Percodan® is the brand name of a drug that contains oxycodone and aspirin. It is a powerful narcotic pain reliever. People who are suffering from an injury or recovering from surgery may be given this prescription medication to ease extreme discomfort and pain. It is generally not offered to children or those who are allergic to its ingredients, however.
Narcotic pain medicine is usually recommended for temporary use. The reason for this is that long-term drug therapy with this medication can lead to dependency and addiction. When this occurs, it may be very difficult for the patient to stop taking it. In fact, withdrawal symptoms are often noticed when it is abruptly discontinued after extensive drug therapy. Doctors usually monitor patients closely who are taking this type of medication for pain management.
Common side effects of Percodan® typically include dizziness and sleepiness. Therefore, patients are advised against driving cars or doing other activities that require them to remain alert. Some people also experience gastrointestinal upset, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea. This is more common during the early stages of treatment.
Each person may experience different side effects and to varying degrees. For example, some people suffer from headaches while taking Percodan®. Others may become nauseous or sweat more than usual. Whenever symptoms are bothersome or too uncomfortable to bear, patients should discuss the issue with their doctors. Sometimes, a dosing adjustment may be needed.
Serious side effects are less common, but when they occur, it usually signals the need for immediate medical attention. Difficulty with urination, for example, may be a sign that kidneys are not functioning properly. If a person experiences hallucinations or becomes confused, it may also indicate the need for medical assistance. Similarly, difficulty breathing or coughing up blood is considered an emergency.
It is important for patients to talk to their doctors about any other medications they may be taking in addition to Percodan®. Some prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter remedies, may interact with the medicine and cause serious complications. Sleeping pills or muscle relaxers, for example, can add to the sedative effects of Percodan®. Even blood thinners, diuretic pills, cold medicine and vitamins may adversely affect a patient when taken in combination with narcotic pain pills.
Percodan® is not a recommended form of treatment for some people. An individual who is allergic to oxycodone, for example, should not take this drug. Age may also be a factor when a physician considers prescribing Percodan® for pain relief. For example, children and teenagers are not usually offered medicine that contains aspirin, especially when a fever is present or chicken pox is suspected. The reason is that the aspirin may cause a condition called Reye's syndrome in some children.