all you can about the drug before using it. Fortunately, there are lots of available studies providing answers to what is a percocet. So far, we’ve used these studies to review everything you should know about the medication, including its benefits and addiction potential.
Still, there’s no better way to deal with situations that require such treatments than talking to a professional about it. So we recommend consulting a physician for personalized treatment and to answer more personalized questions like, “can you take percocet and ibuprofen together?
Take care and contact the rehab center in time if you feel that something is not going according to plan.
