Percocet Side Effects | Managing The Side Effects Of Percocet

Oxycodone and acetaminophen (brand names Percocet and Tylenol, respectively), are a combined prescription opioid medication used to treat those suffering from moderate to severe pain. 

This pain reliever is a Schedule II controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it has a high potential for abuse and may lead to psychological or physical dependence.

This oxycodone/acetaminophen painkiller can create a number of side effects. Considered an opiate analgesic, this drug binds to opioid receptors which provides sedation and pain relief.

Side Effects Of Percocet

The side effects of Percocet range in severity depending on the dose prescribed to you by your healthcare provider as well as the pain level a person experiences.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common symptoms a person may experience while taking this pain reliever includes:

• dry mouth
• sedation
• euphoria
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• sleepiness
• tiredness

Serious Side Effects

In more serious cases, an allergic reaction can occur, causing hives or breathing problems. In addition to this, a number of conditions may result from long-term use such as liver damage.

Alarming side effects may consist of dark urine, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), or sweating. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescribed opioids are one of the most frequently abused drugs.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person becomes dependent on a drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. When this strong pain medication is used for a long period of time and abruptly stopped, various symptoms can take place such as:

• restlessness
• cravings for the drug
• excessive yawning
• irritability
• diarrhea
• anxiety
• vomiting
• fluctuations in heart rate
• fluctuations in blood pressure

Drug Interactions

A number of drug interactions can take place if this prescription medication is combined with other drugs, legal or illegal. Speak to your doctor regarding any medications you currently take.

Be sure to ask the medical advice of your physician before taking any of the following substances:

• other opioids such as hydrocodone or fentanyl
• antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• sedatives
• over-the counter vitamins
• supplements
• muscle relaxants
• benzodiazepines
• alcohol
• antihistamines
• tramadol (Conzip)
• central nervous system (CNS) depressants

In addition to these prescription drugs and substances to avoid, notify your prescribing doctor of any medical condition you have. For instance, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Percocet.

The breast milk from the lactation process can lead to the baby receiving unwanted doses of the drug, which can create withdrawal symptoms and other health concerns for the child. 

Those who suffer from breathing problems or have trouble breathing due to certain health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma should avoid Percocet, as it may result in shallow breathing.

Opioid Overdose

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the symptoms a person can experience when suffering a Percocet overdose may consist of:

• constricted pupils
• clammy skin
• shallow breathing or respiratory depression
• low blood pressure
• serious chest pain or a heart attack
• hypoxia
• coma
• sudden death

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose has occurred. Once at the hospital, you will receive medical attention which may include a healthcare professional providing the medication naloxone.

Naloxone is used to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdoses are the majority of fatal overdoses that occur in the United States.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

For those of you struggling with substance use, consider finding a treatment center in Ohio. Receiving detox, inpatient treatment, and aftercare support can assist you on your road to recovery.

To learn about how we manage opioid addiction and dependence in an inpatient setting, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.