Percocet, a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of acute pain, combines two pain-relieving substances, oxycodone and acetaminophen, to create a strong pain management medication.
Each chemical alone is effective in dulling the experience of pain, but together, they are much stronger. Oxycodone, a potent opioid, targets pain receptors in the body, providing relief and inducing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever, reduces the pain response in the body, such as fever and physical discomfort.
When combined, they create a synergistic effect that addresses pain from multiple angles.
Exercising Caution With Percocet
The primary addiction risk with Percocet comes from the oxycodone in it. While highly effective in managing pain, it carries a high risk of misuse that can lead to opioid use disorder (OUD). The fact that it causes a sense of euphoria makes it attractive to many users, but in high doses or when regularly ingested, it can also trigger side effects like drowsiness, constipation, dizziness and respiratory depression.[1]
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, lacks the addictive properties of oxycodone, but taking an excessive amount of the drug or combining it with alcohol can be harmful to the liver.[2] Avoiding use of other products that contain acetaminophen, taking only the dose prescribed and avoiding alcohol consumption while using Percocet is essential for maintaining overall safety.
Approach Percocet use with caution, recognizing its potential benefits while being mindful of the risks. Open and honest communication with your doctor is vital to ensure that the medication is used effectively and safely, ensuring that you always have the support you need if you begin to struggle with managing your use of Percocet.
Breaking Down Percocet
Both oxycodone and acetaminophen are uniquely helpful in managing acute or chronic pain.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid analgesic, known for its potent pain-relieving properties and used in many prescription painkillers. Classified as a narcotic analgesic, oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body, including in the limbic system, which is involved in emotions and reward processing.
The drug blocks pain signals, which in turn offers respite from the experience of moderate to severe pain, but it also triggers a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward and motivation.[3] Oxycodone also affects other neurotransmitters including serotonin and norepinephrine, which play key roles in regulating mood, motivation and pain perception.
Prolonged use and repeated exposure to oxycodone disrupts the brain’s natural balance of neurotransmitters, causing it to adapt to the presence of the drug by reducing its own production of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals.
When this happens, a tolerance to oxycodone develops, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same pleasurable effects. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms occur when oxycodone use is discontinued, a difficult experience both physically and mentally. Together, these issues trigger cravings for more of the drug in order to avoid the negative and maintain the euphoria and pain relief.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic substance. While it lacks the opioid properties of oxycodone, acetaminophen inhibits the production of certain pain-causing chemicals in the body.
In so doing, it helps to mitigate pain and discomfort and contributes to reducing fever if it is present.[4] However, overuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver malfunction and overdose.
Percocet Misuse & OUD
It is important to remember that Percocet is a prescription medication that requires responsible use under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional.
Misuse or improper use of Percocet, such as exceeding prescribed doses or extending the duration of use can expose Percocet users to potentially life-threatening risks, including OUD, overdose and liver damage.[5]
If Percocet addiction is impacting you or someone you love, don’t wait to seek help. Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is the recommended treatment for Percocet misuse and OUD.
Reviewed By Peter Manza, PhD
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role ... Read More
- Prescription Opioids. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/prescribed.html. August 2017. Accessed May 2023.
- Where to Turn for Pain Relief – Acetaminophen or NSAIDs? Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/where-to-turn-for-pain-relief-acetaminophen-or-nsaids. February 2021. Accessed May 2023.
- Prescription Drug Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/rxreportfinalprint.pdf. October 2011. Accessed May 2023.
- Acetaminophen Drug Level. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=acetaminophen_drug_level. Accessed May 2023.
- Percocet – Oxycodone Hydrochloride and Acetaminophen Tablet. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4dd36cf5-8f73-404a-8b1d-3bd53bd90c25. July 2022. Accessed May 2023.
Download Our Free Program Guide
Learn about our program, its effectiveness and what to expect
Imagine what’s possible on the other side of opioid use disorder.
Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. We can help you achieve easier days and a happier future.