Percocet Addiction, Side Effects, Withdrawal, & Rehab

Percocet is a prescription opioid medication that is recognized as having a high misuse potential.1

This page will explain:

• What Percocet is.
• How it differs from oxycodone.
• The side effects that can occur from misusing Percocet.
• Signs of addiction to an opioid.
• How Percocet addiction is treated.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a brand name for a combination painkiller containing 2 substances: acetaminophen—commonly found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol—and the opioid oxycodone.^2-4

Percocet is available as tablets containing 325 mg of acetaminophen and varying amounts of oxycodone, either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg.²

This medication is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The oxycodone component of Percocet is a semi-synthetic opioid thought to relieve pain by binding to specific opioid receptors and altering how the brain and nervous system respond to pain.³

The acetaminophen component can also reduce fever.^2,3

Some of the misuse potential of Percocet may be explained by its pleasant or rewarding effects. In addition to pain relief, it can provide: ^2,4

• A sense of relaxation.
• Relief from anxiety.
• Euphoria.

Though Percocet is not indicated for such uses, these dose-dependent effects may be reinforcing of continued, nonmedical misuse of the drug.

What’s the Difference Between Percocet & Oxycodone?

Oxycodone and Percocet aren’t very different, aside from Percocet additionally having acetaminophen in its combination formulation. The opioid component of both medications work similarly, and both oxycodone and Percocet are indicated for use in managing relatively severe pain.^2,3 But Percocet has the added benefits of acetaminophen’s effects, which include fever reduction and a second mechanism of mild pain relief.²

Percocet Effects

Percocet misuse can have a number of adverse effects on your physical and mental health.^{2, 3, 5}

By misusing Percocet, you can be ingesting much larger amounts of acetaminophen than intended. This can result in severe, irreversible liver damage and can be fatal.⁵

Using Percocet even as prescribed can increase your chance of developing a tolerance, where you become desensitized to the effects of the drug and have to take larger doses to feel its effects.^{2, 6}

Regular use and/or misuse of Percocet over time can also cause you to develop a physical dependence, where your body relies on the presence of Percocet to function normally.^{2, 3}

If you suddenly stop using when you are dependent, you can experience symptoms of Percocet withdrawal, which can be extremely uncomfortable.²

You could also be more likely to develop an opioid use disorder if you misuse Percocet.^{2, 3}

Percocet Addiction Signs

If you or someone you care about has a problem with misusing Percocet, they may be showing the signs and symptoms of an opioid use disorder (OUD).

Percocet, oxycodone, or other opioid addictions are best left diagnosed by doctors or other treatment professionals as what are known as opioid use disorders.  These diagnoses are based on the presence of certain signs and symptoms as diagnostic criteria.

Warning Signs of Percocet Addiction

The presence of at least 2 of the following signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes could indicate the patterns of compulsive use common to OUDs, at which point it would be a good idea to speak with a medical or mental health professional about your use of Percocet and what your treatment options are.⁶

Warning signs include:^2,6,7

• Experiencing strong urges or cravings to use Percocet.
• Using Percocet in higher doses or for longer than originally planned.
• Wanting or trying to cut back or stop taking Percocet, but not being able to do so.
• Spending a lot of time focusing on getting, using, or recovering from the effects of Percocet.
• Cutting back or quitting hobbies or other social activities because of Percocet use.
• Having trouble completing major tasks at home, school, or work because of Percocet use.
• Inability to stop using Percocet even after it has caused or worsened physical or mental health problems.
• Not being able to stop using Percocet even after it has caused or worsened problems in relationships or social situations.
• Taking Percocet in situations where it could be dangerous.
• Developing a tolerance to Percocet effects.
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when you cut back significantly or stop taking Percocet.

Percocet Addiction Treatment and Detox in Mississippi

Treatment for addiction to Percocet or other opioids often begins with a supervised medical detox. After Percocet detox, many patients transition into other levels of addiction treatment, which may include inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services that set them up for long-term sobriety.

Many Percocet rehab programs incorporate a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, mutual support group meetings, educational sessions, relapse prevention skills training, and more. 

Oxford Treatment Center and other American Addiction Centers facilities are staffed with medical professionals with years of experience treating addiction. Call us at to learn more about our comprehensive inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Mississippi at Oxford Treatment Center and discuss rehab admissions.