Percodan vs Percocet

Percodan and Percocet are both narcotic pain relievers prescribed for patient with moderate to severe acute pain.  Both opiate in nature, these medications provide very similar effects, but offer one main difference; Percodan consists of aspirin and oxycodone, whereas Percocet consists of Tylenol and oxycodone.  Essentially, the medication oxycodone is the same in both, including dosage amount, but these pills can have very different effects on your health when abused.

To the average person, this slight change in chemicals makes no difference, but to the Percodan or Percocet addict, it makes all the difference in the world.  The way that the oxycodone mixes with the Tylenol or aspirin can bring on different effects in the patient.  For example, some would say that taking Percocet can create an energized feeling, and most say that Percodan offers feelings of sedation and relaxation.  This is all due to the small difference in their chemical composition.

Warnings for Users

There are many warnings associated with these medications, although some warnings only apply to Percodan or Percocet, not both.  One example of a warning that only applies to one of these medications is the Reyes syndrome warning on Percodan.  It basically states that kids and teens with a fever, the flu or chicken pox should not use Percodan because they could develop a condition called Reyes syndrome.  Although it is possible to develop this syndrome when taking Percodan, is not associated with the use of Percocet.

There is also one warning on Percocet that do not apply to Percodan.  This implication is related to the acetaminophen (Tylenol) that is present in Percocet but not in Percodan.  Taking too much Percocet can cause serious health problems, including liver damage.  Just as Reyes syndrome is not associated with Percocet, liver damage due to overuse is not associated with Percodan.

Both Percodan and Percocet contain a warning for their habit-forming nature, as they both are comprised of the same dosage of oxycodone.  These products warn that oxycodone is a strong opiate medication that can cause the user to form a physical or psychological dependence towards it in as little as three weeks’ time.  Percodan and Percocet are considered to be so addictive partly, because the patient grows tolerant of the medications.  This leads to the patient needing to take more and more to get the same effect as they used to.

This tolerance creates a snowball effect and the patient begins to take the medication in greater amounts and more often than what is intended for normal use.  This misuse and overuse of the medication, above and beyond what has been directed by their doctor, will only get worse if they do not seek help.  This ever-increasing tolerance to the medication can lead to physical and/or psychological addiction or even, in some cases overdose and death.