Percocet is widely prescribed in the U.S., and controlled-release tablets are prescribed for the continuous management of moderate to severe pain. Products containing oxycodone in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. 

Oxycodone hydrochloride is a white, crystallized, odor-less powder readily soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol and nearly insoluble in ether.

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What is Percocet?

Percocet is a medication that contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen. Powerful opioids include oxycodone. It shares a common source with morphine and several illicit substances, such as heroin.

The brain’s reward center is activated by opioids such as Percocet. It’s possible to develop an addiction to the drug’s effects. The drug will eventually lose its effectiveness, though, and you will need to take more of it to get the same results.

Percocet Chemical Properties

The chemical name is 4,5α-epoxy14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C18H21NO4. HCl and molecular weight is 351.83.

Percocet Structural Formula

What is Percocet Used For?

Percocet is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.

How Percocet Works

Acetaminophen and oxycodone are two ingredients in Percocet, a combined narcotic painkiller (analgesic). Both oxycodone and paracetamol reduce pain, although they do so in distinct ways. 

According to experts, paracetamol primarily acts in the brain by inhibiting the actions of a particular enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). By attaching itself to particular receptors known as mu opioid receptors, oxycodone prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. Percocet is a member of the class of drugs called combination narcotic analgesics.

When Do Effects of Percocet Happen For Pain Relief

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid painkiller, and oxycodone, an opioid, are combine in the prescription painkiller Percocet.

After taking Percocet orally, the effects usually start to manifest 20 to 30 minutes later. The pain-relieving benefits can persist for four to six hours, with the peak effects typically occurring within one to two hours.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

• 20-30 minutes: Effects begin to take hold, with a feeling of relaxation and reduced pain.
• 1-2 hours: Peak effects are reached, with maximum pain relief and relaxation.

Upsides of Percocet

Percocet is a highly effective pain medication that offers numerous benefits. The benefits are following:

• Effective for the management of severe pain unresponsive to other non-narcotic treatment options. Percocet should be reserved for more severe types of pain, such as that caused by cancer.
• The combination is more effective than using either acetaminophen or oxycodone alone.
• The duration of the effect of oxycodone and acetaminophen is similar.
• Percocet is available as a generic under the name oxycodone and acetaminophen.

Downsides of Percocet

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

May cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache (oxycodone component). Most of the side effects of Percocet are due to the oxycodone component.

May cause drowsiness or impair reaction skills and affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery (oxycodone component). Avoid alcohol as the combination may increase the risk of sedation and other potentially fatal side effects.

Other common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Confusion

The dosage of Percocet may need to be reduced in people with kidney or liver disease.

The oxycodone component of Percocet interacts with several different drugs, including those that inhibit or induce hepatic enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 (such as erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir); depress the CNS (such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics); have partial agonist or mixed effects on opioid receptors (such as buprenorphine, pentazocine); diuretics; with anticholinergic effects; and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Long-term use of oxycodone (contained in Percocet) also affects the endocrine system, which may cause symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, an absence of periods, or infertility. Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 

PERCOCET is indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS 

Patients who are hypersensitive to oxycodone, acetaminophen, or any other ingredient in PERCOCET pills should not use them. Patients with severe respiratory depression (with no monitoring settings or without resuscitation equipment), acute or severe bronchial asthma, hypercarbia, or any other condition where opioids are interact should not use oxycodone. When paralytic ileus is suspected or confirmed, oxycodone should not be used. 

WARNINGS To Consider Before Use

Misuse, Abuse and Diversion of Opioids 

Oxycodone is an opioid agonist of the morphine-type. Such drugs are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Oxycodone can be abuse in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. 

In cases where the doctor or chemist is worry about a higher risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, this should be consider when prescribing or dispensing PERCOCET tablets. The appropriate treatment of pain shouldn’t be hinder by worries about abuse, addiction, or distraction. 

For advice on preventing and identifying misuse or diversion of this substance, healthcare practitioners should get in touch with their State Professional Licensing Board or State Controlled Substances Authority. 

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Early Withdrawal Symptoms  

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Yawning

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Seizures (rarely)

• Depression
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Increased heart rate
• Blood pressure changes

Acute Withdrawal Symptoms  

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Concentration difficulties

What is Percocet addiction?

Percocet addiction is a condition characterised by the compulsive use of Percocet, despite negative consequences. Percocet contains oxycodone, an opioid that can lead to physical dependence and addiction. 

There is a high risk of addiction or dependence associated with the use of Percocet (attributable to the oxycodone component) and a high likelihood of withdrawal reactions if it is stopped abruptly in people who have become dependent on it.

Causes of Percocet Addiction

1. Taking more than the prescribed dose: Taking more Percocet than prescribed can increase the risk of addiction.
2. Taking Percocet for a long time: Long-term use of Percocet can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
3. Using Percocet recreationally: Using Percocet without a prescription or for non-medical purposes increases the risk of addiction.
4. Family history of addiction: Individuals with a family history of addiction may be more susceptible to Percocet addiction.
5. Mental health conditions: People with mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may be more likely to develop an addiction to Percocet.

Possible Signs of Percocet addiction

Percocet has a number of possible side effects. Identifying the presence of these side effects in someone who is using the drug can help you spot abuse.

Percocet reduces intestinal motility. This often causes constipation and difficulty with bowel movements.

Opioid painkillers like Percocet produce a number of other symptoms, including:

• confusion
• mood swings
• depression
• difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• low blood pressure
• reduced breathing rate
• sweating
• difficulty with coordination

Treating Percocet addiction

Addiction to Percocet frequently involves many treatment modalities. Contrary to popular belief, prescription drugs may really aid in the cessation and recovery of an individual who is addicted to them. The symptoms of detoxification and withdrawal are frequently treated with medications. It might be simpler to overcome the addiction as a result.

For Percocet withdrawal, doctors may give drugs like buprenorphine or methadone. Both have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.

Difference b/w Percocet and Vicodin?

Percocet and Vicodin are both opioid pain relief medications. They help ease moderate to severe pain, such as pain caused by surgery or a car accident. They also help alleviate some forms of chronic pain.

• The key difference between the two drugs is that Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone, while Vicodin contains the opioid hydrocodone.
• Both also contain acetaminophen. The amount of acetaminophen in Percocet or Vicodin varies, depending on the formula.

Do they interact with other medications? 

Both Percocet and Vicodin may interact with any drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system, including:

• other opioids
• alcohol
• sleeping pills
• tranquilizers
• antihistamines
• some antianxiety medications

Do not take Percocet or Vicodin with any other drug containing acetaminophen. It is also important to note that birth control pills, beta-blockers, and some other drugs may intensify the effects of acetaminophen.

OVERDOSAGE 

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), in 2020, there were 7,188 case mentions (3,433 single exposures) and 16 deaths with oxycodone alone or in combination. In 2021 the AAPCC reported 6,816 case mentions (3,218 single exposures) and 17 deaths with oxycodone alone or in combination.

Signs and Symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of opioid and acetaminophen overdose characterise serious overdose with PERCOCET (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP). Oxycodone overdosage can be manifested by 

• Respiratory Depression 
• Extreme Somnolence Progressing To Stupor Or Coma
• Skeletal Muscle Flaccidity
• Cold And Clammy Skin
• Pupillary Constriction (Pupils May Be Dilated In The Setting Of Hypoxia)
• Sometimes Bradycardia And Hypotension

In severe overdosage, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur.

PRECAUTIONS 

The major risk of opioid excess is respiratory depression, including subclinical respiratory depression. As with all opioids, a reduction in dosage may be advisable in hypothyroidism. Use with caution in opioid dependent patients and in patients with 

• Hypotension
• Hypovolaemia
• Diseases Of The Biliary Tract 
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
• Prostatic Hypertrophy
• Adrenocortical Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)
• Toxic Psychosis
• Chronic Pulmonary
• Renal Or Hepatic Disease
• Myxoedema 
• Debilitated Elderly Or Infirm Patients

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