5 Psychological Side Effects of Percocet

Percocet is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, landing this medication in a family of drugs known as opioids. They’re commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and work by blocking the pain signals sent to your brain.

Percocet is among the millions of painkiller prescriptions written each year by physicians. Used properly, it poses little danger to patients, especially in the short-term. The most frequent minor side effects of Percocet include constipation, nausea, headache, dizziness and dry mouth.

Danger Ahead: Side Effects of Percocet

Long-term use or abuse of Percocet has many adverse side effects. Among them are serious psychological problems that can include:

• Depression: Researchers found taking opioids for 90 days or more significantly increases your chances of developing major depression. One study reported anyone taking opioids for 90 to 180 days has a 25% increased risk; those taking them more than 180 days were 53% more likely to develop depression. They speculate the depression is due to resetting the brain’s reward system. With long-term use, the painkiller continues to push the threshold for experiencing pleasure until natural rewards no longer trigger the sensation.
• Paranoia: These thoughts and feelings are related to a perceived threat, conspiracy or persecution. Users experience extreme anxiety and fear due to the changes Percocet causes in the brain. Thoughts and emotions are altered until they become negative patterns, resulting in paranoia.
• Confusion: Percocet is a very powerful opioid. Abused or overused, it fogs your mind as it floods your brain’s opiate receptors. As a result, thoughts are unclear and confusion sets in, making it hard to put coherent thoughts together or follow logical processes.
• Insomnia: Long-term use of Percocet makes it hard to sleep. Since getting a good night’s rest is important to your overall well-being, this affects several other aspects of your health. What’s more, a lack of sleep worsens other symptoms like depression and anxiety, resulting in a downward spiral.
• Hallucinations: These vary greatly from person to person. You might see lights, colors or other things that aren’t really there, or you may hear non-existent sounds. It’s also possible to smell things or feel things that aren’t there, such as an itching sensation… like things are crawling on your skin.

It’s Just Not Worth It

Have you experienced any of these symptoms? If you or a loved one struggles with Percocet abuse or chronic use, you’re not alone. As of 2014, nearly 2 million Americans had a substance use disorder involving prescription painkillers.

Help is available. Find resources for Percocet addiction here.

You can also contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) for free at to learn more about opiate treatment options near your location.

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