What is Percocet?. Percocet is a combination opioid prescription drug. What is the difference between Percocet vs. Norco?. How long does Percocet stay in your system?. What are the signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction?.

Understanding Percocet

Percocet is a combination opioid prescription drug. Opioid medications can either be formulated in a lab by scientists or made directly from the Opium plant. Opioids treat symptoms of pain with their relaxing properties. The generic name for Percocet is oxycodone acetaminophen. The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, forms the brand drug Percocet.

Street Names for Percocet

Percocet goes by different names outside of its branded name. Familiarizing oneself with the common street names helps prevent overusing the same medication, leading to an overdose. Common street names for Percocet include Blue Dynamite, No Buffers, 512’s, Percs, Bananas, Tires, Rims, Buttons, Ercs, M-30s, Blue, and Blueberries.

Percocet vs. Norco

The difference between Percocet vs. Norco is in the Codone type. Norco is a combination drug that contains hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. Percocet is a combination drug of oxycodone and acetaminophen.

Percocet Dosage

Percocet should only be taken when directed by a doctor. Outside of this, you could be placing yourself in harm’s way. Overconsumption of any medication can create severe side effects, such as developing tolerance and dependence on the drug. Percocet prescriptions come with various dosages and strengths, including Percocet 5/325 and Percocet 10/325.

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Percocet is a great recovery option for relieving moderate to severe short-term pain. However, this recovery option does not take away from the fact that opioids, like Percocet, are highly associated with substance abuse, addiction, and overdose. Here are ways to identify a current or developing Percocet addiction:

Physical Signs of Percocet Addiction

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shallow or slowed breathing

Behavioral Signs of Percocet Addiction

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Euphoria
• Irritability
• Lack of coordination
• Lack of motivation
• Poor judgment or decision-making
• Missing responsibilities
• Sleep trouble and change to sleep patterns

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

The length of time Percocet stays in your system has different variables. One variable is the health of your digestive and urinary system, especially the kidney and liver. A weak kidney or liver will allow the drug to last longer in the system. Another variable is the dosage; the higher the dosage and the more often taken, the longer it takes to leave your body.

Overall, Percocet generally leaves the blood in 24-48 hours, again considering the other variables. However, Percocet can still show up in the urine, saliva, or hair over 90 days.

Side Effects of Percocet

As with any medication, some side effects are expected to occur. Here are some short- and long-term effects:

Short-Term Percocet Side Effects

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Dysphoria
• Rash
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slowed breathing

Long-Term Percocet Side Effects

According to the FDA, there are physiological and psychological long-term Percocet side effects, such as the following:

• Long-term addiction
• Life-threatening respiratory depression
• Serotonin syndrome
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hypotension and syncope

Signs of Percocet Overdose

According to the FDA, an opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed, you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death.

An opioid overdose happens when enough opiates are abused to produce life-threatening symptoms or death. In cases of overdose, breathing often slows or stops. Overdose decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can cause a coma, permanent brain damage, or death.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the signs of an opioid overdose include:

• An extremely pale face or skin feeling clammy to the touch
• Body going limp
• Fingernails or lips start to have a purple or blue color