percocet addiction and abuse
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a combination opioid prescription drug. Opioid medications can either be formulated in a lab by scientists or made directly from the Opium plant.1 Opioids treat symptoms of pain with their relaxing properties.
Generic Names for Percocet
The generic name for Percocet is oxycodone acetaminophen. The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, forms the brand drug Percocet.
Common Street Names for Percocet
- Blue Dynamite
- No Buffers
- 512’s
- Percs
- Bananas
- Tires
- Rims
- Buttons
- Ercs. M-30s
- Blue
- Blueberries
What is the Difference between Percocet vs. Norco?
The difference between Percocet vs. Norco is in the Codone type. Norco is a combination drug that contains hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. Percocet is a combination drug of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Percocet Dosage
Percocet should only be taken when directed by a doctor. Outside of this, you could be placing yourself in harm’s way. Overconsumption of any medication can create severe side effects, such as developing tolerance and dependence on the drug.
The amount of medicine taken should depend on the strength of the medication and your unique body composition. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long the prescription lasts also depends on the medical problem as well.4
Each Percocet dosage oral route tablet contains oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen. Percocet prescriptions come with various dosages and strengths.
Percocet 5/325 Tablet
Percocet 5/325 contains 5 mg of United States Pharmacopeia, USP, oxycodone hydrochloride, and 325 mg of USP acetaminophen.
Percocet 10/325 Tablet
Percocet 10/325 contains 10 mg of United States Pharmacopeia, USP, oxycodone hydrochloride, and 325 mg of USP acetaminophen.
The more oxycodone hydrochloride is in the tablet, the greater its strength.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction?
Percocet is a great recovery option for relieving moderate to severe short-term pain. However, this recovery option does not take away from the fact that opioids, like Percocet, are highly associated with substance abuse, addiction, and overdose. Here are ways to identify a current or developing Percocet addiction.
Physical Signs of Percocet Addiction
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shallow or slowed breathing
Behavioral Signs of Percocet Addiction
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Irritability
- Lack of coordination
- Lack of motivation
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Missing responsibilities
- Sleep trouble and change to sleep patterns
How Long does Percocet Stay in Your System?
The length of time Percocet stays in your system has different variables. One variable is the health of your digestive and urinary system, especially the kidney and liver. A weak kidney or liver will allow the drug to last longer in the system. Another variable is the dosage; the higher the dosage and the more often taken, the longer it takes to leave your body.
Overall, Percocet generally leaves the blood in 24-48 hours, again considering the other variables. However, Percocet can still show up in the urine, saliva, or hair over 90 days.
Side Effects of Percocet
As with any medication, some side effects are expected to occur.4 Here are some short- and long-term effects:
Short-Term Percocet Side Effects
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Euphoria
- Dysphoria
- Rash
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing
Long-Term Percocet Side Effects
According to the FDA, there are physiological and psychological long-term Percocet side effects, such as the following:
- Long-term addiction
- Life-threatening respiratory depression
- Serotonin syndrome
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypotension and syncope
Signs of Percocet Overdose
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the signs of an opioid overdose include:6
- An extremely pale face or skin feeling clammy to the touch
- Body going limp
- Fingernails or lips start to have a purple or blue color
- Vomiting or gurgling noises
- They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak
- When breathing or heartbeat slows or stops
Signs of Percocet Withdrawal
- Muscle and bone pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Cold flashes and goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
Percocet Treatment Options
Opioid treatments, such as Percocet, include medicine and behavioral therapy to help address a substance use disorder.
Detox
Detox centers are an effective way to detox from prescription medicine. With trained medical and clinical professionals, detox centers are a safe and supportive way to evaluate and address the needs. These centers often have individualized strategies to make the withdrawal process and comfortable as possible.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Inpatient Rehab
Resources
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
- https://consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/411-why-you-need-to-know-your-medicines-brand-and-generic-names
- https://thecolemaninstitute.com/common-drug-street-names/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxycodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20074000
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=4dd36cf5-8f73-404a-8b1d-3bd53bd90c25
- https://medlineplus.gov/opioidoverdose.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20376813
