Smoking Percocet | Can You Smoke Percocet?

The prescription opioid Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a painkiller that can be smoked. Percocet contains oxycodone (OxyContin or “oxy”) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

This prescription drug helps provide pain relief for those struggling with chronic pain. However, those who engage in drug abuse by smoking oxycodone can experience a number of side effects.

Smoking Percocet

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Percocet is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse. 

As an opioid medication, the drug targets opioid receptors in the brain which depresses the central nervous system (CNS) and causes feelings of euphoria, happiness, and sedation.

Those smoking Percocet may heat the tablet by using a piece of tin foil or a pipe. Once heated, the tablet melts and the vapors can be inhaled.

However, when Percocet is smoked, it enters the bloodstream more quickly than oral ingestion, creating an almost instant high. This can lead to an increased risk of a Percocet overdose.

Although smoking oxycodone enters the body fast, it exits just as quickly. This may lead to a Percocet addiction in which a person continues to seek the “high” produced by smoking the drug.

Effects Of Smoking Percocet

Taking Percocet in any way not intended, including snorting, plugging, or injecting the drug, is a form of substance abuse. Those who smoke the drug as the route of administration may experience serious side effects that include:

• constipation
• feelings of sedation
• nausea
• feelings of euphoria
• dry mouth
• headache
• drowsiness

Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who abruptly stop taking the medication may experience Percocet withdrawal. A person may experience severe pain in the abdominal region as well as a number of other symptoms including:

• cravings for the drug
• diarrhea and vomiting
• difficulty sleeping
• joint and muscle pain
• mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
• irritability

Dangers Of Smoking Percocet

Smoking Percocet can cause dangers to your organs, including your lungs. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), smoking the drug can cause damage to the respiratory system.

Damage To Respiratory Health

Those who smoke Percocet may develop a chronic cough or difficulty breathing due to the pressure smoking the drug creates on the lungs. Those who continue to smoke Percocet over a period of time may develop damage to their respiratory health.

For instance, some of the dangers of smoking Percocet may include:

• persistant lung infections
• emphysema
• damage to lung tissue
• chronic bronchitis
• pneumonia

Percocet Overdose

Those who smoke Percocet receive large doses of the drug because it enters the bloodstream all at once. This creates a risk of a Percocet overdose when the drug is abused in this manner.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states symptoms of opioid overdose may include:

• low blood pressure
• fluctuations in heart rate
• loss of consciousness
• respiratory depression
• seizures
• sudden death

To prevent an overdose death, contact 911 immediately. Seek out urgent medical attention if an overdose is expected. The reversal agent naloxone can be administered to protect from fatal opioid overdose.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

If you’re concerned about the well-being of a loved one and searching for addiction treatment programs in Ohio, know you aren’t alone. Those suffering from substance use disorders can access care at an outpatient or inpatient rehab center.

Medical Detox

Although detoxification is usually one of the first stages of the treatment process, it is relatively short-term. Through detox, your body can begin to heal and rid itself of unwanted toxins as you experience withdrawal.

During withdrawal, you’re surrounded by medical professionals who support and supervise you as you prepare both mentally and physically for addiction treatment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a specialized treatment option available at both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

With a MAT program, you’ll meet with a team of healthcare  providers who may prescribe an FDA-approved medication to help with long-term recovery and reduce the risk of overdose.

To learn about our inpatient treatment facility, and to gather further details on our treatment options, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.