Percocet® is one of the brand names for the medication oxycodone, an opioid painkiller, when it is combined with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) acetaminophen. Usually, this medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain that is not anticipated to last for a long period of time. Due to the risk of harmful side effects from opioids, individuals taking this drug should use caution when calculating their Percocet® dosage. An optimal dose of this medication minimizes side effects while maximizing pain relief. Many factors like the severity of pain, opioid tolerance, and other medications taken at the same time can all influence the dosage required.
Several strengths of Percocet® are available, and a different initial dosage is typically based on body weight and the level of pain experienced. People with low levels of pain or a low body weight typically take a starting Percocet® dosage of 2.5/325 milligrams (mg) or 5/325 mg every four to six hours. The first number in a dose of this medication refers to the amount of oxycodone, and the second refers to the amount of acetaminophen in the pill. Individuals with more severe pain, or with a greater body weight, may take a starting dose of 5/325 mg to 10/650 mg every four to six hours.
Often, this medication is taken at the same dosage for a period of a few months or less. Taking any Percocet® dosage for longer than this may lead to a risk of stomach or liver damage from the NSAID in the pill. During this period of time, however, tolerance may build, so that the medication does not relieve pain as well. The Percocet® dosage may be increased by 2.5/325 mg in the event that this occurs.
Other medications can interact with Percocet® to cause harmful side effects, including sedation. People taking other opioids for pain, or depressant medications for sleep or anxiety may take a lower Percocet® dosage than if they were not taking other drugs. For example, a person taking another opioid that would normally need 5/325 mg Percocet® would only take 2.5/325 at a time, instead.
After treating the medical condition that was causing pain to an individual taking this drug, it does not need to be taken any longer. In this event, the Percocet® dosage is often decreased gradually over several weeks, instead of being suddenly stopped. Gradual tapering can help reduce the risk of a person experiencing unpleasant withdrawal effects.
