Percocet Addiction
The name “Percocet” refers to a specific brand of drug that contains a mix of oxycodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (a painkiller). Sometimes shortened to “percs,” Percocet treats mild pain in patients, often after they’ve had surgery.
Percocet’s two primary ingredients also appear as their own branded substances, with oxycodone appearing as the primary ingredient in OxyContin and acetaminophen in Tylenol.
Percocet Abuse
Percocet, as a painkiller, has a high potential for abuse. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has recognized this, and classified it within Schedule II. Effectively, this status means that Percocet has medical applications and can help patients, but it also runs the risk of being abused, and individuals can become addicted rather quickly.
Unfortunately, many painkillers fall under this classification, and opioid abuse has become widespread enough to be called an epidemic.
Since Percocet dependence can develop quickly, it is important to recognize the signs of addiction, and reach out for help if necessary. If an addiction develops too far, the individual suffering from it can increase their chances of experiencing an overdose, and the side effects of addiction can be similarly damaging. It's important to act quickly to help a loved one who is abusing prescription drugs, especially if you observe signs that their use has developed into an addiction.
Because of the specific ways that painkillers affect individuals, they are often misused. Painkillers induce an intense feeling of calmness, as well as a sense of euphoria and numbed pain.
For people dealing with long-term pain, misuse can start unintentionally, and then develop into an addiction. Others may misuse Percocet for the specific intent of experiencing euphoria or calmness. Cultural and societal influences can lead individuals to try the substance, and its abuse is often normalized in pop culture.
Percocet Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who become addicted to Percocet may eventually also suffer from the side effects of abuse. These are typically physical or psychological symptoms:
- Confusion
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Slowed breathing
- Difficulty coordinating
- Excitability
Long term or overuse can also cause some more severe symptoms:
- Fever
- Extreme tiredness
- Low or high blood pressure
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Anxiety or nervousness
One of the major dangers with painkiller addictions is escalation. This occurs when an individual seeks out a stronger substance to experience more intense effects. This could be heroin or a pure opioid.
Sometimes, these substances contain fentanyl, which has an extremely high risk of overdose. However, it is possible for people to overdose on Percocet alone.
Percocet Overdose Risk & Symptoms
As a mix of two different substances, the symptoms of Percocet overdose are varied. In general, an overdose appears as one or more of the following:
- Dangerously slowed breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Blue lips and/or nails
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Since one of the main ingredients of Percocet is an opioid, it affects the nervous system and the brain. As a result, a person's heart rate or breathing may become dangerously slow. This becomes life-threatening when an individual takes too much Percocet, or if they take it in combination with another substance.
As a general rule, never mix medications without a doctor’s supervision, and call emergency services immediately if you think someone is experiencing an overdose.
Half Life of Percocet
Mixing Percocet with other substances is dangerous. Understanding how long it takes for drugs to “wear off” can help you make responsible decisions for when to consume any other substances you may need for other medical purposes.
Scientifically, this property is classified as the “half life”. Essentially, it measures how long it takes for the amount of a given substance in the body to reduce by half. For Percocet, the half life is around three and a half (3.5) hours. If an individual were to take a dose of six (6) grams, three and a half hours later, there would be three (3) grams of Percocet left in that individual’s body.
This cycle of three and a half hours would continue until all of the substance was completely eliminated, typically taking 20 hours or so in total.
With this in mind, anyone with a Percocet subscription should take care when considering doses. The two primary ingredients of Percocet, acetaminophen and oxycodone, can mix dangerously with alcohol, as well other opioids. Knowing when a substance is completely out of your system can be a good way to not accidentally mix two drugs.
Overcoming and Treating Addiction
Suffering from addiction can feel terrible, and the risks involved can also be life-threatening. Overcoming a physical drug dependence alone may feel impossible, but reaching out for professional help can be one of the best ways to conquer an addiction.
If you think you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, contact us today. We’re here to help, and we want to help you achieve full, lasting recovery.