Percocet is used as a pain medication that is commonly prescribed after surgery or trauma. It is a mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen. This medicine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it is highly likely to be abused. In many cases, it leads to physical and psychological dependence. It is essential to understand how long this substance stays in a person’s body to avoid overdose. Also, learning how long it remains in an individual’s system may help to prevent severe interactions with other drugs.
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How Long Can Percocet be Detected in Your System?
The average half-life of this drug is 3.5 hours. In other words, this is the period necessary for a half dose to be eliminated from the body. However, it may remain in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours, and this timeframe may be longer for individuals who use the drug heavily.
Drug Testing Issues
When a person is tested for drugs, it is essential to learn how long the drug is detectable. Different drugs last longer or shorter in a person’s system for many reasons. A person’s age, metabolism, length of use, and other taken drugs will affect detection time.
- Age. It has been proven that younger adults clear this drug faster than older adults.
- Length of Use. This drug builds in the body with time. Therefore, if a person takes this medication for a long time, it will be detectable for more extended periods.
- Metabolism. A person with a high metabolism will eliminate the drug faster from the body. This is influenced by a person’s age and level of hydration.
- Kidney and Liver Function. If a person has liver or kidney impairment, it will take longer to metabolize this drug.
Although there is no definite way to rush a drug out of a person’s system, they may drink plenty of liquids and exercise to dilute their urine and speed their metabolism. To eliminate the drug, a person must stop taking it. However, it is essential to discuss this with a doctor. When the drug is discontinued, a person may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Dangers of Percocet Abuse
Thanks to the oxycodone agent, a person can build a tolerance to the drug quickly. This is the main reason why the medication is not made for long-term use. In other words, a person will need to take more of the drug to receive the same effect. A person may be tempted to raise their dosage to keep the pain away. In time, addiction begins. Opioid misuse can bring terrible damage to a person’s body. In large quantities, this drug is harmful to a person’s liver. The acetaminophen ingredient causes the liver to become inflamed or scarred.
Percocet Addiction
As this drug enters the body, it releases large amounts of dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter that brings a feeling of euphoria. With regular use, the brain does not function correctly. As discussed, when the substance is cut from a person’s body, it may bring negative withdrawal symptoms. To avoid the discomfort, a person may return to taking the drug. During a relapse, an overdose is possible.
Signs of Addiction
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Lowered breathing rate
Symptoms of Overdose
The medical community recognizes the commonality and dangers of overdose with this drug. Currently, pills are limited to a specific dosage to prevent dire consequences. Frequently, overdosing occurs when a person blends this drug with other medications. Many symptoms may indicate an overdose.
- Blue skin
- Clammy hands
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Tiredness
- Weak muscles
- Slowed heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
It is essential to treat an overdose quickly. In many instances, a drug called Narcan is used to save a victim’s life.
Dangerous Drug Interactions
Blending oxycodone with other drugs can form a dangerous combination. For example, depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and OTC cold medicines may cause extreme sedation. Depending on the drug levels, a person may experience suppressed breathing or a coma, and fatal consequences may result. A person’s doctor may be able to explain the drugs that have the worst interactions with Percocet.
Withdrawal from the Drug
The human body is always trying to maintain an inner balance. When a person ingests foreign substances, especially drugs, it develops a physical dependence. When the substance is stopped, withdrawal symptoms will begin.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irritability
Quitting cold turkey can be very dangerous. Throughout withdrawal, a person’s heart rate and blood pressure may rise dramatically. It is much better to have assistance through the withdrawal process.
The Importance of Help with Withdrawal
Many professional treatment centers offer assistance when a person is ready to stop taking Percocet. At Allure Detox, we have a relaxing environment that is a perfect place to begin the first step in treatment. Our medical detox increases the chances of successful recovery. When a person is given specific drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms, the entire experience can become much more tolerable. One of the most significant benefits of medical detox is a trained staff of doctors who monitors patients at all times. This includes assessing the heart rate so that a person remains safe.
Several medications are used to help a person become sober. These drugs work by tricking the brain into thinking that they are still using. It is vital to recognize a detox medicine is only taken temporarily, and a person is tapered off gradually so that no further problems arise. Continuing treatment will help a person deal with the root of the issue to successful long-term recovery.
The Value of Treatment
To repeat, the first part of treatment is overcoming physical withdrawal. However, the long-term objective is to get through psychological dependence. Addiction trains the brain to believe that it needs drugs to deal with pain and stress. Through professional treatment, a person learns that there are more positive ways to deal with pain and discomfort without drugs.
At Allure Detox, we dedicate our services to treating individuals in the West Palm Beach vicinity. Our medical detox includes a safe and effective buprenorphine tapering protocol. We specialize in dual diagnosis cases and holistic therapies. If a person is suffering from a drug misuse disorder, they may simultaneously be dealing with a mental illness. We address each of these complex problems to achieve a successful outcome.
We take a holistic approach to treatment. We use alternative therapies like yoga, massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy to help individuals deal with issues. Long-term sobriety is possible when a person is taught positive coping mechanisms and healthy means of pain management. If you or a loved one is addicted to Percocet, contact us today.