Both Percocet and Oxycodone are opioid medications for pain treatment that are known for their capability to manage both acute and chronic pain. Most people commonly mistake Oxycodone and Percocet as the same medication. The truth is, Percocet is the brand name for a highly potent pain-relief medication that consists of Oxycodone(opioid) and Acetaminophen (paracetamol). Thus, you will need a valid prescription and constant medical supervision to buy Percocet online and use it safely.
Learning about opioid medications is crucial due to the side effects and severe consequences associated with them. With common knowledge, you can not only avoid the adverse effects but can also ensure higher effectiveness. That is precisely why in this blog, we will cover everything that you should know before using Percocet for pain treatment.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a brand name for the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It is a Schedule II drug that has a considerably higher addiction and dependence risk, but is also considered a potent pain-relief medication. The two ingredients in Percocet play their own roles in alleviating pain. The opioid part in Percocet, which is Oxycodone, slows down the central nervous system to provide an euphoric feel. On the other hand, Acetaminophen enhances the overall pain-relieving effects of Oxycodone. It is because of the opioid that you are required to have a valid prescription to buy Percocet online legally.
One major drawback of using Oxycodone and Acetaminophen is the higher risk of Liver damage. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any liver-related issues to prevent potential severe consequences in the future.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is one of the most prescribed and misused medicines for pain relief. It is prescribed for cancer-related pain, acute post-injury/surgery pain, and chronic pain. However, due to high potential for addiction and misuse, the only legal way to buy Oxycodone online or offline is from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Keeping the risks aside, Oxycodone, when used as prescribed, can significantly improve the quality of life while providing immediate relief from moderate-to-severe pain.
Important Note: Oxycodone is prescribed only when other non-opioid medications are not showing adequate results and is an FDA-approved medicine for short and long-term pain treatment.
Key Differences Between Oxycodone and Percocet
The table below summarises the difference between the two FDA-approved pain-relief medicines:
| Feature | Oxycodone | Percocet |
| Type of Medication | Single-ingredient opioid pain reliever | Combination medication |
| Active Ingredients | Oxycodone only | Oxycodone + Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) |
| Drug Class | Opioid (narcotic analgesic) | Opioid + Non-opioid analgesic |
| Primary Use | Moderate to severe pain | Moderate to severe pain |
| Pain Relief Strength | Strong opioid pain relief | Strong opioid relief + additional pain control from acetaminophen |
| Risk of Liver Damage | Lower (no acetaminophen present) | Higher risk if overused due to the acetaminophen content |
| Available Forms | Immediate-release, extended-release tablets, capsules | Immediate-release tablets only |
| Brand Examples | OxyContin (extended-release), Roxicodone | Percocet (brand name combination) |
When is Percocet Prescribed
Percocet is prescribed for the following cases:
1. Acute Pain
Percocet contains Oxycodone, which is FDA-approved for treating acute/short-term pain felt after injury or surgery. Moreover, short-term use of Percocet is linked to reduced risk of addiction and dependence.
2. Chronic Pain
Although it is not the first choice, Percocet is also prescribed for chronic pain treatment where long-term or around-the-clock pain relief is required. However, long-term use of this medicine is linked to addiction and dependence, which can further translate to severe consequences.
3. Post-Dental Procedure Pain
Unsuccessful dental procedures or mistakes can cause sharp and unbearable pain due to the presence of millions of sensitive nerves in our mouth. Percocet is one of the few opioid medicines for pain treatment that offers effective relief from this excruciating pain. The Acetaminophen part of Percocet provides relief from fever, which is common with dental pain.
4. Cancer-related Pain
Oxycodone, the primary ingredient in Percocet, has been shown to improve the quality of life in cancer patients. It relieves them from the constant pain and provides lasting relief.
Even if you are suffering from any form of pain mentioned above, it does not make you eligible to use an opioid pain medication. Thus, before you buy Percocet online, consult with a medical professional and make sure to use it only as prescribed.
Who is Eligible to Take Percocet
Even if you may have the same symptoms as someone using Percocet, it does not necessarily mean that you can also use it. Percocet is a strong medicine and can do more harm than good if used inappropriately. Thus, before you buy Percocet online, make sure you are eligible to take it. Let’s understand when to take this medicine for pain treatment:
- If you are not allergic to opioids
- Patients who are allergic to opioids should avoid Percocet at any cost, as it can lead to severe adverse effects, including difficulty breathing, rashes, itching, and severe hypertension.
- No previous record of opioid misuse
- If your medical history contains cases of drug/opioid misuse, then there is a significantly higher chance that you will misuse Percocet, too. Consequently, the pain treatment will end up with you getting addicted to the medicine or a Percocet overdose. Thus, either avoid using Percocet or use it under constant medical supervision.
- Patients above the age of 11
- There are no conclusive studies done to show the impact of Percocet on patients of different ages. Therefore, do not take the medicine unless it is prescribed. Generally, Percocet is not considered safe for children under the age of 11.
- Other non-opioid treatments are not working
- Opioid pain treatment should not be your first choice, as they carry multiple risks. Thus, only use Percocet when other non-opioid treatments are not working or providing adequate pain relief.
- Prescribed by a licensed professional
- Doctors prescribe Percocet only after performing multiple tests and health checkups to conclude that you are fit to take the medicine. Thus, only use Percocet after a prescription and under the supervision of a professional.
Side Effects Associated with Percocet
There are both severe and common side effects associated with Percocet, and you should be aware of them before proceeding with the treatment. Avoiding Percocet side effects not only reduces risks of health complications but also increases the effectiveness of the drug.
Common Side Effects of Percocet
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Itching
- Mild confusion
Severe Side Effects of Percocet
- Respiratory Depression
- Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Liver Damage (from acetaminophen)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Severe Allergic Reaction
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Opioid overdose
- Mental and Physical Dependence on Percocet
- Opioid Addiction
The severe side effects of Percocet are extremely dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Thus, in case you feel any abnormal changes in your body after taking Percocet, do not ignore them and contact your doctor immediately. When detected and treated in the early stages, the fatal or life-threatening consequences of Percocet side effects can be easily avoided.
Prevent Severe Side Effects with Professional Medical Consultation By Smileeon
Percocet is a potent pain relief medication that comes with risks of addiction and dependence. At Smileeon, we make sure that you only get the benefits of opioid pain treatment without worrying about the risks. That is precisely why, before you buy Percocet online, consult with our medical experts and make sure it is the right medication for you.
Moreover, our medical experts will provide you with a personalized medication program and guide you towards safer Percocet usage. From Percocet dosage to side effects, and effective pain treatment, we cover it all.
Talk to our experts or get a personalized consultation!
Can using Percocet affect pregnancy?
: Percocet is not considered safe to take during pregnancy. Doing so can affect the mother as well as the baby. Thus, do not use an opioid pain medicine during pregnancy, unless doctors tell you to do so.
Is Percocet more potent than Oxycodone?
Yes, Percocet shows more effectiveness against moderate-to-severe pain than Oxycodone in general cases due to additional Acetaminophen, which alleviates the overall pain-relief potency. However, this additional potency comes with an increased risk of liver disease.
Can elderly patients take Percocet?
Yes, Percocet can be prescribed to elderly patients, but only when there are no other options. Moreover, extreme caution is necessary to avoid any fatal health consequences.
In how many forms is Percocet available?
Percocet is mostly available as an immediate-release tablet, and unlike Oxycodone, it does not have an extended-release form. However, multiple strength combinations of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen are available.
What are the signs that show Percocet addiction?
Here are some critical signs that indicate Percocet addiction:
- Using it more often or for longer than directed
- Strong cravings for the medication
- Doctor shopping to get extra prescriptions
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Drowsiness or frequent “nodding off.”
Are there any withdrawal symptoms associated with Percocet?
Yes, terminating the Percocet treatment abruptly or suddenly stopping the Percocet dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The stronger the dose you use, the more significant the withdrawal symptoms you will experience. Some common withdrawal symptoms of Percocet include Anxiety or restlessness, Muscle aches, Sweating High blood pressure, Chills and goosebumps, and strong drug cravings.
Why should I stick to the prescribed Percocet dosage?
Doctors prescribe the right dosage based on medical condition and the severity of your pain. Thus, taking less than the prescribed dose reduces the medicine's effectiveness, and taking a higher dose increases the risk of Percocet overdose. That is precisely why it is strictly advised to use Percocet only as prescribed.
