Many people are prescribed Percocet for pain relief after an injury or surgery. However, it is vital to take Percocet only as prescribed by a doctor because it can be addictive and cause serious side effects. If you or someone you care about is struggling with Percocet abuse, consider seeking professional help. The side effects of Percocet misuse can be distressing and even dangerous.
Ashwood Recovery offers Percocet addiction treatment in Boise, Idaho. Call 888.341.3607 today to learn more about our evidence-based programs and how we can help you or your loved one recover from Percocet abuse.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription drug available in tablet form and is taken orally. It is typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain after an injury or surgery. Percocet is a combination of the opioid narcotic oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. It is also the active ingredient in other medications with combined formulations, such as Percodan and OxyContin. Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Tylenol. It is a non-opioid pain reliever that is used to increase the effectiveness of oxycodone.
How to Spot Prescription Drug Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which healthcare professionals use to diagnose substance use disorders (SUDs), including prescription drug abuse. According to the DSM-5, some signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication
- Taking a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking a medication that was not prescribed for you
- Taking the medication for longer than prescribed
- Taking the medication more often than prescribed
Apart from Percocet, other commonly abused prescription drugs include hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Treating these addictions may require different components, which is why prescription drug abuse treatment programs should always be customized according to the needs of each patient and their specific diagnosis.
Side Effects of Percocet Misuse
Misusing or abusing Percocet can cause serious side effects, including but not limited to the following:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
Of course, dependence is the primary unwanted effect of Percocet misuse, which results in addiction.
Increased Chance of Fatal Overdose
An opioid addiction always has the potential to be life-threatening, even if the addictive substance involved is not an illicit or uncontrolled substance like heroin. A Percocet addiction can lead to experimenting with more potent opioids or even mixing opioids with other addictive substances like alcohol. These situations increase the chances of overdosing, which can sometimes be fatal.
Long-Term Side Effects of Percocet Abuse
Long-term effects of opioid abuse also exist and can be just as harmful as the side effects of short-term abuse. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Anxiety
- Decreased libido
- Depression
- Hormonal imbalances
- Lowered immunity to infections and illnesses
If opioid addiction is left untreated for a long time, there can also be unwanted gender-specific consequences. Men can experience erectile dysfunction, and women can experience irregular menstruation.
Find Percocet Addiction Treatment in Boise, Idaho, at Ashwood Recovery
Percocet is a powerful opioid pain medication that should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. If you or someone you care about is showing side effects of Percocet abuse, contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 in Boise, Idaho, for help. Our experienced staff can assess your case and create a customized treatment plan that will address your unique needs and help you on your road to recovery.