Percocet (Oxycodone) Alternatives, Side Effects, Withdrawal, FAQs

This entry was posted in Opiate on September 13, 2018 by Diane Ridaeus.

Last Updated on December 22, 2020 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Written by Diane Ridaeus
Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Loes MD

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Percocet is the brand name for the combination of a synthetic opioid called oxycodone and a non-opioid pain reliever called acetaminophen, also called Tylenol. Oxycodone has a similar structure and also similar addictive characteristics to morphine. Like all opiates and other combined opioid analgesic medications, Percocet is a CNS depressant which slows down the respiratory system and also the heart rate, and causes a euphoric, relaxed sensation.

There is also a time-release form of Percocet called OxyContin. Both Percocet and OxyContin have been the subjects of much concern with a soaring number of persons struggling with addiction to these drugs, and also the rising number of overdoses and deaths.

According to government statistics, prescription opiates including drugs like Percocet are the leading cause of recent drug overdose deaths, and the death rate continues to climb.¹

When two or more CNS depressants such as Percocet and alcohol are taken together, the additive depressant effects can lead to respiratory collapse or coma, requiring immediate medical intervention. The Good Samaritan Law allows people to assist others amidst a medical emergency; in effect, creating a liability-free solution to preventing overdose and death. The law applies to each state in the US and in many countries around the world. There is no legal ramification in calling 9-1-1 to request emergency medical help for a person in an overdose situation.

In addition to the risks of addiction, overdose and death from Percocet use, there is also an associated health concern regarding the effects of long-term use of acetaminophen leading to renal impairment and ALF (acute liver failure) as well as significant liver damage. The leading cause of ALF is linked to synthetic analgesic opioid medications such as Percocet, Lortab, Vicodin, etc.²

Before starting or stopping a drug like Percocet, becoming as knowledgeable as possible about side effects, health risks, and withdrawal symptoms can help to make the most informed decision possible for you or a loved one’s health and safety.

What Is Percocet (Oxycodone) Used for?

Oxycodone or Percocet is a pain relief medication for moderate to moderately severe pain. Typically, the common prescription dosage is to give one tablet every 6 hours for the relief of continuous pain.

Oxycontin is a continuous release form of the medication, given once every 12 hours.

Recreationally, both Percocet and OxyContin are used for their euphoric effects, similar to or stronger than other opiates such as morphine or heroin.

Percocet (Oxycodone) Alternative Names and Slang

Percocet, oxycodone, and OxyContin have all developed a significant street presence as these drugs are all habit-forming and easy to get addicted to. On the street, these may be referred to by nicknames, such as Percs, C, Oxy’s, OX, OC, Blues, Kickers, Hillbilly heroin, 40s, and 80s (OxyContin 40mg/80 mg pills).

Purdue, the makers of OxyContin started plans to reformulate the drug as early as 2011, to make it harder to crush and dissolve. The new formulation was renamed OxyNeo. OxyContin was banned in several countries, but until as recently as February of 2018 OxyContin was still being sold abroad. Purdue has now stated it will stop making the drug. But other drug companies may not be as willing to stop the lucrative production and sale of such medications around the world.^3,4

The greatest key to health is education, which will give a person the understanding of how to avoid personal medical tragedies despite disingenuous or even illegal marketing practices by over-reaching drug companies.

Percocet (Oxycodone) Side Effects

A person taking Percocet experiences the pleasurable euphoric side effects, a false sense of well-being, no pain, and profound relaxation. Other possible side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Unusual dreams or nightmares
Rash, reddened skin, hives, itching, flushing
Sore throat
Fever
Blurred or double vision
Mental fog or confusion
Dizziness especially when rising from seated or lying position
Hallucinations
Loss of appetite
Agitation, nervousness, restlessness
Difficulty urinating, painful urination
Back pain or pain in side
Yellowed eyes or skin
Pale, clay-like stools
Dark urine
Dry mouth
Twitches, muscle stiffness
Anxiety
Mood swings
Fatigue, tiredness, drowsiness
Loss of motor or muscle control
Weakness

Percocet (Oxycodone) Withdrawal Symptoms

It is recommended that one stop using oxycodone or Percocet gradually to avoid what could be intense withdrawals, depending on the length of time it was taken, and the dosage.

Withdrawal symptoms from Percocet can include:

Anxiety
Profuse sweating
Insomnia
Interrupted sleep
Shaking, tremors
Muscle and bone pain
General malaise
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hallucinations
Fever
Chills
Goosebumps

Discontinuing/Quitting Percocet (Oxycodone)

If you have been taking Percocet for an extended period of time, it may require gradual tapering to make it possible to endure the associated intense withdrawals. Seek medical advice before suddenly stopping a drug like Percocet.

Some persons may prefer to opt for inpatient help as the withdrawals can be near to impossible to endure without assistance. There are many ways to ease the process, such as a short course of bridge medications to ease these profoundly uncomfortable withdrawals. More information on withdrawal management is given below in the section called “Treatment.”

Percocet (Oxycodone) FAQs

Below are some of the questions most frequently asked about Percocet addiction and treatment options. If you would like more information, please reach out and we will help.

Is Percocet (Oxycodone) an Opioid?

Yes. Percocet contains a synthetic opioid and is classed as a Schedule II analgesic opioid medication.

Treatment for Percocet (Oxycodone) Abuse and Addiction

Alternative to Meds Center offers help for withdrawal and recovery after addiction to analgesic opioid medications that is humane, and as comfortable as possible.

ATMC foundational principles may make the difference between success and the potential for relapse. Here are some key differentiators in our program.

First, we test for and discover any residual neurotoxic substances that have accumulated in the body, usually since well before drug use began. These stored heavy metals, pesticides, industrial cleaners, and other harsh chemicals become embedded in the body and wreak havoc on the neurochemistry of the brain and the entire central nervous system. These accumulations may cause a number of unwanted symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain, and others. When these toxins are cleared through gentle use of infra-red sauna, nebulized glutathione, selected diet containing detoxifying foods, and many other non-invasive methods, these unwanted toxin-linked symptoms fade. Clients often report sleeping better than they ever remember, feeling calmer, brighter, more energetic, and many other benefits.

The second fundamental of recovery from opiate use is to understand how these drugs affected the neurochemistry of the body, and then understand how to reverse the damage. In the presence of opiates or opiate analogues, the body stops producing natural endorphins. Natural endorphins are what the body produces as a defense against pain. The body also begins building more pain receptors. This is because the opiates have done such a good job of blocking pain, that the body essentially forgets and must rebuild its pain-alert system by building more pain receptors. Now that the opiates (or analogues or synthetics etc.) have been withdrawn, the pain is tremendously magnified, at least until these extra pain receptors die off. This is the usual spot where relapse can occur because the pain is just too great to bear.

There are many ways the Alternative to Meds Center programs can prevent this barrier from stopping a successful withdrawal experience and ultimate success in recovery. Our approach to withdrawal from opiates is gentle, gradual, and supported by neurotransmitter repair protocols. In some cases, a short course of bridge medications, mild in nature but effective, may be desired to ease the person over the most intense part of the process.

Please reach out to us for more information about our program which has helped thousands of clients reach their goals and achieve natural, sustainable mental health and enjoy a drug-free life.

1. “Overdose Death Rates” NID National Institute on Drug, Abuse 2018 Aug [accessed 2018 Oct 22]
2. Montana RJ MD “Acute Liver Failure including Acetaminophen Overdose” National Health Institute Study on ALF, 2008 Jul [accessed 2018 Oct 22]
3. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health “The Use of OxyNeo and OxyContin in Adults: A Review of the Evidence on Safety” published 2011 Sep 20 [accessed 2018 Oct 22]
4. “OxyContin Maker Will Stop Marketing Opioids to Doctors, Company Says” The Guardian International Edition, 2013 Feb 10 [accessed 2018 Oct 22]

This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.

Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.

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Diane Ridaeus

Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words (the equivalent of about 60 Agatha Christie novels!) on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.

Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.