Percocet Addiction Information
Percocet Addiction Information
Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and Acetaminophen. Oxycodone is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone when taking in combination. Together, acetaminophen and oxycodone are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. It is considered an opiate.
It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for drug addiction and is only available by prescription from a licensed physician.
Percocet contains oxycodone, a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. Percocet is designed so that the oxycodone is slowly released over time. You should never break, chew, or crush the Percocet tablet since this causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose. Percocet as a prescribed medication is a very effective and efficient analgesic. When used
for legitimate medical purposes, this controlled substance can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans with debilitating diseases and conditions. It is often prescribed for cancer patients or those with chronic, long-lasting pain.
It is when it is abused that it begins to pose a serious addiction threat. This is what appears to be happening with this particular drug.
Taking Percocet daily can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body shows signs of narcotic withdrawal if the Percocet is stopped suddenly. This is not the same thing as addiction, which represents a situation in which people obtain and take narcotics because of a psychological need, and not just to treat a legitimate painful condition. Physical dependence can be treated by slowly under the advice of a physician by slowing decreasing
the Percocet dose when it is no longer needed for the treatment of pain. Concerns of drug addiction should not prevent patients with appropriate pain conditions from using Percocet or other narcotics for pain relief.
Percocet is a safe and effective pain medication when properly prescribed and used as directed. Percocet has also been used as a drug of abuse. You should protect your prescription and your medication from theft and never give Percocet to anyone else. You should destroy any left over Percocet tablets that you may have once your physician instructs you to stop taking the medication.
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