Percocet is a commonly prescribed opioid medication. It has a high risk of misuse and addiction.
Opioid abuse and addiction are severe problems in the United States. Research from 2021 showed that about 8.7 million people reported misusing prescription opioids. Of those, 5 million had symptoms of addiction or sought addiction treatment.[1]
This article will explore what to expect during Percocet withdrawal. You will learn:
- What Percocet is and how it works
- The signs of Percocet abuse and addiction
- What to expect at each stage of Percocet withdrawal
- How long Percocet stays in your system
- Where to find substance abuse treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Percocet addiction or another type of substance abuse, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team with questions, verify your insurance, or set up an intake appointment.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription pain reliever. It contains oxycodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.[2] This combination of pain-relieving ingredients is effective at relieving moderate to severe pain. Doctors may prescribe Percocet to patients who have undergone surgery or during treatment for other medical conditions.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug.[3] Schedule II drugs have a known medical purpose but have a significant risk of misuse and physical dependence. Doctors typically prescribe Percocet for short-term use. This can help to reduce patients’ risk of developing tolerance and addiction to this drug.
Understanding Percocet Abuse and Addiction
Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen, both of which are pain-relieving ingredients. It works to relieve pain in two ways.
Acetaminophen provides general pain relief. The opioid oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain in areas. It affects parts of the brain related to pain management, pleasure, and emotional regulation.
People may like the way they feel while taking Percocet. they may experience euphoria or relaxation. These pleasurable effects can make people want to misuse Percocet.
Percocet misuse includes:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Using Percocet differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Taking Percocet more frequently than prescribed
- Taking Percocet for a longer period than Pres
- Using Percocet recreationally without a prescription
People who abuse Percocet and other addictive prescription drugs may develop tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to a specific dose of a drug. People with tolerance to Percocet may find they need to take more of this drug to get the desired effects.
Over time, Percocet abuse can lead to physical dependence. Once someone has developed a dependence on Percocet or other opioids, they typically require professional treatment and ongoing support. Treatment and continuing support can help people stop using the drugs and avoid relapse.
The Percocet Withdrawal Timeline
Quitting Percocet or other opioids can be very challenging. People typically experience significant withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Here is what to expect at each stage of the Percocet withdrawal timeline.[4]
Day one
Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 24 hours after your last dose of Percocet. Acute withdrawal symptoms include:
- Body aches
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
People typically experience intense cravings during this stage. The risk of relapse is high, and a relapse at this stage is more likely to lead to an overdose.
Day two
Withdrawal symptoms are likely to worsen during the second day after quitting Percocet. You may develop new symptoms, including runny nose, excessive sweating, and stomach cramps. The risk of relapse remains high as physical symptoms worsen.
Day three
Withdrawal symptoms are likely to get worse as you begin the third day without Percocet. In addition to the symptoms you are already experiencing, you may develop new symptoms that include:
- Flu-like body aches
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Medical and emotional support are essential during this stage to remain safe and avoid relapse.
Day four and beyond
Many people experience significant improvements in their physical symptoms after the fourth day of Percocet detox. After a week, your symptoms will likely become much more manageable. However, many people develop long-term psychological symptoms as time goes on, including:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness or agitation
- Anxiety
- Cravings
Many factors can affect how long it takes for symptoms to resolve completely. It is important to have support and treatment throughout detox and afterward. Getting the right support will help you stay on track in recovery, even when it is challenging.
How Long Will Percocet Show Up on a Drug Test?
People may take Percocet for its pain relief and central nervous system (CNS) calming effects. However, abusing this drug can lead to serious problems.
Because Percocet contains an opioid, it will show up on a drug test. Here’s an overview of how long certain drug tests may detect Percocet.
Urine test
Many factors can affect how long Percocet is detectable in urine. These tests can typically detect Percocet and urine for up to 4 days after a person’s last dose. Heavy or long-term use may extend the detection window.[5,6]
Blood test
Blood tests may be able to detect Percocet for up to 24 hours after a person’s last dose of the drug.
Saliva test
Saliva tests may detect Percocet for up to 48 hours after a person’s last dose.
Hair test
Hair testing has the longest detection window. Hair testing may detect Percocet for up to 90 days after a person’s last dose.
If you are concerned about passing a drug test or you want information about substance abuse treatment, reach out to the First Step Behavioral specialists.
Find Treatment Now
Opioid abuse and addiction can be challenging to overcome, but getting the right treatment can help. Find the detox and treatment programs you need by contacting the specialist at First Step Behavioral Health today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Only 1 in 5 U.S. adults with opioid use disorder received medications to treat it in 2021
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Oxycodone and acetaminophen tablets
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
- Oxford Academic: Urine Drug Testing for Oxycodone and Its Metabolites as a Tool for Drug–Drug Interactions?
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Urine Drug Tests: Ordering and Interpretation
