Percocet: What Is It?
Percocet is a prescription drug that is a combination of the opioid drug oxycodone and analgesic acetaminophen also known as Tylenol. Percocet is considered to be an opioid which means it has similar effects and properties of other opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, or morphine. Percocet provides users with feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Many individuals will be prescribed Percocet to manage any ongoing pain or serious health concerns. However, due to Percocet being a powerful opioid, the risk of developing a Percocet addiction is serious.
Risks of Taking Percocet
While your use of Percocet most likely started innocently enough to manage feelings of pain and allow you to have relief from an ongoing medical condition, the allure of escape through Percocet can easily lead a person down a pain of opioid addiction without intention of doing so. The more you use Percocet and it develops into a cycle of drug abuse, the more your body will become physically dependent on Percocet to function. This cycle of substance abuse will significantly impact your day-to-day life making it hard to maintain your responsibilities and commitments the longer your drug addiction persists.
Most Common Side Effects of Percocet
Common side effects of Percocet abuse are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
- Fever
- Hyperthermia
- Shallow breathing
- Abnormal breathing rates
- Gastrointestinal concerns
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Signs of Percocet Addiction
If you are concerned about your use of Percocet or a loved ones Percocet abuse and want to know if it is time to intervene to get support through an addiction treatment program, the following are signs and indicators that your or your loved one use of Percocet has developed into a prescription drug addiction.
- Withdrawing or isolating from loved ones
- Expressing a desire to quit Percocet but experience failed attempts at doing so
- Developing a tolerance to Percocet and having to increase the amount used to reach the same desired effect
- Feeling as though you need Percocet in order to feel normal and function each day
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleeping patterns disturbances and changes
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Disengaging from hobbies or interests that once brought you joy
- Intense preoccupation with when you will next use Percocet
- Doctor shopping to be able to continue to supply your demand for Percocet
- Stealing medication from others
What Happens if I Overdose on Percocet
If you are concerned that you or someone else has overdosed on Percocet, it is important that you look for the physical signs and indicators of an overdose. If the following signs are present, it is important that you call a doctor and emergency services immediately to get help and ensure your safety and wellbeing:
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Bradycardia
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Hypotension
- Generalized central nervous system depression
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
6 Things to Ask A Doctor Before Taking Percocet
Before beginning taking Percocet, ask your doctor the following questions:
- How long you will be anticipating taking Percocet for
- Are there alternative methods of treatment that can be utilized instead of prescription painkillers
- Ask your doctor about how the use of Percocet will impact your daily routines or functions
- Speak with your doctor about potential side effects and when to seek medical attention if you are experiencing serious side effects
- Ask you doctor about how you will be tapered off of prescription painkillers to ensure your safety
- If you are feeling as though your current dose is no longer effective in treating your mild to moderate pain, speak with your doctor about if you should increase your dose and how to do it safely
Painkiller Addiction Treatment at TruPath
At TruPath, we understand that your use of opioid medications including Percocet often began as a suggestion from your healthcare professional to treat pain and other health concerns. Your chronic pain is legitimate but you want to avoid any serious side effects from a controlled substance. Our team of healthcare professionals and addiction counselors will work with you to overcome your Percocet addiction while treating your chronic pain through a comprehensive treatment plan. Patients will be able to stop taking opioid medications and learn how to manage moderate to severe pain through alternative methods of treatment. Contact TruPath today to hear more about the individualized treatment plan that will be created to help you move into a life of sober living and health you have been longing for.