Chronic Pain Treatment Percocet for Chronic Pain Management By Erica Jacques Erica Jacques LinkedIn Erica Jacques, OT, is a board-certified occupational therapist at a level one trauma center. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 23, 2023 Medically reviewed by Violetta Shamilova, PharmD Medically reviewed by Violetta Shamilova, PharmD Violetta Shamilova, PharmD, is a board-licensed pharmacist. She is an assistant professor at the Touro College School of Health Sciences, and has worked at CVS pharmacy for five years. She completed the certified APhA Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services course. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Overview Side Effects Safety Physical Dependence Abuse and Overdose If your healthcare provider prescribed you this drug, you may be wondering What is Percocet? Percocet is an opioid painkiller that is used to control moderate to moderately severe pain. Paul Bradbury / Getty Images Although many people take Percocet safely, it's possible to become physically dependent on the drug, and abuse and overdoses do occur. So it's important to follow your healthcare provider's usage instructions carefully. What Is Percocet? Percocet is the brand name for a painkiller containing both oxycodone and acetaminophen. It's a controlled substance, available by prescription only, and can be formulated in a variety of strengths. Most forms of Percocet contain between 2.5 and 10 milligrams (mg) of oxycodone hydrochloride, and 325 to 650 mg of acetaminophen. Percocet reduces pain through each of its primary substances:Oxycodone is a morphine-like substance that acts on the nervous system to change the brain’s perception of pain.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is thought to inhibit certain pain-related chemicals in the body, thought its exact mechanisms of pain control are not fully understood. Side Effects The potential side effects of Percocet include: DrowsinessConfusion or muddy thinkingConstipationNauseaDizzinessFlushing or sweating In some people, Percocet may cause serious side effects, including difficulty breathing, severe lethargy and “pinpoint pupils.” These may be signs of an overdose and require immediate medical attention. Safety Advice To avoid serious side effects, Percocet use should be closely monitored in those with any of the following conditions: Respiratory problems (including asthma or COPD)Circulatory problemsLiver or kidney diseaseSeizure disorders Its use should also be carefully monitored in special populations, such as seniors, pregnant or nursing mothers and children. In most cases, Percocet use in these populations is avoided unless the benefits of the medication strongly outweigh the potential risks. Physical Dependence It's possible to become physically dependent on Percocet, depending on how high the dose is and how long you've been taking it, as well on as your health status. People who become physically dependent on Percocet may experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly lower their dose or stop taking the drug. If you've been prescribed Percocet, follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. The symptoms of Percocet withdrawal include: YawningAnxietyIncreased heart rate and blood pressureRestlessnessNervousnessMuscle achesTremorIrritabilityChills alternating with hot flashesSalivationAnorexiaSevere sneezingLacrimationRhinorrheaDilated pupilsDiaphoresisPiloerectionNauseaVomitingAbdominal crampsDiarrheaInsomniaPronounced weakness and depression Talk to your healthcare provider if you believe you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Percocet. He or she can help you gradually taper off your use of the drug to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Abuse and Overdose Percocet is an opioid painkiller, one of the most commonly abused classes of prescription drugs. Abuse should not be confused with dependence. With Percocet abuse, drug use is compulsive and often non-medical. Percocet overdose can occur if it's taken more often than prescribed, or if the tablets are crushed or chewed, which can release too much medication at once. The potential for Percocet overdose also increases if it's combined with other sedatives such as sleep aids or alcohol. A suspected opioid overdose should be quickly treated with Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride). In March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan Nasal Spray as an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency treatment for opioid overdose. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. ENDO Pharmaceuticals. PERCOCET® (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP). Rollins MD, Feiner JR, Lee JM, Shah S, Larson M. Pupillary effects of high-dose opioid quantified with infrared pupillometry. Anesthesiology. 2014;121(5):1037-44. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000000384 Additional Reading Medline Plus. Hydrocodone/Oxycodone Overdose. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Prescription Drug Abuse Chart. National Institutes of Health. Percocet (Oxycodone Hydrochloride and Acetaminophen) Tablet. By Erica Jacques Erica Jacques, OT, is a board-certified occupational therapist at a level one trauma center. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit