What is Percocet? Uses, side effects, and getting help

You’ve probably heard the name “Percocet” before, maybe from a friend recovering from surgery, in a news story, or from your own doctor after an injury. But what exactly is it? And more importantly, what does it actually do in your body?

Here’s what you need to know upfront: Percocet is a powerful prescription opioid that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen. While doctors prescribe it for legitimate pain relief, it can lead to dependence and addiction, even when you follow your prescription exactly as directed.

And if that’s happening to you, you didn’t do anything wrong.

At QuickMD, we work with people every day who never expected to be concerned about their relationship with prescription medication. We’ve seen how prescription medications like Percocet can genuinely help people when used appropriately, and we’ve also supported hundreds of patients through Percocet addiction treatment when use becomes something outside of its original intention.

This experience, combined with our evidence-based approach to addiction medicine, guides everything we share with you.

So, what exactly does Percocet do to your body that makes it so concerning? What are the warning signs that Percocet use has become problematic? And most importantly, what help is available when you’re ready to take back control?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Percocet, from how it affects your brain to recognizing when concern is warranted to understanding the treatment options that actually work. Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, we’re here to provide the information you need.

The most important thing to remember is this: that concern is valid, and help is available.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is basically a combination medicine that consists of two pain relievers rolled into one. It contains oxycodone hydrochloride (that’s the opioid part) and acetaminophen (you probably know this as Tylenol).

Doctors classify it as an opioid pain medicine, and it’s designed to treat moderate to severe pain, usually on a temporary basis, when regular pain relievers just aren’t cutting it.

This combination medication is usually what doctors reach for when you’re dealing with acute pain after surgery, a serious injury, or major dental work. Sometimes it’s used for chronic pain when other treatments haven’t been helping much, but the use of Percocet for chronic, non-cancer-related pain is controversial and usually discouraged.

How Percocet works for pain relief

When you take Percocet, the oxycodone works quickly on your body’s pain pathways, actually changing how your brain processes pain signals.

The oxycodone attaches to opioid receptors in your central nervous system, which reduces how intensely you feel pain. The effects of oxycodone include not only pain relief but also potential side effects like drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and, in some cases, respiratory depression.

At the same time, the acetaminophen works through your brain and spinal cord, blocking enzymes that make chemicals responsible for pain and swelling. When these two ingredients work together, you get stronger pain relief than either one could provide alone.

But here’s the important part: Those same opioid receptors that help with pain are also involved in how your brain experiences pleasure and reward.

This is why people can develop tolerance, meaning you need more medication to get the same effect, and why some find it hard to stop taking Percocet even after their original pain gets better.

This dual effect, relieving pain while affecting your reward pathways, is exactly why Percocet requires more careful use than over-the-counter options. Mixing Percocet with certain other medicines can create some additional risks.

Some medications change serotonin levels in your brain, and when combined with Percocet, this can cause serotonin syndrome, which brings symptoms like nausea, blood pressure fluctuations, hallucinations, or neurological problems.

Common side effects of Percocet

Like all opioid medications, Percocet can cause side effects. Some are common and manageable, while others are serious and require your immediate attention.

The Percocet side effects that most people experience

• Drowsiness and dizziness are very common, especially when you first start taking Percocet or when your dose is increased. This is why you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery while taking this medication.
• Severe constipation affects most people taking opioid medicines. It’s uncomfortable, but you can manage it. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and stay as active as possible.
• Nausea and stomach upset are also common, particularly when starting the medication. Taking Percocet with food often reduces these digestive issues.

You might also experience dry mouth, unusual tiredness, significant itching, or mild confusion. These effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication, but let your provider know if they’re bothersome.

Serious Percocet side effects that need immediate attention

• Breathing problems are the most serious concern with any opioid medication. Watch for slow breathing, shallow breathing, or any difficulty breathing. This can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
• Severe allergic reactions can occur, including skin rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, or throat. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Signs of liver problems can develop from the acetaminophen component, especially if you take more than prescribed or drink alcohol while taking Percocet. Watch for unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, or dark urine. Be careful not to take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in any day, and much less if you have liver disease.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, get medical help right away.

Understanding Percocet addiction and dependence

Let’s talk honestly about something that might be on your mind. The risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to Percocet. This is real, and it’s important to understand the difference between physical dependence and addiction.

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 3.2 million people misused oxycodone products, including Percocet, in 2019, while 8.5 million people misused prescription pain relievers overall in 2022.

Yes, these numbers show that misuse can, and does, happen. But the encouraging news is that understanding how addiction develops helps people recognize early signs and get effective opioid addiction help when needed.

How Percocet addiction develops

Percocet affects the reward and pleasure centers in your brain, largely due to the effects of the oxycodone.

Over time, your brain can start craving these effects, which means you might need more medication to get the same pain relief. What’s surprising is that this tolerance can begin developing as quickly as 48 hours after you start taking it regularly.

Some people face higher risks, especially if addiction or mental health issues run in their family, or if they’ve had trouble with drugs or alcohol before.

Recognizing the warning signs of Percocet addiction

If you’re wondering whether your Percocet use has become something more than managing pain, trust that instinct. Watch for these concerning patterns in yourself or someone you care about:

• Taking more than prescribed or increasing your dose without talking to your doctor
• Using it more frequently than directed on the prescription label
• Taking it when you’re not in pain or using it for the feeling rather than relieving pain
• Feeling anxious or panicked when your supply is running low
• Continuing to take it after your doctor recommends stopping or switching medications
• Thinking about the medication frequently throughout the day
• Running out of pills early and needing refills sooner than expected
• “Doctor shopping” or visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions
• Taking someone else’s Percocet when you can’t get your own

What a Percocet overdose looks like

A Percocet overdose is serious and requires immediate medical attention, but it’s also preventable when you know what to watch for. 

Signs of opioid overdose include slow, irregular, or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingernails, unconsciousness, muscle spasms, and a weak pulse. The acetaminophen part can also cause liver damage with symptoms like nausea, upper stomach pain, and later, dark urine or yellowing of the skin.

If you think someone might be overdosing, don’t hesitate, call 911 right away. While you’re waiting for help, try to keep the person awake and breathing if possible.

While overdose absolutely remains a serious concern, there’s some hope. Deaths involving prescription opioids have declined from a peak of 17,029 in 2017 to 13,026 in 2023, showing that prevention efforts are working.

Getting help for Percocet addiction

If you’re reading this because you’re concerned about Percocet, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love, that concern matters. You’re not overreacting. Effective help is available, and recovery from opioids and other drugs happens every day. 

Today’s treatment approaches recognize that addiction is a medical condition, not a character flaw. That’s why medications like Suboxone® work alongside counseling to help your brain and body heal.

How Suboxone® helps with Percocet addiction

Suboxone® works differently in your body than Percocet. It helps manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. It’s specifically designed to help people recover from addiction safely.

It contains two medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that satisfies your brain’s need for opioids without creating the intense highs and lows that Percocet causes. The naloxone component helps prevent misuse.

While Percocet activates your opioid receptors fully, buprenorphine only partially activates them. This means you get relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but without the “high” that drives addiction. It also has a “ceiling effect.” That means taking more doesn’t increase the effects, making opioid overdose much less likely.

This means you can function normally. You can go to work, take care of your family, and focus on recovery, without the constant cycle of needing more medication. Many people find that Suboxone® gives them the stability they need to engage in therapy and rebuild their lives. Additionally, unlike with Percocet, people taking Suboxone® can drive or operate machinery, as it does not cause changes to thinking or reaction time.

How we can help with opioid addiction

At QuickMD, we offer confidential, evidence-based opioid addiction treatment through our virtual platform in most states. 

Our medical team understands that addiction is a medical condition, not a personal failing. Your first appointment (called an induction visit) is $99 and includes a follow-up visit within 14 days at no extra cost.

During your first visit, your doctor may give you a 7-day supply of Suboxone® to see how you respond, then you’ll have monthly follow-ups as part of your ongoing treatment.

Whether you’re concerned about your current Percocet use or ready to start treatment, we’re here to help you take control of your health. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Want to learn more about Suboxone® and opioid addiction treatment? Visit our Learning Center for more insights and advice.

Moving forward with confidence

Knowing what Percocet does in your body helps you use it safely or recognize when something’s not right. Maybe you’re taking it for legitimate pain, or maybe you’re concerned it’s become a problem.

Either way, you’ve got choices.

The most important thing is being honest with your healthcare providers and yourself. If you have concerns about Percocet, don’t hesitate to speak up. We believe informed patients make better decisions about their health.

Asking for help takes courage, not weakness. We’re here when you’re ready, wherever you are right now.

Frequently asked questions about Percocet

How long does Percocet stay in my system? 

Most people clear Percocet from their system within about a day, but it really depends on your body. If you’re younger with good kidney function, it might be gone faster. If you’ve been taking it for a while or you’re older, it could take longer.

Urine tests can pick it up for a few days after your last dose, blood tests usually only catch it within 24 hours, and hair tests can go back months. If you’re worried about a drug test at work or for legal reasons, don’t try to hide your prescription. Just be upfront with whoever’s doing the testing. Having a valid prescription is completely different from illegal drug use, and they need to know that.

Will I get addicted if I take Percocet exactly as prescribed? 

Taking a prescribed dose of Percocet does lower your risk, but it doesn’t make addiction impossible. Even when you use them correctly, opioids like Percocet can lead to dependence, especially if you take them for more than a few days. How long you’re on it, your personal or family history with addiction, and even your brain chemistry all play a role.

How is Percocet different from other opioid medications like OxyContin or Vicodin? 

Percocet, OxyContin, and Vicodin are all opioid pain medications, but they’re not exactly the same. Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, while OxyContin contains only oxycodone and it’s designed to release slowly over time. Vicodin is a mix of hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

The different combinations, dosage forms, and release mechanisms affect how long they work and their potential for misuse.