Percocet is a narcotic pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. When it is abused it can lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms and other serious side effects. Once addiction occurs, it requires medically supervised detox and rehabilitation.
Percocet is an opiate that relieves pain by depressing the central nervous system. It directly affects the neurotransmitters that make communication between cells and the brain possible. Over time, continued use of Percocet causes these chemical compounds to communicate a higher level of pain to the brain causing the sensation of increased pain and the need for higher doses of medication. This begins a cycle that quickly leads to dependence.
Long-term use of Percocet can also lead to permanent liver damage, even if taken as prescribed. Addiction occurs when it requires more medication to achieve the same result. Within hours of stopping this medication, withdrawal symptoms can appear, especially when combined with alcohol use. These symptoms can be both physical as well as psychological.
Initially, it is common for increased Percocet use to lead to the following side effects:
• Constipation
• Dry Mouth
• Sweating
• Mood Changes
• Nausea
• Nodding Off
• Sedation
• Opioid Induced Pain Syndrome
Continued abuse of Percocet can lead to testicular atrophy in men, and a cessation of menses for women due to the depression of hypothalamus function caused by opiate abuse.
Once withdrawal symptoms begin, it can seem easier to return to use rather than to deal with the symptoms. However, with Medically supervised detox, these symptoms can be minimized. The most common withdrawal symptoms are:
• Sweating
• Clammy Skin
• Anorexia
• Joint Pain
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Irritability
• Lacrimation (tears)
• Yawning
Emergency room visits due to overdose of opiates has increase 500% in just a few years. Withdrawal symptoms are extremely difficult to manage alone. Medically supervised detox is strongly recommended if you think you may have developed an addiction to Percocet.
