How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

Percocet is a combination of the semisynthetic opioid oxycodone and the mild analgesic acetaminophen, the active component of Tylenol.

It’s used to treat moderate to severe pain on a short-term basis, and it is dispensed in tablet form.

The opioid aspect of the drug rapidly produces tolerance. Individuals regularly taking Percocet will need higher and higher doses to produce the same effect. This can lead to addiction and adverse health effects.

The misuse of prescription medications has been on the rise due to increased availability and the belief that these drugs are safer to misuse than illicit intoxicants. However, prescription opioids such as Percocet can be just as addictive as illegal drugs and have the potential for overdose.

This rise in misuse and deaths led governments to restrict prescriptions of Percocet. Tests were developed to detect the presence of the drug in urine, saliva, and hair follicles. These may be used in addiction treatment centers to detect relapse or by certain employers in various occupations.

Percocet Half-Life & Elimination

Percocet has an average elimination half-life of 3.5 hours, meaning this is the amount of time it takes for half a dose of Percocet to leave one’s system.

How Long is Percocet in Your System?

Despite Percocet’s half-life, traces of the drug can remain in the system for much longer. This timing varies dramatically by individual based on factors such as the amount taken, duration of use, and frequency of use, as well as individual physical and mental health factors.

Thus, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine exactly how long Percocet will affect you based on your unique variables.

Addiction to Percocet and other opioids is a serious matter. Opioids can cause long-term damage to the body, and building a high tolerance to the drug puts one at risk for overdose and illness. When taken in excessive amounts, the acetaminophen in Percocet is also damaging to the liver, leading to inflammation, hepatitis, scarring, and permanent damage. To minimize these health risks, addiction treatment services should be sought out as soon as an addiction is suspected.

Withdrawal from Percocet

Anyone addicted to Percocet or any other opioid should consult a medical professional before attempting to quit, as withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and cravings can be intense. Addiction treatment centers can provide medically assisted detox to ensure the patient is as safe and as comfortable as possible.

Percocet withdrawal symptoms include: