Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen): Side Effects & Warnings

What is Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)?

Percocet is a prescription medication used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It contains two active ingredients: oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a medicine that helps reduce pain and fever.

Because it contains an opioid, Percocet can cause sedation and other serious side effects. It is important to use it exactly as prescribed and to tell a healthcare professional about any history of substance use, liver problems, breathing problems, or other medical conditions.

How does oxycodone and acetaminophen work?

Oxycodone changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Acetaminophen also helps relieve pain, and together the two ingredients can provide stronger pain relief than either ingredient alone.

At the same time, the opioid component can lead to tolerance, dependence, and misuse if it is not used carefully. That is why monitoring is especially important when treatment begins.

Common side effects of Percocet

Like all medicines, Percocet can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Headache

These effects may be mild for some people and more troublesome for others. If side effects are persistent or hard to manage, a healthcare professional should review them.

Serious warnings and when to get help

Some reactions can be serious and need urgent medical attention. Seek help right away if there are signs of:

• Allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Possible liver injury, especially with high doses or prolonged use

Because Percocet contains an opioid, overdose is a major concern. Emergency help is needed if someone is hard to wake, breathing slowly, or not breathing normally.

Signs of a Percocet overdose

Possible overdose symptoms include:

• Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pale or bluish skin, especially around the lips or fingertips

If these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately. Timely treatment may include naloxone for opioid overdose.

Important precautions before using Percocet

Several precautions are important when using this medicine:

• Avoid alcohol, which can increase sedation and breathing problems.
• Do not combine it with other medicines that contain acetaminophen.
• Be careful with other medicines that cause drowsiness, including some sedatives and sleep medicines.
• Tell a healthcare professional about liver disease, breathing disorders, or a history of substance use.
• Discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with a clinician.

Monitoring is especially important during the first days of treatment, when side effects may be more noticeable.

What to avoid while taking oxycodone and acetaminophen

To reduce risk, avoid the following unless a healthcare professional says otherwise:

• Alcohol
• Other acetaminophen-containing products
• Driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you
• Mixing with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines that may cause sedation

How to store Percocet safely

Safe storage helps prevent accidental use and misuse:

• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Store it out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid keeping it in the bathroom, where humidity may affect storage.
• Dispose of unused or expired medicine using local guidance or a pharmacy take-back program.

What to verify with a doctor or pharmacist

If you have questions about Percocet, a doctor or pharmacist can help confirm:

• Whether it is appropriate for your pain condition
• Which other medicines may interact with it
• How to recognize side effects that need urgent attention
• How to avoid accidental acetaminophen overlap from other products

Frequently asked questions