Percocet Addiction

Percocet ®

Percocet is a narcotic pain reliever combining the two generic drugs, acetaminophen and oxycodone

• Acetaminophen, the milder pain reliever of the two, multiplies the effects of Oxycodone.
• The brand name of acetaminophen is best known as Tylenol.
• Other brand names for Percocet ® include Endocet, Magnacet, Narvox, Roxicet, and Tylox.
• A history of head trauma or tumor, gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney disease, addiction, or breathing orders may require your doctor to adjust dosage.
• Percocet ® may cause respiratory disorders in unborn children during pregnancy and can be transmitted through mother’s milk to newborns.
• Maximum adult dosage of 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day.
• If constipation occurs, laxatives should be avoided until your doctor is contacted.
• Less serious physical reactions involve dizziness, stomach upset, dry mouth, blurred vision, or mild nausea.
• Adversely affects the outcome of certain urine tests.
• To be taken with caution under doctor’s care when using bladder or urinary medications, bronchodilators, adrenal gland treatment, irritable bowel medications, and certain other drugs. (See Percocet Side Effects.)
• Some serious, but not a complete list of, side effects that require immediate medical attention include: confusion, clay-colored stools, seizures, convulsions, compromised breathing, weak heartbeat, or jaundice (yellowing).
• Acetaminophen overdose may cause liver damage.
• Some, but not all, symptoms of overdose: pinpoint pupils, vomiting, stupor, dark urine, weak pulse, coma, slow shallow breathing, or no breathing.
• Manufactured by DuPont Pharmaceutical.
• Avoid alcohol when using Percocet ® as sedation effects tend to multiply and can aggravate the respiratory system.
• Federal law prohibits the sharing of controlled narcotics like Percocet with others.
• Impairs the ability to operate hazardous machinery or vehicles.
• Acetaminophen should be avoided in patients with alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis).
• Over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or other pain medications should not be taken with acetaminophen, unless specified by a doctor.
• The oxycodone component of Percocet can be habit forming, and must be taken according to instructions under doctor’s orders.
• Discontinue gradually, only under doctor’s care.
• Potential to cause physical or psychological dependence, unless used infrequently.
• Produces severe withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation after prolonged use.
• Use with sedatives, antidepressants, or alcoholic beverages increases risk of adverse side effects, dizziness, or unconsciousness.
• Prolonged dosage other than prescribed can lead to dependency.
• Among 6.4 million Americans using prescriptions for non-medical purposes, more than 73% abused pain relievers like Percocet ® (2006, National Household Survey)