A Painkiller that Kills: Identifying Percocet Addiction Signs & Side Effects

One of the most commonly prescribed painkillers that doctors prescribe is associated with high risks of addiction and overdose. Labeled as a Schedule II drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Percocets can only be procured if you have a valid doctor’s prescription. But the ease or the ingenious ways with which youngsters and college students can avail this drug is making the medical authorities sit up and take notice of a new epidemic in the making – the Prescription Drug or OxyCodone and Percocet addiction epidemic. 

What is Percocet/ Perc? What does it look like?

Percocet or Percs 30 are common painkillers. Along with hydrocodone (Vicodin®) oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®) is one of the most common prescription opioids – meaning opioids that are medicinal (unlike heroin) and have a medical use. The drug combines the opioid element oxycodone and acetaminophen, while the key active ingredient is Tylenol. 

Percocets come either as a yellow and oval pill or as a round and blue/white pill that can be easily distinguished in plain sight. The yellow pills are meant for higher severity of pain while the pale pills are for low levels of pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, one can be prescribed medications with doses varying from 2.5 mg to 10 mg. The dosage is generally printed on the tablet or in the strip box. But in the illegal drug market, the drug is known by another name Perc 30 or M 30s or the Blues or Dirty Oxys. 

Why do people take Percocet? The Dopamine effect!

There is only one reason that people are prescribed Percocet – and that is to combat pain. As an opioid derivative, it functions in a manner similar to opioids and releases certain brain chemicals -dopamine that suppresses pain and results in a sensation of calmness. In case someone in the family has had an accident or has gone through a painful surgery, it is not unusual for them to have been prescribed this painkiller. Once the course is done, doctors try to wean the patient off the medicine in controlled dosage, so that they do not undergo the stressful and often painful withdrawal symptoms that one could undergo if they go off these meds all at once.

Statistics about Percocet Abuse and Addiction and Related Chronic Heroin Abuse.

Percocet addiction is often the reason for or followed by heroin (another member of the opioid family) addiction and abuse. As apparent from 2011 data, 4 to 6 % of people who misused prescription opioids switched to heroin (probably once the validity of their prescription pills ran out). But that is just one part of the story for it has also been observed that a high percentage of people who are addicted to heroin end up misusing prescription drugs like Percocet as well. 

Another unlikely revelation that has emerged from surveys carried out by the CDC is that more women than men are addicted to prescription medication. This is a worrying trend. While painkiller abuse increased by 400 % in women, it increased by 270 % in men. 

Lastly, Percocet is certainly one of the most deadly drugs as the risks of death and overdosing are high and in recent times this drug along with other opioids accounts for the alarming 300% increase in opioid-related deaths.  

Causes and risk factors: 

When it comes to the misuse of drugs like Percocet that can save lives, it is important to understand the underlying causes and risk factors. Why certain groups are more at risk – only then would it be possible to mitigate the risks. 

As in the case of other forms of substance abuse, the environment and the socio-cultural setting, are the primary reasons behind any kind of abuse. Instead of criticizing oneself for a loved one succumbing to Percocet Addiction and abuse, identify the factors and figure out ways to ensure that everyone is protected from any sort of substance abuse. For example:      

Is there someone in the family who is using painkillers?

Is there a prior history of substance abuse within the family?

Is there a mental health-related condition within the family?

What is the state of the child and parent relationship? Are there regular conversations between the child and the parent and between spouses and siblings?   

If there is someone in the family who is on painkillers, then the relative ease with which this drug can be procured *stolen/misused heightens the risk of abuse ( by someone else) as is the case with ADHD medications. 

We must also consider the case of broken families where the support system is fractured or someone with a prior history of heroin use, or single mother families or foster homes (where the familial bond is not that strong)  – in all these instances chances of Percocet abuse are higher compared to families where a healthy parent-child relationship exists. That is not to deny the fact that even youngsters from comparably stable families could fall into the vicious cycle of opioid misuse. Still, the chances of abuse in the former category are higher. 

Why do people abuse Percocet?

Lastly, people who have been prescribed the medication for pain could end up misusing it primarily because weaning is difficult. After long use, they could develop a dependency and need more of the drug to get the dopamine release or relief from pain. It is a vicious cycle really, and one needs to be careful even while taking medications for viable reasons. Keep in close touch with the doctor and be careful not to take more than the necessary dosage. 

Are there any specific warning signs of Percocet abuse to watch out for in a loved one? 

Considering the heightened risks, it is necessary to identify the signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction and ensure timely help and rehab. Here are some of the generic symptoms, but these could vary from person to person:

Know them before it is too late!   

Life starts revolving around opioids – for example, an addict would be devoting all his/her efforts to finding the drug or getting cheaper and or easily available alternatives in the form of street drugs. If the medication is prescribed by the doctors only, they are unlikely to find the medicine without the correct prescription and hence they could resort to means such as stealing, faking identity, and even thieving. If nothing works they can secure deadlier alternatives and mix them with substances such as alcohol, amp, and marijuana. 

Living with a Percocet addiction is a struggle!

As a parent, the symptoms of percocet abuse and addiction are similar to other forms of substance abuse. For example, there is visible weight loss, there could be problems with sleep. They could not be eating right and have withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and anger issues. Psychologically and cognitively Percocet addiction results in poor decision making, lethargy, lack of focus, etc.

Effect of Percocet abuse: A life gone waste 

Percocet addiction and abuse could fundamentally alter the personality of a person. Some of the very visible signs of addiction are related to, 

• Loss of job
• Anger issues
• Dropping out of college 
• Missing classes, lower grades, and losing friends
• Divorce and legal troubles
• Setting a bad example for others and getting into bad company
• Stealing and lying, loss of face and reputation

If someone is new to the drug, the risks are higher because they would not know the right dose and take doses higher resulting in an overdose. This could result in severe respiratory depression that can lead to death. Regular use of the drug could cause loved ones to not only lose weight and have anger issues but to live in the fear of overdose, death, respiratory problems, heart, and liver problems, and have a lower quality of life and lower mortality. Hence, if you become aware of the fact that your loved ones are misusing drugs, it is time that you have a word with them or check at the nearest rehabilitation center for residential treatment, detoxification, and care. 

Comorbid conditions: Navigating Dual Conditions 

When it comes to Percocet addiction, your loved one could likely be abusing other forms of substances more commonly heroin and alcohol as well. 

Their mental health could suffer as they could have anger and impulsivity issues. They could develop antisocial behavior patterns and be anxiety-prone and depressive. Also, comorbid conditions like bipolar and mood disorders are highly likely especially if they have lived with a painful condition and have succumbed to opioid addiction following prescription drug overuse.

Withdrawal and overdosing: Do not underestimate the rebound effect!

Going off Percocet is not easy. It could be bad enough at a residential center. Still, at least there would be immediate help in supervised detoxification where any untoward incident would be handled with care. So if the BP shoots up, or the patient becomes malnourished or suffers from cardiovascular problems and other issues like dehydration, loss of consciousness or seizures, flu-like symptoms, severe cramps, and tremors, which are all quite possible when one is being weaned from the drug. A supportive and 24/7 service at a residential center is ideal for navigating the pain and the stress. 

Apart from the extremely visible physical symptoms, a patient could also suffer from anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and be aggressive and agitated when amid a withdrawal – under these circumstances when patients are at their worst, they need the expertise delivered by professionals. While the support of family is great, during withdrawal it is simply not enough. Also, remember that while many of the physical symptoms of withdrawal can be controlled in a residential setting there would be cravings or obsessions that could linger for longer. 

A supervised detox balances medication with your dietary and electrolyte requirements, so that you may experience a baby step towards comprehensive treatment for Percocet addiction..

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With overdosing the symptoms are also similar. Rebound effects are drastic as the person could end up using a higher dosage. Respiratory issues, vomiting, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and finally coma are the signs of overdosing. If this happens, do not wait to dial the emergency services as an overdose could lead to death. 

The more you wait the more you lose out on precious time. Whether it is you or someone or a close family member,  reach out to thereahabsupport.com at the earliest or call us at 949.325.7994