How to Take Percocet: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Percocet: proper dosage, side effects, and risks for use as directed by your prescriber.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Percocet
How to Take Percocet
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen and must be taken exactly as prescribed by your clinician.
- Typical adult dose: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dosing is individualized by your prescriber. One common formulation is oxycodone 5 mg with acetaminophen 325 mg, taken every 4–6 hours as needed for pain.
- Maximum daily amount: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, do not exceed the dose and frequency prescribed. The total daily acetaminophen dose from all sources should not exceed 4,000 mg.
- Take with a small snack or meal if it upsets your stomach.
- Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or split them.
- If you miss a dose: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, take it when you remember only if you still need pain relief, but never double up.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Percocet — per FDA-approved prescribing information, alcohol increases CNS depression and places extra strain on the liver.
- Check all other medications (including over-the-counter cold or pain products) to confirm they do not contain additional acetaminophen.
- When stopping: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if you have been taking Percocet regularly, consult your prescriber before stopping. A gradual taper may be recommended.
Warnings Before Taking Percocet
BLACK BOX WARNING (Per FDA-approved prescribing information): Opioids such as oxycodone carry serious risks including addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Respiratory depression — potentially fatal — can occur. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur in newborns of mothers taking opioids during pregnancy. Concomitant use with CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol, others) may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, avoid if you have severe breathing problems or are currently using alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, tell your doctor about liver disease or if you take other acetaminophen-containing products.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, or past substance-use concerns before starting.
Percocet Side Effects
Common
Mild
Nausea and Vomiting
IMPORTANT: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) carries Black Box Warnings for addiction, abuse, misuse, respiratory depression, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and risks from concomitant use with CNS depressants. Use only as prescribed.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, nausea and vomiting are recognized adverse effects of oxycodone/acetaminophen, especially when first starting treatment. Taking it with a small snack may help reduce nausea.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–4 hours
Common
Moderate
Drowsiness
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Percocet may cause CNS depression including drowsiness and reduced alertness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
3–6 hours
Common
Moderate
Constipation
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, opioids commonly slow gastrointestinal motility, leading to harder or less frequent stools. Consult your clinician about management strategies.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
12–48 hours
Common
Mild
Dizziness
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dizziness and lightheadedness are recognized adverse effects, especially when standing up quickly. Moving slowly and staying hydrated may reduce this effect.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Itching
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, a mild, generalized itch can occur due to opioid-related effects. Contact your clinician if itching is severe or accompanied by rash.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–2 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Mood Changes
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, opioids may cause mood and mental status changes. Contact your prescriber if you experience unusual mood effects or signs of dependence.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–4 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Percocet
What If You Forgot to Take Percocet?
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if you miss a dose of Percocet, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is close, simply skip the missed dose.
Do not double up or take extra to make up for it.
If you take Percocet only as needed for pain, take your usual dose when discomfort returns.
If you are unsure or missing doses often, contact your prescriber for guidance.
What If You Took Too Much Percocet
What If You Took Too Much Percocet (Accidentally)?
Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For children or if the person is unconscious or not breathing, call 911 or seek emergency medical care at once.
- Signs of opioid overdose include: respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing), extreme sedation, and pinpoint pupils — these require emergency care immediately.
- Do not take any additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If you feel unusually sleepy, confused, or notice slowed breathing, call 911 right away — do not wait.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Percocet Cost
How Much Does Percocet Cost With Insurance?
With most U.S. insurance plans, out-of-pocket costs for Percocet vary by plan, formulary tier, and whether prior authorization is required. Some plans may require prior authorization for opioid coverage. Contact your insurance plan or pharmacy for your exact copay amount.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy or insurance plan for current pricing.
How Much Does Percocet Cost without Insurance
Cost of Percocet Without Insurance
The price can vary widely based on pharmacy, location, and dosage strength. Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen as its active ingredients; a generic version (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is available. Contact your local pharmacy for current pricing on both generic and brand-name options.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy for current pricing.
Resources:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/acetaminophen-and-codeine-and-oxycodone-information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601008.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxycodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/description/drg-20074000
https://www.drugs.com/percocet.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482245/
