Percodan

Percodan Addiction

What is Percodan?

Percodan is a brand-name combination medicine containing two pain-relieving medications. It contains aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and oxycodone, an opioid also referred to as a narcotic.

The aspirin in Percodan blocks substances in the body that cause inflammation or swelling, which can help lower pain. Like other opioids, oxycodone in Percodan works by binding to opioid receptors in the body and blocking pain signals from being sent to the brain, which reduces the pain a person feels. Percodan use produces feelings of relaxation and happiness, which makes the combination medication addictive.

How Addiction to Percodan Works

Percodan is a schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and addiction, especially if it’s not used as prescribed. Prolonged use of Percodan can cause users to develop a tolerance to its pain-relieving effects. This happens when their bodies adjust to Percodan’s presence in their systems. As a result, they might take higher doses of Percodan to achieve the initial “high,” a sign that their body depends on the drug to function.

Once the effects wear off, Percodan users might experience intense cravings for the drug or get sick, more signs of chemical dependency. Many people might continue taking Percodan to make these symptoms of withdrawal go away, which leaves them at risk for a fatal overdose. However, the presence of oxycodone in Percodan means that Narcan can be administered to reverse an overdose.

If a person develops a Percodan addiction, it’s best to safely clear their body of the drug during medical detox at a rehab center.