Are Oxycodone And Percocet The Same?

Most people become curious about if oxycodone (brand name ‘Oxycontin’) and percocet are the same because they’re both opioids used to treat similar types of pain. However, there are some subtle differences between them that you should know about before you make a decision on which opiate type will work best for your next painkiller prescription. This article is designed to give an unbiased explanation of each drug’s composition, side effects, uses, and availability over-the-counter, so let’s get started.

What Are Oxycodone & Percocet?

Percocet is a brand name medication that contains two different drugs: acetaminophen (paracetamol) and oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid – that is, a chemical compound that works similarly to opiates. Opioids are chemicals that act on opioid receptors in the brain and block pain signals from being sent to the user’s mind, resulting in pain relief. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is another drug which can be used as a mild analgesic (painkiller).

What is the difference between oxycodone and percocet?

Oxycodone is a chemical compound found in the opium poppy plant. This means that it can be converted into morphine, which is another opioid painkiller with several medical uses. Percocet contains oxycodone in addition to acetaminophen (paracetamol), whereas just oxycodone exists in its own pharmaceutical product called ‘Oxycontin.’ Both drugs are available over-the-counter, but only Oxycontin has been approved for sale as a prescription medication by the FDA because of its higher potency.

Is percocet stronger than oxycodone?

Yes! Percocet has an ingredient added which makes it even more potent than regular oxycodone. The FDA has not yet approved the sale of Percocet as an over-the-counter medication because it can be habit-forming when used incorrectly. Painkillers are only designed to treat short periods of severe pain, but if taken for too long or in too high a dosage, they may lead to dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation. The reason why Percocet is stronger than oxycodone is that it contains more acetaminophen (paracetamol). Although paracetamol does not have any analgesic effects itself, taking two doses of acetaminophen at once means that there will be twice as much ‘active ingredient’ hitting receptors in the user’s brain – hence why this formulation is called ‘double strength.’

What are the side effects of percocet?

Percocet has several potential side effects, just like every other form of opioid medication. It may be habit-forming if used for too long or in too high a dose, so it should only be used to relieve short periods of severe pain. Additionally, some people experience drowsiness when taking this drug as well as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

What are the side effects of oxycodone?

The main side effect of oxycodone is that it may be habit-forming. This means that if taken for too long or in too high a dose, it can cause dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation. Other than this, the drug may result in some significant adverse reactions including nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness/dizziness when getting up suddenly from a lying position (known as orthostatic hypotension), headache, dry mouth, and drowsiness.

Availability and Legality

Can I buy percocet without a prescription?

Luckily you can directly purchase both drugs! Percocet is available over-the-counter in the United States and can be bought in pharmacies or grocery stores without a prescription. You will probably need to visit your doctor if you want the drug prescribed, but it is available over-the-counter for anyone who wants to buy it.

What about oxycodone?

Similarly, oxycodone is only available with a doctor’s prescription or on its own in pharmacies and grocery stores as an unregulated medication (without a brand name). It does not require a doctor’s prescription if purchased from these kinds of outlets.

Is oxycodone illegal?

It is only illegal to purchase oxycodone from an unregulated drug source. This means that it is legal to buy the drug over-the-counter, but only if the product is not manufactured by a pharmaceutical company and does not have any kind of brand name attached to it. Oxycodone can’t be sold as a prescription medication because this requires FDA approval – which was never granted for this specific chemical compound.

Effects

What should I do if I’m taking too much oxycodone?

An overdose from oxycodone will cause a depressed level of consciousness along with passing out or unresponsiveness. Breathing may be slow or shallow while the pulse rate falls significantly low – which may lead to a decreased oxygen supply to tissues in the body and ultimately result in death. This drug is extremely potent and should only ever be used in a medical context, never recreationally.

What should I do if I overdose on percocet?

An overdose from a dosage of Percocet can cause an extreme slowing of the heart rate and low blood pressure which may lead to respiratory depression – causing the patient to stop breathing altogether. Other symptoms include cold clammy skin, seizures, confusion, hallucinations, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, and blueish tint on fingertips or lips. In severe cases where death is a possibility due to long-term opiate use or drug tolerance issues, naloxone may be effective for reversal purposes.

What should I do if I experience withdrawal symptoms?

Percocet withdrawal symptoms are similar to those experienced during opiate withdrawal. Symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with chills. In more severe cases of withdrawal, users experience high blood pressure as well as a rapid heartbeat. It’s important to note here that Percocet withdrawal symptoms can last for several weeks after the last dose is taken. In conclusion, Percocet is stronger than oxycodone because it contains more acetaminophen (paracetamol). Both medications are available over-the-counter in pharmacies or grocery stores without a doctor’s prescription, but just oxycodone can be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. As always, consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from any kind of health condition! For more information, call us today at 302-842-2390!

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