Percocet is typically used for treating short term pain, including dental work, surgery and injuries. In some circumstances, it is also used for migraine pain or similar recurring medical conditions. Some of the off-label uses for Percocet include cough and insomnia treatment, however these practices are now considered illegitimate with many leading physicians believing more suitable drugs exist for these conditions.
Uses For Percocet
Percocet is a prescribed medication used to treat severe and moderate pain. The medication is commonly administered for short-term pain encountered from an injury, dental procedure or surgery. In addition, Percocet is used for the management of chronic pain
, and other recurring painful conditions. It is common for addicts to abuse Percocet due to the narcotic medication Oxycodone
it contains (see Percocet addiction
How Does The Drug Percocet Work?
Percocet contains a combination of two medications, namely acetaminophen and oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid
(semi-synthetic narcotic pain reliever) which is related chemically to codeine. Oxycodone has proved to be an effective drug for cough and pain relief
, however, side affects including decreased breathing (respiratory depression
) and drowsiness, are commonly experienced.
Acetaminophen is a fever reducing and pain relief medication typically found in non-prescriptive drugs, such as Tylenol. Combining oxycodone with acetaminophen significantly improves the effectiveness of each drug whilst decreasing the potential for abusing oxycodone (the maximum dosage of Percocet is restricted by the amount of acetaminophen). Acetaminophen levels need to be monitored closely when using Percocet to avoid toxification. (See Percocet drug Interactions
Using Percocet for Children
Percocet has not been approved as a medication for children. Studies with Percocet and children are inconclusive and require further research. Always discuss the benefits and risks of using Percocet for your child with your doctor.
Off-Label uses of Percocet
Occasionally, your doctor may prescribe Percocet to treat other conditions aside from pain. The uses for off label Percocet can include:
Many medical professionals do not advocate off-labels uses and consider them illegitimate. They believe more suitable medications are now available to treat these conditions.
Your treating physician will determine the amount of Percocet (oxycodone/APAP) you require depending upon various factors:
- Your response to Percocet
- Other medications you take
- Previous or current medical conditions.
Typically, the prescribed dosage is one tablet for every six-hour interval to help control the pain. For stronger pain (Percocet 2.5/325 mg
) dosage can increase to two tablets within a six hour interval to relieve pain. You should never adjust or increase the dose unless a treating physician has instructed you accordingly.
Things To Consider When Taking Percocet
- The medication is taken every six hours when required. It is taken orally and in tablet form.
- Percocet is best taken with food to reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
If using it "as needed" you should only take the drug when in pain. Alternatively, taking
- Percocet when scheduled means you take the drug as prescribed whether in pain or not. It is more common for Percocet to be taken "as needed."
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of Percocet as you may suffer from Percocet overdose or acetaminophen poisoning which can lead to liver failure.