The Dangers of Mixing Percocet & Alcohol

Percocet, with its dual ingredients of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is a powerful prescription medication primarily designed for alleviating moderate to severe pain. While it provides relief for many, its efficacy can be overshadowed by severe complications when improperly mixed with substances like alcohol. This combination not only exacerbates the inherent side effects of Percocet but also introduces a myriad of new health risks.

Navigating through this interaction without caution can lead to unpredictable and, in some cases, irreversible damage to one’s physical and mental well-being. To further understand the gravity of this combination, we’ll be delving deep into its multifaceted implications.

Percocet: Usage and Side Effects

Percocet is a prescription medication, and it’s a combination of two active ingredients: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Let’s delve into what each of these components does and why they’re combined in Percocet.

Oxycodone: This is an opioid painkiller. Opioids work by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. They can be highly effective for pain management but come with a risk of addiction and dependence, especially when misused.

Acetaminophen: Commonly found in over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, acetaminophen is added to boost the pain-relieving effects of oxycodone. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks of liver damage, especially when taken in high doses or combined with alcohol.

Percocet is prescribed for moderate to severe pain management. It might be given after surgeries, injuries, or to manage chronic pain conditions. Due to its potency and potential for addiction, it’s usually prescribed when other pain relievers haven’t been effective, and it’s intended for short-term use.

Side Effects of Percocet

Apart from the dangers when mixed with alcohol, Percocet on its own can have side effects. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Euphoria or mood changes
• Itchy skin or rash
• Slowed breathing
• Difficulty urinating
• Light-headedness or fainting
• Unusual tiredness or fatigue

Moreover, as with many opioids, there’s a risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose. This is why it’s vital to take Percocet only as prescribed and under the careful supervision of a medical professional.

Understanding the nature of Percocet, its primary components, and potential side effects is paramount for safe usage. Always maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any concerns or changes in your condition while on this medication.

Alcohol and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol, a social lubricant for many, can often blur the lines between casual consumption and dependency. This potential for over-dependence is where we enter the realm of Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

AUD is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It’s a chronic relapsing brain disease that changes the brain’s structure and how it functions, stemming from various factors, including genetics, environment, and an individual’s psychological makeup.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

The signs of AUD can range from mild to severe, encompassing:

• An intense craving or compulsion to drink.
• A loss of control over alcohol intake once drinking has begun.
• Increased tolerance to alcohol, leading to consuming larger amounts to achieve the desired effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake decreases or stops, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety.
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school.
• Giving up previously enjoyed activities in favor of drinking.
• Consuming alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous, such as driving.

For those suffering from AUD, the inclination to combine alcohol with other substances, including medications like Percocet, may be higher. This not only heightens the risks associated with each substance but also introduces a host of new potential dangers. Hence, it’s vital for those with AUD or those close to them to be particularly cautious and informed about such interactions.

Adverse Effects of Mixing Percocet and Alcohol

Percocet, a potent pain relief medication, when taken as prescribed, serves its purpose effectively. However, when mixed with alcohol, its effects can shift from therapeutic to potentially life-threatening. This combination introduces a host of complications that can jeopardize one’s health and well-being.

We’ll delve deeper into the intricate concerns arising from this mix, discussing the profound implications it can have on the liver, the heightened disturbances it can introduce to the nervous system, and the dire consequences that could befall an individual due to such an interaction.

Liver Complications

Acetaminophen, one of the main components of Percocet, when taken with alcohol (ethanol), can have serious repercussions on the liver. The liver is responsible for breaking down both substances, and a combination can overburden it. This can result in a variety of symptoms that signal potential liver damage:

• Fever
• Chills
• Joint pain or swelling
• Excessive fatigue
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Skin rash or itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (a condition known as jaundice)

If you ever experience these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately.

Nervous System Effects

Oxycodone, the other primary ingredient in Percocet, has a pronounced effect on the central nervous system. Introducing alcohol while on this medication can exaggerate these effects. Users may experience:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired judgment and thinking

Such side effects not only affect one’s quality of life but can also be hazardous if one is driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require full attention.

Severe Repercussions

In extreme cases, the combination of Percocet and alcohol can lead to dire consequences:

• Low blood pressure
• Respiratory distress
• Fainting
• Coma
• Death

Certain long-acting formulations of pain medications, when mixed with alcohol, can lead to a rapid release of the drug into the bloodstream. This sudden spike can result in dangerously high drug levels, which might be lethal.

Precautions and Recommendations

If your doctor has prescribed Percocet, it’s crucial to adhere to their advice about its interaction with other substances, including over-the-counter medications, herbs, and especially alcohol. Always:

• Discuss all medications and supplements you’re taking with your doctor.
• Avoid any activity that requires sharp mental alertness while on Percocet until you’re sure of its effects on you.
• Do not discontinue any medication without consulting your doctor.

Help is Available at Gallus

While Percocet serves as a beneficial pain management solution for many, its potential interactions, especially with alcohol, cannot be overlooked. Understanding its nature, potential dangers and side effects is paramount for safe usage. Equally important is recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction, whether it’s to alcohol, opioids, or any other substance.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, alcoholism, or any other substance dependency, it’s crucial to remember that help is just a call away. Gallus Medical Detox offers specialized treatment options tailored to individual needs, ensuring the best possible path to recovery. We understand the weight of addiction and the challenges that come with it, which is why our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care.

Rather than letting uncertainty linger, take our self-assessment to get clarity on your situation. And if ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a courageous step towards reclaiming your life.

Let today be the day you take that step. Call Gallus Medical Detox and embark on your journey to a healthier, addiction-free life.  Call 866-272-5978 today.

FAQs

What is Percocet primarily used for?

Percocet is a prescription pain medication primarily used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It contains two main ingredients: oxycodone, an opioid painkiller, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Why is it dangerous to mix Percocet with alcohol?

Combining Percocet with alcohol can lead to increased nervous system side effects, liver complications, and, in severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, coma, or even death.

What are the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Symptoms of AUD range from intense cravings for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, increased tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, and consuming alcohol in potentially hazardous situations.

I occasionally drink alcohol. Can I still take Percocet?

If prescribed Percocet, it’s essential to discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your healthcare provider. Even occasional alcohol use can interfere with Percocet and lead to adverse effects.

Can I take Percocet if I have a history of alcoholism or AUD?

Always disclose your medical history, including any history of alcoholism or AUD, to your healthcare provider. They will determine the best course of action and whether alternative treatments might be safer.

References

1. DailyMed – PERCOCET- oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablet. (n.d.). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4dd36cf5-8f73-404a-8b1d-3bd53bd90c25
2. Oxycodone: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html
3. Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
4. Percocet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/percocet.html
5. Schiller, E. Y. (2023, July 21). Opioid overdose. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470415/
6. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
7. Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder – What is AUD? | NIAAA. (n.d.). https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/how-much-is-too-much/whats-the-harm/what-Are-Symptoms-Of-alcohol-Use-Disorder.aspx
8. Bcps, A. C. P. (2021, July 23). Is it safe to take Tylenol after drinking alcohol? GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/acetaminophen/tylenol-and-alcohol
9. Liver problems – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2023, June 21). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502
10. Drug Interaction Report: Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages), Percocet. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1034-14582,72-1135

Shannon Weir, RN

Shannon Weir, RN is the Chief Nursing Officer at Gallus Medical Detox Centers. She has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years, Shannon’s experience ranges from critical care to flight nursing, medical detox, sexual assault exams, and SWAT nursing. Shannon has been with Gallus Medical Detox Centers since 2010 and is a vital part of our organization.