While doctors may prescribe drugs like Percocet, these drugs can still cause an addiction. Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Since oxycodone is an opioid, it can cause an addiction. Once someone takes the drug, the Percocet side effects begin right away. The initial effects last for about four to six hours. Once someone has an addiction, family members may notice other side effects and lifestyle changes as well.
What Is Percocet?
Doctors normally prescribe this drug for pain relief. It consists of two ingredients that reduce pain and fevers. Normally, Percocet is for moderate to severe pain. Because it is addictive, doctors do not generally use Percocet for chronic pain.
As an opioid, Percocet is like heroin and morphine. When someone uses it for a while, it changes their central nervous system and mind. Before long, their brain stops perceiving pain normally. The drug changes pain perception and the mind’s reward system circuitry.
People sometimes take Percocet in large doses to get a sense of euphoria. They experience a sense of calmness and relaxation. This heightened pleasure is similar to what people feel when they take heroin. Because Percocet is a prescription drug, people wrongly think that it is safe. Unfortunately, Percocet abuse can quickly lead to an addiction and harmful side effects.
Percocet Side Effects and Symptoms
There are several common Percocet side effects that loved ones can watch out for. When someone is using Percocet, loved ones may notice signs like slow breathing, confusion or sweating. The individual may experience other Percocet side effects such as:
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Sleepiness
Tiny pupils
Vomiting
Headaches
If someone has an addiction, their behavior may change. For example, someone may initially use Percocet as a prescription. If they start crushing, injecting or snorting the drug, it is a sign that the individual may have an addiction. They may also take a larger amount more frequently than they should.
Signs of an Addiction
Over time, an opioid addiction can cause physical damage to the body. It can cause liver failure if the individual does not get help in a Percocet addiction treatment program. Loved ones may also notice Percocet side effects. When someone has an addiction, they do not always have consistent access to the drug.
During withdrawal, the individual may experience panic attacks and dizziness. They may suffer from flu-like symptoms like a fever or digestive problems. They may also develop muscle pain, excessive fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Unfortunately, many people take large doses of Percocet to get a “high” sensation. Large doses can potentially cause an overdose. If this happens, the individual may become exceptionally sleeping, dizzy or weak. Their pupils will constrict significantly. Left untreated, an overdose can cause respiratory failure and breathing problems. Loved ones may notice clammy skin, fainting or blue-tinged skin.
Getting Help for Percocet Abuse
Over the long run, Percocet abuse can cause physical damage to the individual’s body. It can also cause an overdose and immediate Percocet side effects. With the right treatment center, individuals can get help recovering from their addiction and learn relapse prevention techniques. The right program can offer support through options including:
No one deserves to live with the pain and suffering of Percocet side effects. If you want to start your journey toward recovery, the Crest View Recovery Center is here to help. To find out how we can support your sobriety, call us at 866-327-2505.
You’re here for a reason, right?
Let’s talk it through.
Our COVID-19 Protocols
First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe recovery environment and encourage and/or adopt practices protecting the health of patients, employees, visitors and others. We also want to ensure the continuity of providing our addiction recovery services in the face of this global pandemic as we remain open. Note, our staff is fully vaccinated.
The world health community continues to monitor closely the emergence of COVID-19. We want everyone to understand the exact precautions we are taking to address these concerns.
Effective Until Further Notice
ALL incoming clients are pre-screened and Crest view is utilizing the COVID-19 Rapid Test for all newly admitted patients to ensure a safe treatment environment.
No non-essential visitors
ALL clients will need to have their temperature taken daily and recorded. Any client with a temperature higher than 100.4 will be taken to an Urgent Care facility.
ALL Crest View Staff are being routinely tested for COVID.
ALL BHT staff will need to have their temperature taken at the start of their assigned shift. Any BHT staff member with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home in accordance with this policy.
ALL administrative staff and essential visitors will be required to enter the building upstairs and have their temperature taken with a temple thermometer. Any staff or essential visitor with a temperature higher than 100.4 will be denied entry and be sent home in accordance with this policy.
In accordance with the North Carolina State mandate, all staff, clients and essential visitors will be asked to wear a mask when they can not attain proper social distance.
Some off-site activities may be canceled due to state mandates.
Crest View Recovery Center will provide hand sanitizers throughout the workplace and in common areas. Cleaning sprays and wipes will also be provided to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones and keyboards.
We have required that employees experiencing any respiratory or flu like symptoms will stay home from work. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employees remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100.4 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have any questions regarding our COVID-19 protocols or the admissions process during this time, please give us a call directly at (866) 327-2505.