Percocet (Oxycodone) Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Percocet Abuse

Percocet is a prescription medication for pain that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone can also be found in other medications, such as OxyContin, but this page focuses on Percocet misuse and addiction specifically. Percocet, also known as “perc,” “percs,” “oxy” or “blues,” has a high risk of chemical dependency, and the acetaminophen in it also brings addiction safety risks when misused due to the possibility of liver damage.

Percocet abuse often happens slowly, with someone first using it as prescribed after an injury or surgery. Over time, the body becomes used to having the drug, which is called tolerance, and needs more of the substance to get the same effect. Someone misusing Percocet may take higher or more frequent doses or use it in a manner that offers a faster delivery, such as crushing and snorting it.

Keep reading to learn more about Percocet addiction and how opioid painkiller misuse develops. We’ll also provide information on the key warning signs of oxycodone addiction and the potential acetaminophen overdose risk associated with Percocet misuse.

Percocet works on pain with a two-prong approach. Acetaminophen is thought to decrease pain by impacting the pain signals to the brain. While it hasn’t been fully proven how this happens, researchers believe it may raise the threshold at which the brain processes pain.

The oxycodone in Percocet reduces pain by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This relieves pain and produces a feeling of calm or euphoria that is common with other opioids, such as fentanyl and heroin.

This relief from pain and stress can reinforce repeated use, especially if someone has a major injury and is worried that the pain will come back if they stop using Percocet. With repeated use, Percocet tolerance builds, and it’s common to start taking higher or more frequent doses to continue experiencing the same feel-good effects. Some people also use faster delivery methods, such as snorting, or mix Percocet with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Over time, the body gets used to having Percocet, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to reduce or stop your use.

Using Percocet outside of medical guidance is called misuse. This can include taking higher or more frequent doses than directed, using someone else’s prescription or taking Percocet to feel the high effects instead of to relieve pain.

Percocet misuse often leads to addiction, formally diagnosed as opioid use disorder. Misuse crosses the line into addiction when there is compulsive opioid use. This includes feeling an intense desire to use or experiencing strong cravings. It’s also hallmarked by continuing to engage in prescription opioid abuse even after experiencing harm or negative consequences, such as negative effects on health or problems with job performance.

Common signs of Percocet addiction include running out of your prescription before it’s time for a refill, taking extra doses u0022just in caseu0022 the pain comes back or buying pills from other people.

While dependence isn’t the same thing as addiction, it can be a red flag that misuse is escalating and you may need help to stop. Percocet dependence happens when the body starts to adapt to regular oxycodone use. This establishes a new baseline for nervous system functioning and other body systems and leads to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when someone uses less Percocet or tries to stop entirely.

Oxycodone dependence can also be psychological. Taking Percocet can help you feel calmer and more emotionally stable, which can make it easier to deal with stressful situations or interact with others. Over time, you may start to feel like you need Percocet to be able to handle daily life or cope emotionally.

The signs of Percocet addiction can be varied, including physical symptoms and behavioral health red flags that indicate someone could be misusing oxycodone. Often, some of the first opioid misuse warning signs include taking more Percocet than prescribed, running out of pills early or visiting multiple prescribers to attempt to get meds.

It’s common to experience oxycodone addiction symptoms, such as strong cravings for Percocet, mood swings or anxiety, between doses. Physically, someone may have pinpoint pupils and experience drowsiness or nausea. Slowed breathing is also a common symptom, and it’s important to seek immediate medical attention for any respiratory depression signs.

Other red flags for Percocet addiction include having relationship problems regarding oxycodone use, isolating from friends and family and experiencing financial issues from buying pills. Mixing opioids with benzos or alcohol can significantly increase the potential side effects and health risks and is another sign of a substance use disorder.

Reducing or stopping the medication after dependence has developed can result in Percocet withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal often feels like a bad flu, with nausea and vomiting along with chills, aches and fatigue. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms can also include feeling restless or anxious, sweating and having watery eyes or a runny nose.

The severity of opioid detox symptoms and the withdrawal timeline for oxycodone can vary depending on how long you’ve been taking Percocet, the strength and frequency of your usual doses and whether you’re mixing it with other substances.

The main purpose of Percocet is to relieve pain, but it can have other effects on the body. Some of the short-term Percocet side effects include feeling sleepy and slowed breathing, known as respiratory depression. Some people also experience dizziness, a feeling of intense calm or euphoria and lack of inhibitions, which can lead to impaired judgment.

Long-term opioid effects from Percocet use can include constipation, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using, dependence and an increased risk of opioid overdose. Because Percocet contains acetaminophen, long-term use also increases the risk of liver damage, especially when mixed with other acetaminophen-containing substances, such as over-the-counter cold and flu meds, or alcohol.

One of the most significant risk factors for oxycodone addiction is being on Percocet long term or being prescribed high doses with limited monitoring from a healthcare provider. Experiencing chronic pain or a history of repeated injuries can also increase the risk of addiction, as can having easy access to pills either at home, through other prescriptions or through social networks.

Those who have certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, or who have difficulty regulating their emotions, may be more susceptible to Percocet addiction due to the drug’s calming effects. A history of other substance abuse, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, may make it more likely for someone to develop a dependence.

Receiving an opioid use disorder diagnosis is often the first step in finding meaningful help to overcome addiction. Diagnosing Percocet addiction requires a thorough review of the person’s symptoms and behavior over time compared to the established criteria for opioid use disorder.

During an oxycodone addiction assessment, the clinician will ask questions about your substance use, including how long you’ve been using Percocet and in what doses. They’ll ask if you’ve had to increase your dosage over time to get the same effects, whether you’ve tried to quit on your own and if you’ve experienced any withdrawal symptoms.

The clinician may also ask about any prior history of other substance use, whether you’ve been mixing Percocet with other substances and if you have any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression. The assessment includes a review of your Percocet overdose risk, and the clinician may ask you to take an opioid drug test to determine if Percocet is still in your system.

Percocet is a powerful opioid that can lead to addiction, and many people become dependent on oxycodone after taking it for a legitimate pain management issue. It can happen to anyone, and substance use disorder is never a personal failure.

If you’re using strong or more frequent doses of Percocet or you’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit on your own, reaching out for oxycodone abuse support can help you take back control of your life. Help.org offers prescription opioid support resources, including a list of addiction treatment centers where you or a family member can get help for Percocet addiction.