Overview of Percocet and Percodan
What is the difference between Percocet and Percodan? Percocet and Percodan are two prescription opioid medications commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. While they share similarities, they also have distinct differences in their composition and usage. Percocet is a brand-name medication that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen, whereas Percodan contains a combination of oxycodone and aspirin. Both medications work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, providing effective pain relief. These opioid medications are essential for managing pain but must be used responsibly to avoid potential risks.
What is a Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription medication that is used to treat patients who suffer from moderate to severe pain with symptoms of acute pain. They belong to a group of drugs that are classified as opioid combos or Analgesics.
It comprises Oxycodone Hydrochloride and Acetaminophen, with Oxycodone Hydrochloride, USP 2.5 mg, and Acetaminophen, USP 325 mg. Percocet works by interacting with specific opioid receptors, which causes mood changes, resulting in feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. As part of the broader category of opioid drugs, Percocet is associated with the current opioid epidemic in the United States, highlighting the dangers of abuse and addiction.
Side Effects of Percocet
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Weakness
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Dizziness
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Vomiting
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Noisy breathing
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Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Clay-colored stools
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Shallowing breathing
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Lightheadedness
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Weakness
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Loss of appetite
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Tiredness
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Fever
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Nausea
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Unusual bruising or bleeding
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Confusion
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Unusual thoughts or behavior
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Problems with urination
What is a Percodan?
Percodan is a pain medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It is effective due to its combination of Oxycodone and Aspirin, but it also has potential side effects such as drowsiness, so caution is needed in daily activities. Oxycodone acts on certain parts of the brain that help with pain relief. It is like Percocet, with the main differences between Percocet and Percodan being that one contains acetaminophen and the other contains aspirin. Both are used for the same purpose and act similarly in the brain.
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug and salicylate. It helps to reduce pain and swelling by blocking a natural substance in the body, allowing you to function normally and feel more comfortable.
Side Effects of Percodan
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Weakness
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Upset stomach
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Constipation
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Dizziness
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Drowsiness
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Headache
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Increased sweating
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Dry mouth
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Lightheadedness
How Pain Medications Work
Pain medications like Percocet and Percodan function by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This binding process blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain, offering significant pain relief. Additionally, opioid medications trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which can induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. However, this mechanism also poses a risk of physical dependence and addiction if the medications are not used as prescribed. Understanding how these medications work can help people use them safely and effectively.
The Difference Between Percocet and Percodan
Percocet and Percodan are both medications that are used to treat moderate to severe pain in patients. Percocet contains a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Percodan contains oxycodone and aspirin.
The main difference between Percocet and Percodan is that one contains acetaminophen, and the other contains aspirin. Both drugs contain oxycodone and are used to help relieve symptoms of acute pain in individuals. Prescription opioid drugs play a significant role in the opioid epidemic due to the risks associated with their use, including the potential for abuse and addiction.
Acetaminophen is one of the most used pain relievers and fever reducers in the world. It is contained in over 100 different products and many medications. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is another over-the-counter pain reliever. NSAIDs are connected to stomach issues, specifically for patients over the age of 60.
Risks and Health Concerns of Percocet and Percodan
Like any medication, there are concerns with having potential side effects and chances for Percocet overdose or withdrawals. Percocet is one of the most highly abused prescription medications.
There can be some long-term severe health side effects when taking Percocet and Percodan, including kidney failure, built-up tolerance, osteoporosis, decreased testosterone, immune suppression, urinary retention, liver damage, mental and physical dependence, and severe constipation. The risks are particularly significant when these medications are used for managing chronic pain, as prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Percocet can also cause psychological changes in the brain because it binds to the opiate receptors, causing it to be less responsive if it is taken for prolonged periods. This results in you needing a larger dose of opioid medication to achieve the same effects as before. Side effects of opioid medications like Percocet include slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and the risk of overdose, which can become serious emergencies requiring immediate medical attention.
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, it has been recorded that acetaminophen is one of the most common pharmaceutical drugs that are involved in overdose. Taking too much of it can lead to health problems such as liver damage, with the risk increasing if you consume three to four alcoholic drinks while taking it. Additionally, stomach pain is a possible symptom of liver damage associated with acetaminophen, underscoring the importance of monitoring for such adverse effects when using these medications.
Interactions with Other Drugs
There can be consequences that occur if Percocet and Percodan are taken in combination with other drugs or medications. If Percocet is combined with alcohol, it can cause severe respiratory distress that can cause irreversible health injuries or even death. There’s a chance that you’d need to attend visits at a hospital if too much alcohol is consumed while taking Percocet.
If Percodan is taken in combination with certain drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, cough medications, sleep or anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines, it could cause side effects such as severe drowsiness, dizziness, or shallow breathing.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration of Percocet and Percodan depend on the individual’s medical condition and pain severity. Typically, Percocet is taken every 6 hours, while Percodan is administered every 4-6 hours. It’s crucial to adjust the dosage based on the individual’s response to the medication and their pain intensity. Adhering to the prescribed dosage and administration instructions is vital to prevent overdose and withdrawal symptoms. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Insurance and Availability
Both Percocet and Percodan are prescription medications that may be covered under various insurance plans. However, the availability and coverage can vary depending on the individual’s insurance provider and plan. You must check with your insurance provider to understand the coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs associated with these medications. For uninsured or underinsured, patient assistance programs may be available to help access these essential pain medications. Always explore your options to ensure you receive treatment without financial strain.
Addiction to Percocet or Percodan
Both Percocet and Percodan contain oxycodone, a drug that belongs to medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medications). It works by acting on the central nervous system to relieve moderate to severe pain. These medications are highly effective in their ability to relieve pain, but they also carry a potential for addiction.
If oxycodone is taken for an extended period, there is a chance it will become habit-forming and could cause physical dependence. If the drug is used as directed and to treat pain, the chance of addiction is low. When you start using the drug in a different way than as prescribed or for a longer time frame than as directed, dependence can occur.
Some symptoms of abuse to either Percocet or Percodan may include an obsession or preoccupation with the drug, mood changes or isolation, tolerance to the drug, withdrawn behaviors, inability to quit taking the drug, needing it to function every day, sleepiness, confusion, or excessive sweating.
If treatment of either of these drugs is stopped abruptly, it could result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms to occur.
Percodan and Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
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Nausea and vomiting
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Fatigue
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Depression
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Coughing
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Diarrhea
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Runny nose
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Teary eyes
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Sweating
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Anxiety
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Shaking
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Muscle aches
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Increased heart rate
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Body aches and pains
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Irritability
If you or a loved one is struggling with a Percocet or Percodan addiction problem, AToN Center in California can help with our comprehensive rehab and addiction treatment care.
Get Drug Addiction Abuse Treatment and Rehab at AToN Center
AToN Center is a luxury drug and alcohol substance abuse disorder treatment center with highly trained clinicians. Our center focuses on the needs of each client, specifically their beliefs about addiction and treatment while providing individualized care. We provide luxury Percocet addiction treatment with our 3-to-1 staff-to-resident ratio. Seeking help for addiction is crucial, and American Addiction Centers offer specialized facilities for drug and alcohol rehabilitation nationwide, making them a supportive resource for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Our addiction rehab specialists are licensed doctoral-level and advanced certified CD counselors. Our program offers a variety of treatment methods, and no “one size fits all” method is used for our clients. The methods used depend on the individual’s specific needs regarding recovery, what type of treatment they prefer, and what is best suited for their situation. Some of the services in our inpatient treatment center are included below. For some clients, a sober living facility may be needed upon leaving treatment.
Amenities at AToN Center
If you want to learn more about how AToN Center’s San Diego rehab center (holistic treatment, non-12-step rehab programs, SMART Recovery, etc.) can facilitate your recovery from addiction, please get in touch with us today or visit our page for additional information.
Originally posted on November 12, 2020 @ 4:30 am.
Originally posted on November 12, 2020 @ 4:30 am
