Percocet
(Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1399 reviewsforPercocet
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Treats moderate to severe pain.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Prescription opioids are used to treat several kinds of pain - but they carry significant risks, including addiction. Learn more about these drugs and be sure to discuss the risks with your doctor.
Our bottom line
Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) is the strongest prescription combination pain medicine for as needed pain relief, but make sure you don't take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) to avoid liver problems or death.
Quick facts about Percocet
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
Upsides
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (oxycodone) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relieve in a single pill.
- Provides quick relief for moderate to severe pain to improve quality of life.
- Generally considered stronger than Norco or other combination pain medicine for treating pain.
- Good for as-needed, short-term use, but may be helpful to manage more long-term pain problems if used at the appropriate doses and intervals.
- Lower rates of misuse compared to pure opioid medicines.
- Can help you fall asleep easier.
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What to expect from Percocet, on one page
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1399Downsides
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Everyone will get constipation - always stay hydrated and take stool softener or stimulant on days you're taking Percocet if you need.
- All opioid containing medicines have the risk of physical dependence and possibility of withdrawal when used long-term.
- The non-opioid part of Percocet, acetaminophen (Tylenol), has a high risk of liver failure and death if you take more than the maximum daily dose. Be very careful.
- Relies on the users to be aware of how much acetaminophen (Tylenol) they are using since it is a very common ingredient in many prescription and non-prescription pain medicines.
- Avoid alcohol.
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What to expect from Percocet, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) is a combination pain medicine. Oxycodone is an opioid (similar to morphine) that works in the brain to lower pain perception. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.
Quick facts about Percocet
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (5mg-300mg) tablets of oxycodone / acetaminophen near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Physical dependence
- Difficulty breathing
Side effect rates for Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
Risks and Warnings for Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Current liver disease
- › Taking with alcohol
- › Taking other medicines with acetaminophen
The acetaminophen component in Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) can hurt your liver. Using more than 4000 mg of the acetaminophen (or 12 tablets of Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) can cause serious harm to your liver that may make you need a liver transplant and can be life-threatening. Don't take more than your doctor prescribes, and avoid other medicines that have acetaminophen when using Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Pharmacist Q&A
Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats moderate to moderately severe painCommon concerns from people taking Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Pregnancy
Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.FDA pregnancy category for Percocet
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Alcohol
- Avoid alcohol.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Percoceton 10/27/2016I equate the repercussions of taking a percocet to drinking a six-pack of beer, in that I feel similar hang-over effects when I don't take one the next day.26ManPain (moderate to moderately-severe)
Food
- Take it with food to lower the chance of an upset stomach.
Kidneys and liver
- The acetaminophen component in Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) can hurt your liver. Using more than 4000 mg of the acetaminophen (or 12 tablets of Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) can cause serious harm to your liver that may make you need a liver transplant and can be life-threatening. Don't take more than your doctor prescribes, and avoid other medicines that have acetaminophen when using Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen).
- Don't take more than instructed to prevent liver damage.
Pain
- This is a combination pain medication. It contains both an opioid medicine, and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Works best if you take it as soon as you start feeling pain.
- Pain relief lasts 4-6 hours.
- Talk to your doctor if it doesn't work well enough to relieve your pain, or if the side effects are really bad.
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (oxycodone) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relieve in a single pill.
- Generally considered stronger than Norco or other combination pain medicine for treating pain.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Percoceton 9/24/2017Only take what you need. It will usually never take all the pain away. It will help take some pain away, so you can find it at least more tolerable to be productive during the day.51WomanTwo years or morePain (moderate to moderately-severe)
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Percoceton 7/17/2017If you don't react well to painkillers DO NOT take this. My anxiety level was through the roof.15WomanLess than a weekPain (moderate to moderately-severe)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Percoceton 6/30/2017I take this for severe back pain. I've been on it for a few years. It will make me hyper, so I make sure to take my last one of the day by the latest 5:30pm. Withdraw is extremely hard. I had almost a week without it when my doc was on vacation and it was horrible. Overall, I'm so thankful for this medication.34WomanTwo years or morePain (moderate to moderately-severe)
Sleep
- Can help you fall asleep easier.
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed Percoceton 10/26/2016It will make you sleepy55WomanPain (moderate to moderately-severe)