Percocet is a combination opioid prescription drug. Opioid medications can either be formulated in a lab by scientists or made directly from the Opium plant.1 Opioids treat symptoms of pain with their relaxing properties.
The generic name for Percocet is oxycodone acetaminophen. The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, forms the brand drug Percocet.
The difference between Percocet vs. Norco is in the Codone type. Norco is a combination drug that contains hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. Percocet is a combination drug of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Percocet should only be taken when directed by a doctor. Outside of this, you could be placing yourself in harm’s way. Overconsumption of any medication can create severe side effects, such as developing tolerance and dependence on the drug.
The amount of medicine taken should depend on the strength of the medication and your unique body composition. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long the prescription lasts also depends on the medical problem as well.4
Each Percocet dosage oral route tablet contains oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen. Percocet prescriptions come with various dosages and strengths.
Percocet 5/325 contains 5 mg of United States Pharmacopeia, USP, oxycodone hydrochloride, and 325 mg of USP acetaminophen.
Percocet 10/325 contains 10 mg of United States Pharmacopeia, USP, oxycodone hydrochloride, and 325 mg of USP acetaminophen.
The more oxycodone hydrochloride is in the tablet, the greater its strength.
Percocet is a great recovery option for relieving moderate to severe short-term pain. However, this recovery option does not take away from the fact that opioids, like Percocet, are highly associated with substance abuse, addiction, and overdose. Here are ways to identify a current or developing Percocet addiction.
The length of time Percocet stays in your system has different variables. One variable is the health of your digestive and urinary system, especially the kidney and liver. A weak kidney or liver will allow the drug to last longer in the system. Another variable is the dosage; the higher the dosage and the more often taken, the longer it takes to leave your body.
Overall, Percocet generally leaves the blood in 24-48 hours, again considering the other variables. However, Percocet can still show up in the urine, saliva, or hair over 90 days.
As with any medication, some side effects are expected to occur.4 Here are some short- and long-term effects:
According to the FDA, there are physiological and psychological long-term Percocet side effects, such as the following:
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the signs of an opioid overdose include:6
Opioid treatments, such as Percocet, include medicine and behavioral therapy to help address a substance use disorder.
Detox centers are an effective way to detox from prescription medicine. With trained medical and clinical professionals, detox centers are a safe and supportive way to evaluate and address the needs. These centers often have individualized strategies to make the withdrawal process and comfortable as possible.
Gregory Ng is the CEO of Brooks Bell. In his nearly 25 years in marketing, Greg has created innovative solutions leading to digital and cognitive transformations for the biggest high-tech, retail and financial brands in the world. Greg adds knowledge in marketing strategy, content production, and brand awareness to the AHV advisory board.
Hunt Broyhill holds several positions within the Broyhill family offices and serves as President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of BMC Fund and Chief Executive Officer of Broyhill Asset Management. Hunt brings valuable experience in capital allocation, real estate, and investor relations to the AHV advisory board.
Alan Hughes was formerly the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. In addition to BCBS, Alan held officer positions in both operations and technology at GE Commercial Finance, Deutsche Bank, and American Express. Alan brings a unique combination of efficient process design and technological problem solving to the AHV advisory board.
Lynn is the CEO of Broadstep. Previously, Lynn held various roles in both healthcare and finance where she oversaw multi-site, multi-state organizations within primary care, acute and chronic services, hospitals, and pharmacies. Lynn brings valuable experience in healthcare leadership, recruiting, and growth strategy to the AHV advisory board.
John Roos is the retired Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Under Roos’s tenure, the company’s revenue grew from $1.5 billion to $9.5 billion, while adding 1 million members. John brings valuable experience in growth strategy, enterprise sales, and provider contracting to the AHV advisory board.
Dr. Hendree Jones is the Executive Director of UNC-Horizons and an internationally recognized expert in behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for pregnant women and their children. Dr. Jones has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1994 and has over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Jones is an advisor to the UN, WHO, SAMHSA, ASAM, and ACOG through which she consults throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Jones brings valuable experience in grant writing, research, and healthcare administration to the AHV advisory board.
Brad is the CEO Emeritus for BCBSNC and Chair of the BCBSNC Foundation. He served as Gov. Jim Hunt’s general counsel and is a past chair of the UNC Board of Governors. Brad serves on numerous public and private boards and is a lifelong North Carolinian with degrees from Appalachian State, Wake Forest, and Duke. He brings valuable experience in healthcare, law, higher education, and politics.
Jake Summers is a passionate entrepreneur who is dedicated to bringing the energy of change to existing healthcare business models and making higher quality healthcare more accessible. Jake co-founded a mango farming/export company in Cambodia and serves as an advisor for a number of small businesses. Jake is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine and is the Development Director and a Partner of Green Hill.
Tripp Johnson is a serial healthcare entrepreneur who’s dedicated his post-military professional life to serving young adults. He is the co-founder of Advaita Integrated Medicine, Advaita Health Ventures, and Green Hill Recovery. Tripp is passionate about making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible through innovative business models and technology-focused solutions.