Percocet is a narcotic pain reliever that contains Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. It is an effective short-term treatment for moderate to severe pain, but should be used with extreme caution as it can be habit-forming. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that when combined with oxycodone increases it’s effect. When used as prescribed, acetaminophen is a relatively safe medication, however in high doses over an extended period of time, or when combined with alcohol, it can cause liver disease (cirrhosis). Therefore, people who are prescribed Percocet are discouraged from alcohol use.
Certain medical conditions may make Percocet use unsafe, therefore you should always discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking this, or any other medication. If you have any of the following conditions, make sure you inform your doctor before taking Percocet:
• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a history of head injury or brain tumor;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• low blood pressure;
• a stomach, intestinal, or pancreas disorder;
• underactive thyroid;
• Addison’s disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
• enlarged prostate, urination problems;
• curvature of the spine;
• mental illness;
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
The effect of Percocet to an unborn baby is unknown, but research suggests it could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is important to let your doctor know. Acetaminophen and Oxycodone may be passed through breast milk and could harm your nursing baby.
How Should Percocet Be Taken?
Percocet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should never take it in larger amounts or for longer than instructed. Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage. Adults should not exceed 1000 mg per dose or 4000 mg per day. If you consume three alcoholic beverages or more per day, you should not take more than 2000 mg of Acetaminophen per day.
It is important for you to be informed about the medication you are taking. One Percocet tablet can contain up to 650 mg of Acetaminophen. It is important to be aware of how much Acetaminophen you are taking daily.
Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to help prevent constipation. Before taking a laxative or stool softener, check with your doctor. Percocet can also cause false glucose (sugar) readings in the urine, so it is important to discuss any changes in glucose level with your doctor during treatment.
Percocet Side Effects
Seek immediate medical help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction to Percocet: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these serious side effects while taking Percocet:
• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions);
• problems with urination;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Percocet side effects include:
• feeling dizzy or drowsy;
• mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
• blurred vision;
• dry mouth.
To avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, you should talk to your doctor before stopping Percocet after long-term use. Keep track of your bottles and do not share your medication, especially with anyone with a history of mental disorder or addiction. Percocet should never be used without a prescription.
