Percocet: Pain Uses, Side Effects, Addiction (original) (raw)
Brand Names: Percocet, Primlev, Roxicet, Endocet, Xartemis XR
Discontinued Brand Names: Xolox, Tylox, Oxycet, Roxilox
Generic Name: oxycodone/acetaminophen
Drug Class: Analgesics, Opioid Combos
What is Percocet, and what is it used for?
Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. Percocet is prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
- The precise mechanism of action of oxycodone is not known but may involve stimulation of opioid (narcotic) receptors in the brain. Oxycodone does not eliminate the sensation of pain but decreases discomfort by increasing tolerance to pain. In addition to tolerance to pain, oxycodone also causes sedation and respiratory depression.
- Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever and antipyretic (fever reducer). Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the threshold to sensing pain. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain.
- The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen achieves greater pain relief than either taken separately.
- The FDA approved oxycodone/acetaminophen combinations in February 1980.
What are the side effects of Percocet?
The most frequent adverse reactions of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) include:
Other important side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Spasm of the ureter, which can lead to difficulty in urinating
Possible serious side effects include:
- Severe reduction in blood pressure (hypotension)
- Shock
- Seizures
- Paralytic ileus
- Serious allergic reactions
- Severe skin reactions
Oxycodone can depress breathing and, therefore, is used with caution in elderly, debilitated patients and in patients with serious lung disease. Oxycodone can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.
Is Percocet addictive?
- Percocet can be habit-forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur, but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief.
QUESTION Medically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See Answer
What is the dosage for Percocet?
- The dose of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is variable and depends on the needs of the patient and specific circumstances.
- The usual dose is one tablet every six hours as needed.
- The maximum Percocet dose is 60 mg/4 g per day.
Which drugs interact with Percocet?
- Oxycodone, like other narcotic pain-relievers, increases the effect of drugs that slow brain function, such as alcohol, barbiturates, skeletal muscle relaxants, for example, carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). A combined use of muscle relaxants or benzodiazepines and oxycodone may lead to increased respiratory depression.
- Since oxycodone causes constipation, the use of antidiarrheals, for example, diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium), in persons taking oxycodone, can lead to severe constipation.
- Drugs which stimulate and also block opioid receptors, for example, pentazocine, nalbuphine (Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), and buprenorphine (Subutex) may reduce the effect of oxycodone and may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
- A fatty meal may increase the absorption of oxycodone by 27%.
Health News
Is Percocet safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Safety of oxycodone/acetaminophen during pregnancy has not been established. Newborns of mothers who were taking oxycodone for a prolonged period may exhibit respiratory depression or withdrawal symptoms.
- Small amounts of oxycodone are secreted in breast milk and may cause side effects in the newborn.
What else should I know about Percocet?
What are preparations of Percocet available?
- Tablets: 2.5/325, 5/300, 5/325, 7.5/300, 7.5/325, 10/300, 10/325 mg (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
- Tablets (Extended Release): 4.8/325 mg.
- Solution: 5/325 mg per teaspoonful
How should I keep Percocet stored?
Percocet should be stored at room temperature in a sealed, light-resistant container.
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Summary
Percocet is a drug prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately-severe pain. Common side effects may include vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, sleepiness, and dizziness. Oxycodone can be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms and side effects may occur in newborn babies of mothers who take Percocet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- oxycodone concentrate solution - oral, Roxicodone Intensol
- oxycodone controlled-release - oral, Oxycontin
- oxycodone - oral, Roxicodone
- oxycodone/acetaminophen - oral, Percocet, Tylox
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- acetaminophen
- Drug Interactions
- Oxycodone for Pain (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, Roxybond)
- hydrocodone/acetaminophen
- butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine
- fentanyl patch
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- tramadol and acetaminophen
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- expectorant/decongestant/narcotic antitussive/acetaminophen-oral
- propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet)
- Side Effects of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
- oxycodone/acetaminophen
- acetaminophen/pamabrom
- OxyContin (oxycodone)
- Side Effects of Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- acetaminophen/aspirin
- acetaminophen rectal
- What Are Opioid Equivalents and Conversions?
- Percodan (aspirin and oxycodone hydrochloride)
- Side Effects of Ultracet (tramadol and acetaminophen)
- Side Effects of Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)
- decongestant/narcotic antitussive - oral, Alahist DHC, Symtan
- Pain Medications (Narcotics)
- narcotic analgesic/aspirin/caffeine - oral
- pentazocine/acetaminophen - oral, Talacen
- decongestant/narcotic antitussive/acetaminoph/antihistamine - oral
- decongestant/narcotic antitussive/antihistamine - oral
- narcotic antitussive/antihistamine - oral
Prevention & Wellness
From 
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medically Reviewed on 2/27/2023
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information