Percocet

Percocet is a brand name for a narcotic pain reliever—oxycodone—derived from the opium plant, and combined with the non-narcotic pain reliever acetaminophen. It is usually prescribed in tablet form to be taken orally, and alleviates moderate or severe pain.

Non-narcotic painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, enter the bloodstream and block the production of chemicals that cause swelling and pain at the location of the injury.

Narcotic painkillers, such as morphine and oxycodone, block the pathway of chemicals that send pain messages to the brain via the spinal cord. The combination of these two types of painkillers in Percocet provides reduction of swelling and inflammation in addition to alleviating pain.

Pain sensation is not just dependent on the physical injury, but on the physical health and personal experiences of the wounded person. Someone who has experienced a severe burn, for instance, will react more strongly to the pain of subsequent burns, regardless of the severity.

This is why strict adherence to the prescribed schedule of taking pain relievers is important. These drugs work best when kept at a constant level in the bloodstream, and when administered before the level of pain is severe.

Prescription drugs have various undesirable secondary effects, but they are prescribed when the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of these side effects.

Some patients do not experience nausea, one of the side effects of Percocet. Those who do suffer from upset stomach find taking the medication with food relieves this symptom, although the drug’s effectiveness may decrease. Antihistamines and lying still for a few hours can also help with this side effect.

Other side effects include constipation, dizziness, changes in vision, drowsiness, and altered moods or mental states. As with any medication, when side effects persist or are extreme, a patient should consult the prescribing health care professional.

Allergic reactions to Percocet are rare and differ from side effects. If skin irritation or swelling, extreme dizziness, or trouble breathing occurs, this should be considered an allergic reaction and a patient experiencing these or other unexplained symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately.

Any narcotic drug can be habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. The effectiveness of suppressing pain can also decrease over time. For these reasons, following doctor recommendations, including asking before suddenly stopping the medication, is important.

There are several important factors that disqualify a patient from using Percocet and other narcotic painkillers. Patients with previous drug addictions, heart problems, liver or kidney disease, abdominal issues such as gallbladder disease, lung disease, seizures, or many other serious health issues are usually given alternative methods of pain management. Medical history, current health conditions, age, and alcohol consumption assist in prescribing the correct pain medication.

Pregnant and nursing women should not use narcotics for the healthy and safe development of the fetus or lactating infant. Since the most common side effects are dizziness or drowsiness, the use of this medication may preclude the operation of machinery or any activity which requires alertness.

Drug interactions are another reason Percocet and all narcotic drugs must be prescribed by a physician. Disclosing the current medications a patient uses is vital to safely administer the appropriate painkiller.

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