Percocet
Percocet is a combination medication that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. As an opioid medication, Percocet is commonly used for recreational purposes due to its ability to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Percocet has two active ingredients: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid drug that is also found in medications such as OxyContin, Tylox, and Percodan. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever sold under the brand name Tylenol.
Percocet’s Medical Usage
Percocet is typically prescribed in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The two active drugs in Percocet work together to reduce pain and may also help with other symptoms, such as fever.
There are dosage strengths of Percocet, which are listed with the dosage of oxycodone first and acetaminophen second. Some of the more common dosages include:
- 2.5mg/325mg
- 5mg/325mg
- 7.5mg/325mg
- 10mg/325mg
Percocet comes as a pill intended to be taken orally. Brand-name Percocet always comes in tablets with the word “PERCOCET” imprinted upon them. Generic variations of this drug come in both tablet and liquid forms.
When taking Percocet, it is vital to ensure that you don’t combine this medication with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids. In addition, it is important to ensure that your daily dose of acetaminophen stays below 4,000 mg, so be mindful of taking medications such as Tylenol when taking Percocet.
Drug Action of Percocet
Each of the active ingredients in Percocet helps to reduce pain in different ways. Oxycodone works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and throughout the body. By attaching to opioid receptors, pain signals sent from the body to the brain get blocked.
Acetaminophen works in a different way to stop the sensation of pain. While the exact mechanism of acetaminophen’s effects aren’t fully understood, most researchers believe that this drug increases an individual’s pain threshold.
Non-Medical Percocet Use
People use Percocet non-medically for a variety of reasons. Some may use Percocet recreationally to produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and a sense of ease and comfort. But people use Percocet for other purposes as well, including:
The recreational effects of Percocet are experienced due to the drug acting on the part of the brain that is associated with pleasure. Like other opioids, Percocet has a high potential for abuse, and using the drug repeatedly can result in addiction and serious health effects.
Percocet Dangers and Risks
There are several risks and dangers to be aware of when using Percocet either medically or recreationally. It is important to be aware of how Percocet can interact with other drugs or medications before using this drug and to be aware of the potential side effects that are associated with it.
Percocet Side Effects
When taking Percocet, people may experience several unintended side effects. The most common side effects of Percocet include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Troubled breathing
- Seizures
- Rash
- Loss of consciousness
Percocet Addiction
Since Percocet contains an opioid, it has a high potential for addiction. Developing a substance use disorder can happen even if you’ve taken this medication as prescribed. Substance use disorders can have severe impacts on your daily life and functioning. People who develop a Percocet addiction often experience:
- Loss of interest in activities outside of substance use
- Inability to stop or cut down substance use on their own
- Intense drug cravings
- Increasing tolerance, meaning they need to take more Percocet to achieve the desired effect
- Inability to fulfill major roles or obligations due to substance use
- Continued substance use despite experiencing harmful consequences
These brain changes may be addressed given time and abstinence but recovering from Percocet addiction can be difficult to achieve on your own.
Percocet Overdose
Percocet overdose occurs when a person takes too much Percocet at one time or combines Percocet with other drugs. Overdosing on Percocet can be fatal, but there are treatments available that can reverse an overdose and save a person’s life. The signs of a Percocet overdose can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Blue skin, especially around the lips and fingers
- Seizures
A medication called naloxone, also sold under the brand name Narcan, can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. This medication is typically sold as a nasal spray or intramuscular injection. If available, administer naloxone according to the instructions immediately to the person you suspect is overdosing.
Street Price of Percocet
The street value of Percocet varies significantly by region. Since oxycodone is the main ingredient that people are seeking for recreational use, Percocet prices depend primarily on the dosage of oxycodone contained within Percocet.
According to StreetRx’s anonymous and crowdsourced RADARS surveillance system, the Percocet prices in the United States average between $1.00 and $2.00 per milligram of oxycodone. For example, the street price of Percocet 10mg/325mg is typically between $10 and $20.
To find the street price of Percocet near you or report a price you paid for Percocet, visit StreetRx’s main website to contribute to our crowdsourced tracking system.
NIH: Prescription Opioid Information