Percocet is a prescription-only pain reliever that has been used since the 1970s to treat moderate to severe pain. It is usually taken for short periods of time, and many people take it with other medications, such as those for anxiety or inflammation.
Many people take Percocet after surgery or for other short-term pain relief. While it’s not intended for long-term use, some people do become dependent on the drug, which can lead to serious side effects.
How it works?
Percocet works by binding to receptors in your brain that respond to endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Acetaminophen blocks the production of prostaglandins, which make you feel pain when you injure yourself. Oxycodone has strong sedative effects that can help relieve anxiety and muscle spasms as well as reduce inflammation in your brain and spinal cord.
Dosage
There are two types of Percocet: Percocet 5/325 (which contains 325 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone per pill) and Percocet 7.5/325 (which contains 325 mg of acetaminophen and 7.5 mg of oxycodone per pill). The dosage varies depending on your age, weight, and medical history.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Percocet in 1978 for the treatment of acute pain from injuries such as broken bones or surgery, but it’s also been prescribed for other conditions like chronic back pain or cancer-related pain.
Percocet is available in tablet form in doses ranging from 5mg per tablet up to 80mg per tablet. You can also find Percocet in liquid form or as a time-release pill that releases 20% of its dose every 8 hours over 24 hours until all of the medication is gone from your system (this type requires a prescription).
Side Effects
Percocet can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, sleepiness or difficulty concentrating if taken in high doses or over long periods of time. Rarely, it can cause liver damage or lead to dependency if taken without medical supervision.
Precautions
Percocet contains two active ingredients: oxycodone, which is a synthetic opioid, and acetaminophen. Oxycodone works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which blocks the transmission of pain signals from reaching your brain. Acetaminophen helps relieve fever, reduce swelling and inflammation, and relieve mild to moderate pain.
When taking Percocet, you should never consume alcohol because it can increase your risk of overdose or death due to respiratory depression (where breathing slows down). If you take Percocet regularly over an extended period of time for chronic pain relief or another medical condition, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to continue taking this medication.
It’s important to talk with your doctor before you begin taking Percocet so they can help you determine whether it’s right for you and answer any questions that arise.
