Percocet (Oxycodone + acetaminophen): uses, side effects and safety
Oxycodone (Percocet) is a opioid analgesic combination product. It is a US Schedule II controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is the generic name for Percocet, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic combination product class.
| Generic name | Oxycodone HCl and acetaminophen (tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Percocet |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic combination product |
| US legal status | US Schedule II ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
How does Oxycodone work?
Oxycodone is an opioid agonist; acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic..
Common side effects of Oxycodone
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- drowsiness or sedation
- nausea
- vomiting
- euphoria
- dysphoria
- constipation
- pruritus
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- respiratory depression, apnea, respiratory arrest
- circulatory depression, hypotension, shock
- addiction/abuse/misuse
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- severe liver injury from acetaminophen
- hypersensitivity reactions
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4dd36cf5-8f73-404a-8b1d-3bd53bd90c25.
Can you get Oxycodone without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Oxycodone is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Oxycodone without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Oxycodone used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Oxycodone in the United States?
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule II means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Oxycodone?
The most frequently reported side effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness or sedation, nausea, vomiting, euphoria. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.