Misuse of Percocet Signs and Symptoms

One of the Oldest Opioids

Misuse of Percocet Signs and Symptoms

Percocet is a combination painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a combination of oxycodone (an opioid painkiller) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid painkiller). Oxycodone affects the brain in ways that alter how someone feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen is used to reduce pain and can also reduce a fever. Using this medication for a long time or at high doses can lead to dependence and addiction. This medication should only be taken under strict guidelines from a medical professional.

What to Look For?

There are many signs that someone could be struggling with a Percocet Addiction. However, some signs may be more obvious than others. Some common signs of addiction may include:

Using Percocet for a long time and feeling unable to stop taking it

Taking Percocet in large quantities

Social withdrawal

Fatigue

Trouble sleeping

Sudden weight changes

Mood swings

Trouble focusing

Poor decision making

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Impacts of Percocet Misuse

Immediate Impacts

Percocet is prescribed as a painkiller for treating moderate to severe pain. This painkiller lasts about 4-6 hours and its common side effects are pain reduction, sleepiness, and sometimes a pleasant euphoria. However, some people abuse this drug due to the high it created when abused in large quantities. This can lead to a binge-like pattern that leads to forming a dependence.

Long Term Impacts

Long term use of Percocet can have many negative and even harmful effects. This drug can be dangerous if it is misused or abused and should only be taken under strict medical guidelines. If Percocet is used over a long period of time, there could be many negative impacts such as:

Forming a dependence on the drug

Developing a tolerance (which leads to taking it in higher doses)

Urinary retention

Severe constipation

Kidney failure

Liver damage

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

Percocet can generally be detected in urine tests for 48 hours after taking it. It can be found in the blood for about a day. The only long-term test that’s available is a hair test that can detect it in the hair follicles for 30 days after use. Percocet abuse is dangerous, especially if it’s taken for a long period of time. It should only be prescribed and taken under the strict guidelines of a medical professional.

Percocet and Breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, using a drug such as Percocet can be dangerous to the infant. It is recommended to only take a maximum dose of 30mg daily when breastfeeding, and some sources even recommend avoiding it altogether.

Abusing Percocet when breastfeeding can cause harmful effects to the infant such as drowsiness, central nervous system depression, and even death. According to an article on Oxycodone, “If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Other agents are preferred over oxycodone during breastfeeding.”

Final Thoughts

Percocet is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can have effects such as pain reduction, sleepiness, and sometimes a pleasurable euphoria. Percocet is abused or taken in higher doses to get a high while using it. This can cause dependence to form on the drug and lead to many issues caused by addiction to this drug.

Addiction to Percocet can affect life in many ways that impact social life, health, and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available. Speaking to a medical professional or going to a treatment center may be a good start towards recovery.