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Over the last decade, opioid abuse and overdose headlines have dominated the news. In 2010, the number of opioid-related deaths was 21,089, with a significant increase of 68,630 deaths in 2020. 

Within a ten-year differences, opioid-related deaths increased by 44.4%. One of the central opioids people abuse is Fentanyl, but this is not the only opioid many people use. 

Another opioid is Percocet, which can become addictive, just like Fentanyl. Often one may wonder, How long does Percocet stay in your system? In this article, we’ll answer this question and more about Percocet.

What Is Percocet?

Before discussing how long it stays in your system, you must understand Percocet uses. A combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone is in Percocet, an opioid pain reliever.

The main ingredient used for Percocet is oxycodone. It is a drug that helps relieve pain and stress for the user. Combining it with another pain reliever helps ease a person’s pain quicker. 

The two drugs make it more inviting for users to take Percocet even when they’re not feeling pain. Typically the drug is only prescribed for those who suffer chronic pain the most. This includes those with broken bones, post-surgical treatment, or certain health conditions. 

Often doctors try to prescribe non-opioid drugs to their patients before suggesting Percocet. If they prescribe the opioid to their patients, it may only be a short while to help avoid the risk of addiction during recovery.

Are you or someone you know suffering from an opioid addiction? One of the best ways to help is to seek an inpatient drug rehab in Southern California. Come explore how Altitude Recovery can help!

What Are the Side Effects of Percocet?

As you can see, Percocet is a powerful drug, and a person can easily become addicted. This makes it essential to know the side effects as the drug can do intensive damage to the body when abused.

Even those not abusing the drug often experience adverse side effects. Some of the side effects of Percocet include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling, and seizures will need medical attention ASAP. Those who have taken the drug for a long time also risk liver damage. If you’re suffering from other chronic conditions affecting your liver, you must let your doctor know so they can prescribe a different drug.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

Now the answer to what you want to know is, “How long does Percocet stay in your system.” You’ll have to understand a drug’s half-life to discover the answer. A drug’s half-time is how long it takes to leave your system. 

To figure out how long Percocet will stay in your system, we will break down the estimated time of its components. For example, oxycodone is an immediate-release drug, meaning it doesn’t take long to feel its effects after you take it. 

Since its reaction is short, you can expect oxycodone to stay within your system for a small amount of time. Usually, it is estimated to be around four hours.

Acetaminophen provides the same effects as oxycodone and is estimated to stay in your system for about three hours. Depending on a person’s kidney and liver health, Percocet may remain within your system for between six to nineteen hours. 

The timeline may be longer for those with heavy users or a damaged liver. Long-time use makes it harder for a person’s liver to process the drug, allowing the body’s fatty tissues to absorb it. A person’s system will take longer to clear medication if it is absorbed into their fatty tissues.

What Factors Influence Percocets Long-Term Absorption?

Several factors can influence the long-term absorption of Percocet. First, an individual’s metabolism plays a crucial role in processing and absorbing the drug. 

Also, certain medical conditions can affect Perocet absorption. The two common conditions that do this are liver and kidney disease. Other factors include the individual’s age, body weight, and overall health status.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your Urine?

Drug tests often screen Percocet even though a doctor prescribes the medication. This is due to the highly addictive nature of the drug.

It is common for an employer or inpatient drug rehab to use a urine test for the screening. Of course, you’ll wonder, “How long does Percocet stay in your urine.”

Once again, this will depend on the overall health of your kidneys and liver. Percocet can stay within your urine for 48 hours if you’re healthy. However, if you have poorly functioning kidneys and liver, a drug test may still detect Percocet in your urine.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your Blood?

Generally, Percocet is only detectable in your blood for 24 hours. However, more advanced drug tests may still be able to detect the components of oxycodone.

Drug detox programs may make patients wait longer than 24 hours. This is to ensure accurate blood test results.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your Hair Strains?

If you didn’t know this already, you need to remember that drugs often stay in the hair follicles longer. Because of this, some employers or drug detox programs may choose to use a hair drug screening over other options.

Like other drugs, you can expect Percocet to stay in your hair for at least 30 days. Percocet addiction or long-term use is usually the reason for choosing this option. Short-term users of the drug will often get tested via blood or urine drug screening.

What Are Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms?

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Depending on the individual’s level of dependence and duration, they may experience more severe symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms may include 

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Muscle aches and pains
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Dilated pupils

Individuals may also experience psychological symptoms during withdrawal. This includes depression, mood swings, and intense cravings for Percocet.

Seeking medical supervision and professional guidance during Percocet withdrawal is highly recommended. Doing so will ensure safety and increase the chances of a successful recovery.

Do you know someone needing assistance with withdrawal symptoms? It’s often one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, and doing it alone can bring adverse results. Come explore how our detoxification program can help them.

How to Know if a Loved One Is Suffering From a Percocet Addiction?

Recognizing if a loved one suffers from a Percocet addiction requires careful observation and awareness of common signs. Some indicators may include noticeable changes in their behavior. They may have increased secrecy, frequent mood swings, or a sudden decline in personal hygiene. 

Physical symptoms like constricted pupils, drowsiness, and unexplained weight loss or gain may also be present. Financial difficulties or a sudden preoccupation with obtaining or using the medication can be red flags. 

Furthermore, if the individual displays withdrawal symptoms, attempting to stop or reduce Percocet use may indicate addiction. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and concern. Be sure to encourage open communication and seek professional help to support the individual on their path to recovery.

When Should You Suggest a Drug Rehab in California for Your Loved One?

You must consider several factors when evaluating drug rehab for a loved one. Suppose the individual has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit.

Despite experiencing negative consequences due to their addiction, they still continue to use. In this case, it may be time to recommend professional help. 

It may also be time to seek help when they show signs of severe addiction. These signs include escalating doses, using Percocet for non-medical purposes, or engaging in risky behaviors to obtain the drug

In addition, the person should seek rehab if their health is deteriorating or their addiction is affecting their relationships. The ultimate decision should consider the individual’s safety, well-being, and prospects for long-term recovery.

How Altitude Recovery Can Help You or a Loved One?

If you’re searching on the web for the answer to “how long does Percocet stay in your system,” then it’s possible you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction. As the road to recovery from any addiction is long, it’s essential that you don’t go through the journey alone. 

For those looking for drug rehab in Ventura, California, the altitude recovery center may be the answer to your prayers. We have several treatment options such as detoxification, residential inpatient services, and aftercare planning. For those seeking a residential treatment facility in Ventura, contact Altitude Recovery today.