Percocet Side Effects, What Is Percocet? Social Signs Of Addiction & Long-Term Effects

Percocet Side Effects: What Is Percocet? Percocet is the brand name of an opiate pharmaceutical drug that is usually prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Percocet is also prescribed to individuals suffering from chronic pain. It contains oxycodone hydrochloride, which influences the brain’s perception of pain, […]


Percocet Side Effects: What Is Percocet?

Percocet is the brand name of an opiate pharmaceutical drug that is usually prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Percocet is also prescribed to individuals suffering from chronic pain. It contains oxycodone hydrochloride, which influences the brain’s perception of pain, and acetaminophen, which inhibits pain-related chemicals in the brain.

This drug may induce serious Percocet side effects if used improperly, and it is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Prescription painkiller abuse is a widespread problem in the US and around the world. About 52 million Americans older than 12 have used prescription medications nonmedically at some point in their lives. Many become addicted, and that process happens slowly. Some people don’t notice the moment at which they shift from recreational abuse to intense addiction, but when addiction takes hold, it can be serious. 

Due to the potential for abuse and addiction with Percocet, the drug’s manufacturer, Endo Pharmaceuticals, states in the prescribing information for Percocet that it is normally reserved for those who are tolerant to other opioids or those who haven’t obtained pain relief from other sources.

An individual can overdose on Percocet if the drug is taken more often than prescribed, if tablets are crushed or chewed, or if it is combined with other sedatives, such as alcohol or sleeping pills. Overdose is considered a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, serious health effects and even death can occur.

Long-term abuse of Percocet can lead to addiction, negatively impacting an individual’s long-term health, as well as their psychological and emotional wellbeing. Thankfully, comprehensive addiction treatment can help individuals safely withdraw from this prescription drug and stop the abuse of all substances.

Percocet Side Effects
Percocet Side Effects: Percocet is the brand name of an opiate pharmaceutical drug that is usually prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain

Percocet Side Effects

Percocet is usually prescribed on a short-term basis, for this reason, an addicted person may eventually resort to illegal means to feed their habit. Addiction to Percocet can result in risky behavior, including:

  • Seeking out drug dealers
  • Using a fake prescription
  • Stealing
  • Seeing multiple doctors

Percocet reduces intestinal motility. This often causes constipation and difficulty with bowel movements. Because of the Oxycodone in Percocet, there are numerous potential side effects tied to abuse of the drug. The most commonly recorded physical Percocet side effects include: 

  • Confusion
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Low blood pressure
  • Reduced breathing rate
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Memory loss
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty with coordination

Percocet Side Effects: Social signs of Percocet Addiction

Percocet can be difficult to obtain because it requires a prescription. Many people aren’t able to obtain enough Percocet through legal means, such as a prescription from a doctor. Therefore, people who are addicted may try anything in order to get the drug.

Individuals who are addicted may turn to steal medication from friends, family members, or strangers, or forging prescriptions. They may pretend to lose their prescription or frequently request new ones. They may file false police reports so pharmacies will give them more medication. Some addicts will also visit multiple doctors or pharmacies so they aren’t as likely to get caught.

Percocet use and abuse can cause a person to develop obvious mannerisms like appearing high or unusually excitable. Alternately, some people also appear sedated or excessively tired.

Percocet Side Effects
Percocet Side Effects: Individuals who are addicted may turn to steal medication from friends, family members, or strangers, or forging prescriptions.

Percocet Side Effects: Long-term effects of Percocet Addiction

Opioids like Percocet can cause serious health complications. The drug can increase a person’s risk for choking. It can also slow a person’s breathing, which may cause them to stop breathing entirely. It’s even possible to fall into a coma or die as a result of an overdose.

A person who is addicted to Percocet may be more likely to use other illegal drugs or prescription medications. Certain combinations of medicines can be lethal.

An addiction can affect work performance and personal relationships. People who use and abuse Percocet sometimes engage in risky behaviors. This may lead to motor vehicle accidents or accidents that cause bodily harm. [4]

Percocet Side Effects
Percocet Side Effects: Percocet can slow a person’s breathing, which may cause them to stop breathing entirely.

There is a variety of very dangerous long-term effects that chronic use of Percocet can bring to a person, including:

  • Liver damage
  • Kidney failure
  • Severe constipation
  • Urinary retention
  • Slightly decreased testosterone levels in men
  • Tolerance
  • Physical and psychological dependence
  • Osteoporosis
  • Immune suppression

Additionally, chronic use of Percocet creates physiological changes in the brain. Percocet binds to opiate receptors in the brain, which creates painkilling and euphoric effects. If Percocet is regularly used over a period of time, the opioid receptors become less responsive to opioid stimulation. As a result, a higher concentration of opiates is needed to fill the receptors to achieve the same effect. Without activating these receptors in the brain, the individual will experience feelings of increased pain and discomfort as well as depressed mood.

Reclaim Your Life From The Percocet Side Effects 

Percocet addiction is a condition that can cause major health, social, and economic problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up Treatment Center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with a professional and safe detox treatment to help you ease the Percocet Side Effects. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.