Percocet Side Effects
Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Many people who take the drug as instructed tolerate it well but there can be unexpected reactions, even with short-term use and it should be approached with caution and vigilance.
  • Is Percocet A Dangerous Drug Percocet is not dangerous in itself, as long as it is used exactly as recommended, but its serious risk comes from misuse or prolonged use.
  • Rare, But Serious Side Effects Although most people who use Percocet have mild reactions, such as drowsiness, nausea, or constipation, more severe reactions may occur.
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Percocet, a combination of oxycodone (an opioid) and an analgesic (acetaminophen), is a powerful prescription painkiller for moderate to severe pain, but like many prescription painkillers, it does come with risks. 

Opioids like Percocet lead to over 16,000 medication-related emergency room visits each year and this is just more proof that you need to know what side effects Percocet can bring with it. Many people who take the drug as instructed tolerate it well but there can be unexpected reactions, even with short-term use and it should be approached with caution and vigilance.

Is Percocet A Dangerous Drug

Percocet is not dangerous in itself, as long as it is used exactly as recommended, but its serious risk comes from misuse or prolonged use. Oxycodone is an opioid, which can be addictive, while acetaminophen — which is generally safe — can damage the liver if taken in too large amounts. 

The problem is that the balance of effective pain relief and the risk of adverse effects needs to be reasonable, and this can be difficult in people who are prone to misuse or have other medical conditions.

Rare, But Serious Side Effects

Although most people who use Percocet have mild reactions, such as drowsiness, nausea, or constipation, more severe reactions may occur. These include:

Respiratory depression: Percocet slows breathing dangerously, often in association with high doses or Percocet combined with other sedatives, and can lead to an extremely life-threatening condition [1].

Hepatotoxicity: Caused by a large intake of acetaminophen, resulting in Acute Liver Failure.

Allergic reactions: There are very few cases but when these symptoms do occur, they can be life-threatening, presenting as breathing trouble, swelling, or hives.

Severe hypotension: In persons with preexisting cardiovascular disease and low blood pressure [1].

It is important for safety to recognize these uncommon side effects and to get immediate medical attention.

“Percs” or Percocet affects many systems in the body. Factors like dosage, duration of use, and individual health factors determine the extent of side effects.

Impact On The Brain And Nervous System

When you take Percocet, the opioid oxycodone hijacks receptors in the brain and spinal cord to stop the pain messages. It offers pain relief and floods the body with dopamine — the feel-good neurotransmitter [2]. This effect is, however, short-term and can potentially lead to psychological dependence. Use of this medicine over the long term may lead to tolerance, the need for increasingly higher doses to get the same relief, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.

Impact On Other Major Organs: Heart, Liver, And Kidneys

Heart: Susceptible individuals may have bradycardia (slow heart rate) or arrhythmias (disturbed heart rhythm) with Percocet [2].

Liver: Percocet contains acetaminophen, which is metabolized by the liver; too much use can cause liver damage or destruction. Consuming alcohol or having any form of a liver condition makes this risk even higher.

Kidneys: Cumulative effects of both acetaminophen and decreased blood flow to the kidneys by opioids could cause chronic use to endanger the kidneys.

An important part of long-term Percocet therapy is regular monitoring of individuals on the medication to prevent organ damage.

The effects of Percocet vary depending on how long it is used, how much is taken, and certain individual health conditions. To assess its benefits versus risks we must understand its short-term and long-term impacts.

Short-Term Effects

In the short term, Percocet is effective in managing pain, but it can also produce side effects, such as:

Drowsiness and sedation: They are common, and can interfere with concentration and coordination.

Euphoria: Oxycodone can generate an upsurge of dopamine that also makes you feel good which is why oxycodone has a high potential for misuse.

Nausea and vomiting: Typical side effects, this is especially true for opioid naïve individuals.

Constipation: Opiates slow the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and cause constipation to such an extent that users often administer laxatives concomitantly [3].

Long-Term Effects

Prolonged Percocet use significantly increases health risks:

Chronic constipation: More severe conditions such as bowel obstruction can arise from long-term gastrointestinal distress.

Cognitive effects: Long-term usage is responsible for memory issues, reduced ability to concentrate, and mental clarity.

Hormonal changes: Opioid use can also affect endocrine function in the long term and may reduce libido, as well as cause other hormonal imbalances [2].

Increased pain sensitivity: A particular condition, known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia, makes people more sensitive to pain over the long haul.

Tolerance, Dependency, And Withdrawal Symptoms.

Using Percocet regularly can make you tolerant to it, so you need larger doses for the same pain relief. In simple terms, it means that there is an increased risk that it will turn into dependency, a psychological or physical need for the drug. People who are dependent on medication cannot function without the medication and cravings for the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms occur when usage stops abruptly and may include:

  • Anxiety and restlessness.
  • Sweating and chills.
  • Insomnia and muscle aches.
  • Severe cravings for the drug.

Medical supervision is necessary if Percocet should be discontinued to avoid perils of withdrawal.

Percocet misuse, in any form—use without a prescription, use of more than is prescribed, misuse of it for purposes other than prescribed—can be dangerous. And misuse raises the risk of addiction, overdose, and long-term health complications.

How Dosage Raises Risks

Usually, Percocet is given in certain doses that apply to individual needs. Taking more than the prescribed amount can overwhelm the body, leading to:

Respiratory depression: Oxycodone can prevent the process of breathing, a potentially fatal reaction.

Liver damage: Acute liver failure due to acetaminophen overdose is common. Small increases in dosage above recommended levels, particularly in combination with alcohol, are toxic.

When Percocet is misused, tolerance builds quickly, which makes an extremely dangerous cycle of increased use.

Taking Percocet With Other Substances

One of the deadliest aspects of Percocet misuse involves combining it with other substances, particularly:

Alcohol: One problem is that Percocet and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, which makes them more effective at making you sedated and cause more severe respiratory depression.

Benzodiazepines: Taking Percocet with drugs such as Xanax or Valium increases your chances of fatal respiratory issues [3].

Illicit drugs: When Percocet is mixed with stimulants such as cocaine or other opioids, unforeseeable and severe harm may result.

Addiction And Behavioral Risks

Abuse often leads to addiction, a compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Addiction can ruin personal relationships, destroy career prospects, and bankrupt a person financially. If people no longer get prescriptions, in some cases they go to illicit drug markets, which heightens the risk of contamination, and overdose.

That misuse needs to be closely monitored and recognized by physicians, and public information programs, and patients should be informed of the risks involved in the non-prescribed use.

An overdose of Percocet is a medical emergency. Early recognition of signs saves lives because delay in treatment usually results in severe complications or death.

Early Warning Signs Of Percocet Overdose.

An overdose usually begins as mild symptoms which then get worse quickly. Early signs include:

Extreme drowsiness: The person may be overly sedated or unable to stay awake.

Slurred speech and confusion: The drug reduces neurotransmission in the brain, causing cognitive impairment.

Shallow or slow breathing: One of the most dangerous early signs is respiratory depression.

These are symptoms indicating that the body is having problems processing the drug and that management may be needed before it progresses into more serious stages.

Life-Threatening Percocet Overdose Symptoms – How To Recognize Them

If the overdose continues unchecked, more severe and life-threatening symptoms may develop, such as:

Respiratory arrest: It may cut off oxygen to vital organs, including a complete halt in breathing altogether.

Cyanosis: If there’s a lack of oxygen in the blood, the lips and fingertips can turn blue.

Unresponsiveness or coma: They could even become unconscious, ceasing to respond to stimuli from outside.

Seizures: Convulsions can be caused by excessive drug levels in the system.

What To Do In Case Of An Overdose

Get emergency services on the phone immediately. Give information on drugs taken, and the dosage, if known.

Administer naloxone: When given in time, this opioid antagonist can reverse oxycodone–induced respiratory depression.

Stay with the individual: Be sure they can breathe without a problem and keep watching their airway until help arrives.

Following Percocet in the prescribed dose and not mixing with other depressants is needed when trying to pass an overdose. Knowing and responding to early signs makes a difference between life and death.

There are some risks to Percocet that can be minimized by following some safety standards such as safe use, providing awareness about the potential dangers, as well as seeking help for Percocet misuse or addiction.

Percocet: Safer Use Guidelines For Prescription

To ensure safety, it’s crucial to follow these best practices when using Percocet:

Adhere strictly to prescribed doses: Do not take more than is directed by your healthcare provider, even if you experience more pain.

Avoid alcohol and other depressants: The mixing of Percocet with other substances, such as sedatives or alcohol, greatly raises the risk of liver damage and respiratory depression.

Monitor for side effects: Be on the lookout for signs of liver stress (jaundice or abdominal pain) or unusually strong sedation, and tell your doctor if you notice these.

Store medications securely: Lock up your Percocet and store it in a spot where children or any person who may misuse it cannot reach it.

Help For Addiction Or Overdose

Early intervention is essential if you (or someone you love) find yourself struggling with Percocet misuse and abuse. Several resources and treatment options are available:

Medical detox programs: These are a safe place to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Rehabilitation centers: Outpatient and inpatient programs work to recover via therapy and support on a long-term basis.

Support groups: Narcotics Anonymous is a community-based organization that helps people recover from opioid dependency. Other online and offline support groups exist throughout the U.S. and U.K. 

Hotlines and emergency services: There is immediate local and national help you can call and they can help you get in touch with specialist healthcare professionals.

Reducing Overdose Risks

The only way to combat opioid-related overdoses is with public awareness and preventive strategies. Key measures include:

  • Instructing patients not to misuse it.
  • Prescribing naloxone with opioids to decrease the chance of fatal overdose.
  • Prescription monitoring programs help to prevent overwriting by doctors and ‘doctor shopping’.

Following safe practices and getting help when warning signs appear can help people avoid the risk of Percocet use and at the same time enjoy its pain relief properties.

FAQs

Can Percocet Cause Depression?
Percocet can indeed lead to depression, similar to other opioids but particularly with long-term use. The mood disturbances with opioids, such as oxycodone, can be caused by the way the drug affects brain chemistry including dopamine and serotonin levels. Chronic pain dependency and withdrawal from their symptoms can worsen feelings of sadness or hopelessness. If you become depressed during treatment with Percocet, tell your healthcare provider right away so they can recommend drug treatment or other options.
Do Percocets Make You Lose Weight?
Percocet is not the common or direct cause of weight loss but weight loss may be observed in case some people experience appetite suppression or gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or vomiting. On the flip side, some other users could gain weight as a result of not being active or because of the changes in metabolism rising from long-term opioid use. Some cases of random weight changes should be discussed with a medical professional.
Do Percocets Make You Sleepy?
Side effects of Percocet include drowsiness and sedation. The oxycodone component—a central nervous system depressant—slows the activity of the brain and gives the user feelings of fatigue or sleepiness. The effects of Percocet are more pronounced when taken at higher doses, or when used in combination with other sedatives. Percocet causes sedation effects that can affect alertness and reaction time, therefore avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Percocet.
Can Allergic Reactions Happen After Taking Percocet?
While Percocet is uncommon to cause an allergic reaction, some can react to it. Skin rashes, itching, swelling (especially of the face or throat), and difficulty breathing may occur as symptoms. These reactions may be caused by oxycodone or acetaminophen. Severe cases can be life-threatening, if an allergic reaction occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Does Using Percocet Over A Long Time Damage The Bones?
Percocet along with other medicines from the opioid family may cause problems with bone health over time with chronic use. Long-term use often results in hormonal disorders (reduced testosterone or estrogen, which is essential for bone density). Maintaining regular check‐ups and concern about the uptake of calcium and vitamin D can help to reduce these risks.

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