Percocet is a brand-name prescription medication that consists of oxycodone (opioid) and acetaminophen (pain reliever and fever reducer). Oxycodone is a narcotic analgesic. Oxycodone works by using the central nervous system to stop pain signals from reaching one’s brain. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Percocet as a Schedule II Substance, which is defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” When prescribed, and taken under the direct supervision of a medical professional, Percocet can be a highly effective medication for the treatment of chronic moderate to severe pain. When abused it can result in severe short and long-term effects, including addiction.
Abuse and Addiction
There are several ways an individual could abuse Percocet. Individuals with a valid prescription for Percocet that take more of the medication than prescribed, individuals that ingest the medication in a method other than as directed (e.g., crushing a pill and snorting the powder), individuals that take Percocet without a prescription, and individuals that take Percocet more frequently than prescribed are all forms of substance abuse. Any individual that has habitually abused Percocet for any period of time has integrated certain accommodations into his or her life to satisfy his or her substance abuse habit. An individual that struggles with addiction will prioritize satisfying his or her addiction above all else in his or her life. If left untreated, addiction can wreak havoc in all areas of one’s life, leading to family tensions, relationship strains, financial issues, legal complications, physiological consequences, and more.
Side Effects
Every individual is different and will have a distinct physiological reaction to Percocet. As is true with any medication, there are a number of side effects that can develop when taking Percocet. Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. provides a list of commonly reported side effects that can occur when taking Percocet as prescribed, some of which include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headache
Long-term side effects that could occur as a result of Percocet abuse may include any combination of the following examples, provided by the Mayo Clinic:
- Severe constipation
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney failure
- Urinary retention
- Decreased testosterone levels in men
- Liver damage
- Immune suppression
As is true with taking excessive amounts of any substance, ingesting too much Percocet exponentially increases one’s risk of developing severe short and long-term effects, including overdose.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
