The opioid painkiller Percocet can be abused in a number of ways. Researching online or reading any label on a Percocet prescription will flat out warn you against taking it in specific ways. We’ll look into what is considered abuse when using the medication, as well as possible adverse side effects.

Percocet Abuse

Percocet is a  narcotic, made from a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever known to increase oxycodone’s effects. Percocet is used to relieve moderate to severe pain, and happens to be one of the most abused drugs in the United States. In addition to treating moderate to severe pain, Percocet can produce a euphoric high, which can lead to its abuse, dependence, and addiction.

No matter whether Percocet is used with or without a prescription, it can be abused in the following ways:

• chewing Percocet
• injecting Percocet
• smoking Percocet
• snorting Percocet
• taking more Percocet than prescribed
• taking Percocet for long than doctor prescribed

Taking the medication in a method other than intended allows users to bypass controlled release parameters that were created in order to distribute the medication in a timely manner. This increases the chances of providing a euphoric high via a more concentrated dose.

Side Effects of Percocet Abuse

Side effects from abusing Percocet are often unpredictable and dangerous. Users who inject or snort the drug risk contracting disease from sharing needles or straws. In general, abusing the drug can cause users to accidentally take too much, resulting in accidental overdose or even death. When Percocet is abused, some other side effects can include the following:

• coma
• constipation
• fatigue
• heart attack
• irregular breathing
• liver attack
• mood regulator changes
• respiratory depression

If you are suspicious of a loved one abusing Percocet, look out for the following signs:

• the person has become disengaged from reality
• the person has become extremely fatigued or over-relaxed all the time
• the person is going through their Percocet prescription faster than prescribed
• the person has increased their use of the medication
• the person has attempted to refill their prescription more than necessary by “doctor shopping,” or visiting different doctors in order to get a new prescription filled

Percocet addiction can cause major problems in both the personal and professional lives of an addict, so it’s important to take it seriously. When ready to take the step toward sobriety, reach out for help and advice by contacting Hired Power. Call today at 800-910-9299.